Role map creation system

Abstract

A roll map creation system for a series of roll-to-roll processes in which electrodes unwound from an unwinder are moved and wound up by a rewinder, and the process is repeated sequentially, the system includes a roll map creation device that creates a roll map for each process, which is defined as a coordinate plane having two coordinate axes, the longitudinal axis and the width axis of the electrode, and can display the position of the electrode in each process as the coordinate values ​​of the above coordinate plane, and the roll map creation device matches the actual electrode represented by the roll map of the final process in the series of roll-to-roll processes with the actual electrode represented by the roll map of each process prior to the final process. As described above, a roll map creation system is provided which includes a roll map matching unit that matches the coordinate values ​​of the roll map of each of the above processes with the coordinate values ​​of the roll map of the final process, wherein the roll map matching unit is configured to reverse the widthwise coordinates of the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process and match them with the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process when the vertical direction in which the rewinder of the preceding first roll-to-roll process winds up the electrode and the vertical direction in which the unwinder of the second roll-to-roll process that follows the first roll-to-roll process unwinds the electrode are the same.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a roll map creation system, and more specifically, to a roll map creation system that ensures traceability of data related to electrodes, enables accurate analysis, and shortens working time.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0103722 filed on August 8, 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 technological development and increasing demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries has also been rapidly increasing. Among them, lithium secondary batteries are widely used as an energy source for various mobile devices as well as various electronic products because of their high energy density, operating voltage, excellent storage, and lifespan characteristics.

[0004] The electrode manufacturing process for manufacturing electrodes of lithium secondary batteries includes a coating process of applying an active material and a predetermined insulating material on the surface of a metal electrode plate as a current collector to form a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a roll press process of rolling the coated electrode, a slitting process of cutting the rolled electrode according to dimensions, and a notching process of forming tabs on the electrode.

[0005] When tabs are formed in the notching process, after a separator is interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode to form an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly is stacked or folded and packaged in a pouch, can, etc., and the form of a secondary battery is created through an assembly process of injecting an electrolytic solution. Thereafter, the assembled secondary battery is charged and discharged, and through an activation process of imparting battery characteristics, it becomes a final finished secondary battery.

[0006] Such a process can be carried out through a series of roll-to-roll steps. However, because the electrode's beginning, end, and / or surface are reversed and its length changes, the coordinates of the roll maps created for each step may not coincide. Therefore, even if a roll map is created for each unit step, it may be difficult to track the cause of problems compared to the roll map of the final surviving electrode. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The technical problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a roll map creation system that ensures the traceability of electrode-related data and enables accurate analysis and reduced working time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above technical objectives, the present invention provides a roll map creation system for a series of roll-to-roll processes in which electrodes unwound from an unwinder are moved and wound up by a rewinder, and includes a roll map creation device that creates a roll map for each process, which is defined as a coordinate plane having two coordinate axes, the longitudinal axis and the width axis of the electrode, and can display the position of the electrode in each process as coordinate values ​​on the coordinate plane, and the roll map creation device represents the actual electrode represented by the roll map of the final process in the series of roll-to-roll processes and each actual electrode represented by the roll map of each process prior to the final process The roll map creation system is provided, which includes a roll map matching unit that matches the coordinate values ​​of the roll map of each of the above processes with the coordinate values ​​of the roll map of the final process so that the electrodes are matched, wherein the roll map matching unit is configured to invert the widthwise coordinates of the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process and match it with the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process when the vertical direction in which the rewinder of the preceding first roll-to-roll process winds up the electrodes and the vertical direction in which the unwinder of the second roll-to-roll process that follows the first roll-to-roll process unwinds the electrodes are the same.

[0009] In some embodiments, the map matching unit can be configured to match the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process with the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process while maintaining the widthwise coordinates of the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process when the vertical direction in which the rewinder of the preceding first roll-to-roll process winds up the electrode and the vertical direction in which the unwinder of the second roll-to-roll process that follows the first roll-to-roll process unwinds the electrode are different from each other.

[0010] In some embodiments, the roll map creation system may further include a storage device capable of storing lot information, including the winding direction of the electrodes.

[0011] In some embodiments, the electrode includes two or more lanes arranged in the width direction, and the roll map matching unit can be configured to match the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process with the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process after reversing the order of the lanes of the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process in the width direction, when the vertical direction in which the rewinder of the first roll-to-roll process winds up the electrode and the vertical direction in which the unwinder of the second roll-to-roll process unwinds the electrode are the same.

[0012] In some embodiments, the electrode includes two or more lanes arranged in the width direction, and the roll map matching unit can be configured to match the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process with the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process while maintaining the order of the lanes of the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process in the width direction, when the vertical direction in which the rewinder of the first roll-to-roll process winds up the electrode and the vertical direction in which the unwinder of the second roll-to-roll process unwinds the electrode are opposite to each other.

[0013] In some embodiments, the electrode includes two or more lanes arranged in the width direction, and the roll map matching unit can be configured to match the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process with the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process by reversing the arrangement order and width direction coordinates of the lanes in the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process when the rewinder of the first roll-to-roll process winds the electrode upwards and the unwinder of the second roll-to-roll process unwinds the electrode upwards.

[0014] In some embodiments, the electrode includes two or more lanes arranged in the width direction, and the roll map matching unit can be configured to match the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process with the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process when the rewinder of the first roll-to-roll process winds the electrode from the top and the unwinder of the second roll-to-roll process unwinds the electrode from the bottom, maintaining the arrangement order and width direction coordinates of the lanes of the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process, and inverting the top and back surfaces of the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process, thereby matching the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process with the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process.

[0015] In some embodiments, the electrode includes two or more lanes arranged in the width direction, and the roll map matching unit can be configured to match the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process with the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process when the rewinder of the first roll-to-roll process winds the electrode downwards and the unwinder of the second roll-to-roll process unwinds the electrode upwards, maintaining the arrangement order and width direction coordinates of the lanes of the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process, and inverting the upper and lower surfaces of the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process, thereby matching the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process with the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process.

[0016] In some embodiments, the electrode includes two or more lanes arranged in the width direction, and the roll map matching unit can be configured to match the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process with the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process by reversing the arrangement order and width direction coordinates of the lanes in the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process when the rewinder of the first roll-to-roll process winds the electrode downwards and the unwinder of the second roll-to-roll process unwinds the electrode downwards.

[0017] In some embodiments, the roll map matching unit can be configured to match the starting point of the roll map in the first roll-to-roll process with the ending point of the roll map in the second roll-to-roll process.

[0018] In some embodiments, the roll map matching unit can be configured to match the end point of the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process with the start point of the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention provides a roll map creation system for a series of roll-to-roll processes in which an electrode unwound from an unwinder is processed and then wound up by a rewinder, and the roll map creation device creates a roll map for each process, which is defined as a coordinate plane having two coordinate axes, the longitudinal axis and the width axis of the electrode, and can display the position of the electrode in each process as coordinate values ​​on the coordinate plane, wherein the roll map creation device is configured to create a first roll map for a relatively preceding first roll-to-roll process and a second roll map for a relatively succeeding second roll-to-roll process, wherein the roll map creation device includes information on the winding aspect of the first roll-to-roll process and the unwinding aspect of the second roll-to-roll process, and the roll map creation device is configured to additionally create an overlay roll map which integrates the first roll map and the second roll map using the information on the winding aspect of the first roll-to-roll process and the unwinding aspect of the second roll-to-roll process.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second roll-to-roll process can be performed immediately after the first roll-to-roll process.

[0021] In some embodiments, the roll map creation apparatus can be configured such that, if the winding pattern of the first roll-to-roll process and the unwinding pattern of the second roll-to-roll process are the same, the upper surface of the first roll map is matched with the upper surface of the second roll map, and the arrangement order and coordinates in the width direction of the lanes of the second roll map are reversed with respect to the direction of electrode travel to match the lanes of the first roll map.

[0022] In some embodiments, when the winding mode of the first roll-to-roll process is different from the unwinding mode of the second roll-to-roll process, the upper surface of the first roll map is matched with the back surface of the second roll map, and the first roll map is configured to be matched with the lanes of the first roll map without changing the arrangement order and the coordinates in the width direction of the lanes of the second roll map based on the traveling direction of the electrodes.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] The roll map creation system of the present invention has the effect of accurately matching roll maps created in a series of roll-to-roll processes to ensure the traceability of data related to electrodes, enabling accurate analysis and shortening of working hours.

[0024] The effects 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, 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

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a conceptual perspective view schematically showing the state of an electrode passing 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 conceptual diagram showing the relationship between two consecutive roll-to-roll processes according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a schematic conceptual diagram showing a specific roll-to-roll process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]This is a conceptual diagram showing the aspect of how the first electrode roll in the first roll-to-roll process is mounted on the second unwinder in the second roll-to-roll process. [Figure 6] This is a conceptual diagram showing how the second electrode roll from the first roll-to-roll process is mounted on the second unwinder in the second roll-to-roll process. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram of a role map creation system related to one embodiment of a certain invention. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram conceptually illustrating the rules for matching the first role map and the second role map described above with each other. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 referred to as the second component, and conversely, the second component may be referred to as the first component.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] (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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Figure 2 conceptually shows a roll map created in the electrode manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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, the start and end of the electrode and the surface can 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 coordinate values ​​of the roll maps for each process may differ to reflect these reversals and changes in length.

[0041] In the final stage of the electrode manufacturing process, only the remaining electrodes (survivable electrodes) after removing the electrode portions from the previous stage remain. Since batteries are manufactured using these survivable electrodes, if a problem occurs with a finished 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 caused 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.

[0042] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between two consecutive roll-to-roll processes P1 and P2 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Referring to Figure 3, the preceding process, the first roll-to-roll process P1, is followed by the subsequent process, the second roll-to-roll process P2.

[0044] The electrodes unwound from the first unwinder UW1 in the first roll-to-roll process P1 are wound again by the first rewinder RW1 after undergoing predetermined processing. The electrodes wound by the first rewinder RW1 are provided to the second rewinder RW2 for the second roll-to-roll process P2. Subsequently, the electrodes unwound from the second unwinder UW2 in the second roll-to-roll process P2 are wound again by the second rewinder RW2 after undergoing predetermined processing.

[0045] Incidentally, Figure 3 shows the electrodes being wound upwards by the first rewinder RW1, but downward winding is possible in the actual process. Furthermore, Figure 3 shows the electrodes being unwound upwards by the second unwinder UW2, but downward winding is possible in the actual process.

[0046] In such specific processes, the winding and unwinding directions may not be constant, depending on the needs of the preceding and succeeding processes.

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic conceptual diagram showing a specific roll-to-roll process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Referring to Figure 4, electrode E can have two or more lanes. Here, electrode E is shown to include four lanes L1, L2, L3, and L4, but a typical technician can understand that electrode E can include two, three, or five or more lanes.

[0049] The electrode E may include an active material layer on either the top side or the back side, or both. The electrode E includes a starting point S, which is the point where processing for the roll-to-roll process begins, and an ending point T, which is the point where processing for the roll-to-roll process is completed. After processing in the roll-to-roll process, the electrode E is wound into a roll, but in some embodiments, the electrode E to be processed can be wound using an upper winding method, where the electrode E is wound above the central axis of the first rewinder 1113. The roll wound using the upper winding method will be referred to below as the first electrode roll R1.

[0050] In another embodiment, the electrode E to be processed can be wound in a lower winding manner, where the electrode E is located below the central axis of the first rewinder 1113. The roll wound in the lower winding manner will be referred to below as the second electrode roll R2.

[0051] In the case of the first electrode roll R1, the upper surface of electrode E forms the outer surface of the first electrode roll R1, and in the case of the second electrode roll R2, the back surface of electrode E forms the outer surface of the second electrode roll R2.

[0052] As described above, the electrode E can be represented as a roll map on a coordinate plane. Each position on the roll map of electrode E is represented by the coordinates in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction in Figure 4) and the width direction (y-axis direction in Figure 4) of the electrode. That is, a roll map is defined on a coordinate plane having two coordinate axes, the longitudinal axis (x-axis in Figure 4) and the width direction axis (y-axis in Figure 4) 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 above coordinates, and allows for easy visual understanding of quality and defect data in the electrode manufacturing process at a glance.

[0053] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the aspect of how the first electrode roll R1, which has been wound up from the top in the first roll-to-roll process P1, is mounted on the second unwinder 2111 in the second roll-to-roll process P2. Referring to Figure 5, the first electrode roll R1 is wound up from the top in the first rewinder 1113 and then provided to the second unwinder 2111 in the subsequent second roll-to-roll process P2.

[0054] [Top winding - Top unwinding case (T11)] When the first electrode roll R1 is mounted on the second unwinder 2111, the electrode E to be processed is positioned above the central axis of the second unwinder 2111, and the electrode E can be unwound using an upper unwinding method (T11).

[0055] In this case, the upper surface of the first electrode roll R1 in the first roll-to-roll process P1 can maintain its upper surface in the second roll-to-roll process P2. However, the lane order and width direction (i.e., y-axis direction) coordinates of the first electrode roll R1 in the second roll-to-roll process P2 are reversed compared to the first roll-to-roll process P1. That is, in the first roll-to-roll process P1, the lanes are arranged from left to right as L1, L2, L3, L4 with respect to the direction of travel of the electrode E. On the other hand, in the second roll-to-roll process P2, the lanes are arranged from right to left as L1, L2, L3, L4 with respect to the direction of travel of the electrode E.

[0056] Furthermore, in the first roll map created in the first roll-to-roll process P1, the electrode E can be assigned a y-coordinate axis value with its left end as the origin in the width direction (y-axis direction) relative to its own direction of travel. For example, a specific position A on the electrode E can have the position (x1, y1) on the first roll map created in the first roll-to-roll process P1.

[0057] In the second roll map created in the second roll-to-roll process P2, the electrode E can be assigned a y-coordinate axis value with its left end as the origin in the width direction (y-axis direction) relative to its own direction of travel. For example, the specific position A on the electrode E can have the position (x2, y2) on the second roll map created in the second roll-to-roll process P2.

[0058] The y-coordinate value y2 of the specific position A on the second roll map is a value assigned in the second roll-to-roll process P2 with the left end as the origin, based on the direction of travel of electrode E. Incidentally, the origin in the width direction of the first roll map created in the first roll-to-roll process P1 corresponds to the right end, based on the direction of travel of electrode E in the second roll-to-roll process P2, and the distance between the right end and the specific position A is y1. Therefore, when the y-coordinate value y2 of the specific position A on the second roll map and the y-coordinate value y1 of the specific position A on the first roll map are added together, they equal the total width of electrode E. In other words, the y-coordinate value y2 of the specific position A on the second roll map is the total width of electrode E minus the y-coordinate value y1 of the specific position A on the first roll map. In this respect, the width coordinates of the specific position A on the first roll map and the width coordinates of the specific position A on the second roll map are inverted.

[0059] In the following, if the widthwise coordinate of a specific position on the electrode in the first roll map is the same as the value obtained by subtracting the widthwise coordinate of the same position in the second roll map from the width of the electrode, then we say that the widthwise coordinate in the first roll map and the widthwise coordinate in the second roll map are inverted.

[0060] [Top winding - bottom winding (T12)] When the first electrode roll R1 is mounted on the second unwinder 2111, the electrode E to be processed is positioned below the central axis of the second unwinder 2111, and the electrode E can be unwound in a bottom unwinding manner (T12).

[0061] In this case, the top surface of the first electrode roll R1 in the first roll-to-roll process P1 becomes the back surface in the second roll-to-roll process P2. However, the lane order and width direction (i.e., y-axis direction) coordinates of the first electrode roll R1 in the second roll-to-roll process P2 are the same as in the first roll-to-roll process P1. That is, in the first roll-to-roll process P1 and the second roll-to-roll process P2, the lanes are arranged from left to right as L1, L2, L3, L4 with respect to the direction of travel of the electrode E.

[0062] Furthermore, in the first roll map created in the first roll-to-roll process P1, the electrode E can be assigned a y-coordinate axis value with its left end as the origin in the width direction (y-axis direction) relative to its own direction of travel. For example, a specific position A on the electrode E can have the position (x1, y1) on the first roll map created in the first roll-to-roll process P1.

[0063] In the second roll map created in the second roll-to-roll process P2, the electrode E can be assigned a y-coordinate value with its left end as the origin in the width direction (y-axis direction) relative to its own direction of travel. For example, the specific position A on the electrode E can have the position (x3, y3) on the second roll map created in the second roll-to-roll process P2.

[0064] The y-coordinate value y3 of the specific position A on the second roll map is a value assigned in the second roll-to-roll process P2 with the left end as the origin, relative to the direction of travel of electrode E. Incidentally, the origin in the width direction of the first roll map created in the first roll-to-roll process P1 also corresponds to the left end relative to the direction of travel of electrode E in the second roll-to-roll process P2, and y3 and y1 are substantially the same value. In other words, the width direction coordinate of the specific position A on the first roll map and the width direction coordinate of the specific position A on the second roll map are the same. To put it another way, the width direction coordinate of the specific position A on the first roll map is maintained on the second roll map as well.

[0065] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram showing how the second electrode roll R2, which has been wound up at the bottom in the first roll-to-roll process P1, is mounted on the second unwinder 2111 in the second roll-to-roll process P2. Referring to Figure 6, the second electrode roll R2 is wound up at the bottom in the first rewinder 1113 and then provided to the second unwinder 2111 in the subsequent second roll-to-roll process P2.

[0066] [Bottom winding - Top winding out case (T21)] When the second electrode roll R2 is mounted on the second unwinder 2111, the electrode E to be processed can be unwound in an upper unwinding manner, where the electrode E is unwound while positioned above the central axis of the second unwinder 2111 (T21).

[0067] In this case, the upper surface of the second electrode roll R2 in the first roll-to-roll process P1 becomes the back surface in the second roll-to-roll process P2. However, the lane order and width direction (i.e., y-axis direction) coordinates of the second electrode roll R2 in the second roll-to-roll process P2 are the same as in the first roll-to-roll process P1. That is, in the first roll-to-roll process P1 and the second roll-to-roll process P2, the lanes are arranged from left to right as L1, L2, L3, L4 with respect to the direction of travel of the electrode E.

[0068] Furthermore, in the first roll map created in the first roll-to-roll process P1, the electrode E can be assigned a y-coordinate axis value with its left end as the origin in the width direction (y-axis direction) relative to its own direction of travel. For example, a specific position A on the electrode E can have the position (x1, y1) on the first roll map created in the first roll-to-roll process P1.

[0069] In the second roll map created in the second roll-to-roll process P2, the electrode E can be assigned a y-coordinate axis value with its left end as the origin in the width direction (y-axis direction) relative to its own direction of travel. For example, the specific position A on the electrode E can have the position (x2, y2) on the second roll map created in the second roll-to-roll process P2.

[0070] The y-coordinate value y2 of the specific position A on the second roll map is a value assigned in the second roll-to-roll process P2 with the left edge as the origin, relative to the direction of travel of electrode E. Incidentally, the origin in the width direction of the first roll map created in the first roll-to-roll process P1 also corresponds to the left edge relative to the direction of travel of electrode E in the second roll-to-roll process P2, and y2 and y1 are substantially the same value. In other words, the width direction coordinate of the specific position A on the first roll map and the width direction coordinate of the specific position A on the second roll map are the same. To put it another way, the width direction coordinate of the specific position A on the first roll map is maintained on the second roll map as well.

[0071] [When winding from the bottom - winding out from the bottom (T22)] When the second electrode roll R2 is mounted on the second unwinder 2111, the electrode E to be processed is positioned below the central axis of the second unwinder 2111, and the electrode E can be unwound in a bottom unwinding manner (T22).

[0072] In this case, the upper surface of the second electrode roll R2 in the first roll-to-roll process P1 can maintain its upper surface in the second roll-to-roll process P2. However, the lane order and width direction (i.e., y-axis direction) coordinates of the second electrode roll R2 in the second roll-to-roll process P2 are reversed compared to the first roll-to-roll process P1. That is, in the first roll-to-roll process P1, the lanes are arranged from left to right as L1, L2, L3, L4 with respect to the direction of travel of the electrode E. On the other hand, in the second roll-to-roll process P2, the lanes are arranged from right to left as L1, L2, L3, L4 with respect to the direction of travel of the electrode E.

[0073] Furthermore, in the first roll map created in the first roll-to-roll process P1, the electrode E can be assigned a y-coordinate axis value with its left end as the origin in the width direction (y-axis direction) relative to its own direction of travel. For example, a specific position A on the electrode E can have the position (x1, y1) on the first roll map created in the first roll-to-roll process P1.

[0074] In the second roll map created in the second roll-to-roll process P2, the electrode E can be assigned a y-coordinate value with its left end as the origin in the width direction (y-axis direction) relative to its own direction of travel. For example, the specific position A on the electrode E can have the position (x3, y3) on the second roll map created in the second roll-to-roll process P2.

[0075] The y-coordinate value y3 of the specific position A on the second roll map is a value assigned in the second roll-to-roll process P2 with the left end as the origin, based on the direction of travel of electrode E. Incidentally, the origin in the width direction of the first roll map created in the first roll-to-roll process P1 corresponds to the right end, based on the direction of travel of electrode E in the second roll-to-roll process P2, and the distance between the right end and the specific position A is y1. Therefore, when the y-coordinate value y3 of the specific position A on the second roll map and the y-coordinate value y1 of the specific position A on the first roll map are added together, they equal the total width of electrode E. In other words, the y-coordinate value y3 of the specific position A on the second roll map is the total width of electrode E minus the y-coordinate value y1 of the specific position A on the first roll map. In this respect, the width direction coordinates of the specific position A on the first roll map and the width direction coordinates of the specific position A on the second roll map are inverse of each other.

[0076] As explained above, the top and back surfaces of the electrodes can be reversed depending on the direction in which the electrode rolls are wound in the preceding roll-to-roll process and the direction in which the electrode rolls are unwound in the subsequent roll-to-roll process. Furthermore, the order in which the electrode lanes are arranged in the width direction and their coordinates in the width direction may also change. Therefore, the roll map created in the preceding roll-to-roll process and the roll map created in the subsequent roll-to-roll process need to be matched with each other, taking these changes into consideration.

[0077] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing a role map creation system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Referring to Figure 7, the roll map creation system 1 includes a first roll-to-roll device 110 and a second roll-to-roll device 210. The first roll-to-roll process P1 (see Figure 3) performed by the first roll-to-roll device 110 can be performed in succession with the second roll-to-roll process P2 (see Figure 3) performed by the second roll-to-roll device 210. In particular, the first roll-to-roll process P1 can be performed prior to the second roll-to-roll process P2.

[0079] The first roll-to-roll device 110 may include a first unwinder 1111, a first rewinder 1113, a first rotary encoder 1121, a second rotary encoder 1125, a first measuring instrument 1130, and a first process programmable logic controller (PLC) 1143.

[0080] The first unwinder 1111 is provided with an electrode roll to be processed in the first roll-to-roll process P1, and the first unwinder 1111 can be configured to unwind the electrode roll. The first rewinder 1113 can be configured to wind up the electrode E1 that has been unwound and processed from the first unwinder 1111. As described above, the electrode roll wound up by the first rewinder 1113 may be wound up using an upper winding method or a lower winding method.

[0081] The first rotary encoder 1121 may be configured to sense the extent to which the electrode E1 has been unwound by the first 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 E1 has been unwound by the first 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 E1 has been unwound and to transmit it to a first roll map PLC 1171, which will be described in detail later. The first roll map PLC 1171 may be configured to collect unwind amount data based on the received unwind amount signal UWAS.

[0082] The second rotary encoder 1125 may be configured to sense the extent to which the electrode E1 has been wound by the first 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 electrode E1 has been wound by the first rewinder 1113. This may cause the second rotary encoder 1125 to generate a winding amount signal WAS that represents the length to which the electrode E1 has been wound and to be transmitted to a first roll map PLC 1171, which will be described in detail later. The first roll map PLC 1171 may be configured to collect winding amount data based on the received winding amount signal WAS.

[0083] The first 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 first unwinder 1111 to the first rewinder 1113. The first measuring instrument 1130 may measure the electrode E1 in a scanning manner. In some embodiments, the first measuring instrument 1130 may move along the width direction of the electrode E1. In some embodiments, during a single scan of the first measuring instrument 1130, the first 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 first measuring instrument 1130 is performing the widthwise scanning, the electrode E1 may be moved longitudinally by the first unwinder 1111 and the first rewinder 1113.

[0084] The above measurement data MD may include inspection results expressed numerically. In some embodiments, the measurement data MD may further include data on the loading amount of 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 back surface of the electrode. Here, the loading amount represents the amount of coating material loaded per unit area of ​​the 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.

[0085] The first measuring instrument 1130 may include a first sensing unit 1131 and a first processing unit 1133. The first sensing unit 1131 may be configured to sense a physical quantity of electrode E1 to generate a measurement signal MS. For example, the first 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 first 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 first 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 first 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.

[0086] The first roll-to-roll device 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 of 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] The first processing unit 1133 described above can be configured to collect the measurement signal MS sensed by the first sensing unit 1131 in order to generate measurement data MD. The first processing unit 1133 can be connected to the first sensing unit 1131 by wire or wireless connection.

[0089] The first roll-to-roll PLC 1171 may be in operative communication with the first rotary encoder 1121, the second rotary encoder 1125, the first 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 first 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 first roll-to-roll device 110, or to generate signals for collecting data.

[0090] The first roll map PLC 1171 can be configured to transmit coordinate data CD to the first processing unit 1133. The first 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 measurement data MD, manipulating measurement data MD (e.g., generating coordinate-related measurement data CMD), and transmitting measurement data MD.

[0091] As a non-restrictive example, the trigger point for processing the measurement data MD could be the completion of scanning. For example, the first sensing unit 1131 can scan the electrode E1 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 could be the completion of multiple scans, or the completion of a portion of a scan.

[0092] The first processing unit 1133 can be configured to transmit coordinate-related measurement data CMD to the first roll map PLC 1171. The first roll map PLC 1171 can be configured to transmit coordinate-related measurement data CMD to the first process PLC 1143.

[0093] The coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) transmitted to the first process PLC 1143 can be transmitted to the first server 150 via the first process PLC 1143 and the first equipment interface (EIF) 145. The first process PLC 1143 and the first EIF 145 can relay data communication, including the measurement data (CMD), between the first server 150 and the first roll map PLC 1171. However, the first roll map PLC 1171 can also be configured to transmit the coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) directly to the first server 150.

[0094] The first step PLC 1143 can be configured to control the operation of the first unwinder 1111 and the first rewinder 1113. The first step PLC 1143 can also be configured to generate signals for the operation and interruption of the first unwinder 1111 and the first rewinder 1113.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first roll map PLC1171 and the first process PLC1143 may each be part of a single PLC, which is a first PLC1140.

[0096] For controlling the first roll-to-roll process, a communication line can be installed between the first process PLC 1143 and the first server 150 via the first EIF 145. This allows for data transmission via the first process PLC 1143 to save resources required for installing the 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 first 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 first roll map PLC 1171 directly transmits the measurement data CMD to the first server 150.

[0097] The first EIF145 may be a device for communication between the first process PLC1143 of the manufacturing equipment and the first server150, which is a higher-level server.

[0098] In some embodiments, the first server 150 may include a first roll map creation unit configured to generate a first roll map. The first roll map may be a projection of process data of the electrode E1 on a plane that replicates the electrode E1 moving between the first unwinder 1111 and the first rewinder 1113. In this case, the first server 150 can function as a roll map creation device.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first roll map PLC 1171 may include a first roll map creation unit configured to generate the first roll map. In this case, the first 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 first roll map. However, the first roll map PLC 1171 may also be configured to create the first roll map in the same way as the configuration related to the first server 150 creating the first roll map.

[0100] The first roll map described above can be generated in lot units formed by winding and cutting the electrode E1. The first 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 winding direction of the electrode roll, the unwinding direction of the electrode roll, the width of the electrode, and the material and composition used for processing the electrode.

[0101] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first server 150 may be a data processing system that supports various activities necessary to manage 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 the first roll-to-roll process described above.

[0102] The first server 150 can generate a visualization command VC for visualizing the first role map. The first server 150 can transmit the visualization command VC to the display device 160, which can visualize the first role map and display the visualized first role map.

[0103] In some embodiments, the first 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 first eIoT 170. The first eIoT 170 may be a device for communication between the first processing unit 1133 and the second server 180.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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 the associated 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.

[0106] The first processing unit 1133, the first roll map PLC 1171, the first process PLC 1143, the first EIF 145, the first server 150, the first eIoT 170, the second server 180, and the third server 190 can be embodied in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the first processing unit 1133, the first roll map PLC 1171, the first process PLC 1143, the first EIF 145, the first server 150, the first eIoT 170, the second server 180, and the third server 190 may include computing devices such as workstation computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, and tablet computers. The first processing unit 1133, the first roll-map PLC 1171, the first process PLC 1143, the first EIF 145, the first server 150, the first eIoT 170, the second server 180, and the third server 190 may include any one of the following: a simple controller, a microprocessor, a complex processor such as a CPU or GPU, a processor composed of software, dedicated hardware, and firmware. The first processing unit 1133, the first roll-map PLC 1171, the first process PLC 1143, the first EIF 145, the first server 150, the first eIoT 170, the second server 180, and the third server 190 can be embodied, 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).

[0107] The first server 150 and the second server 180 can generate a first roll map and an intermediate roll map. Since the first server 150 stores and processes a lot of general manufacturing control data other than the first roll map, the first roll 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 first roll map in response to a command from the first server 150.

[0108] An intermediate roll map may further include measurement data MD related to the first roll map. That is, in addition to the first roll map, an intermediate roll map may further include measurement data MD, which is the original data. The measurement data MD can be associated with the first 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] The first roll-to-roll device 110 described above can embody a plug-in architecture with an API for data acquisition to provide plug-and-play connectivity for the first measuring instrument 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.

[0112] The data network between the elements of the first roll-to-roll device 110 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 a dedicated conduit communication such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE 802 (Ethernet), IEEE 1394 (FireWire), or other high-speed data communication standards.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first roll-to-roll device 110 may further include a manual input system that allows an operator to input manufacturing data. The first roll-to-roll device 110 may allow operator data input using an input tool and computer-based input of manufacturing data, such as Excel file scraping.

[0114] According to some embodiments, the operation of the first processing unit 1133, the first roll map PLC 1171, the first process PLC 1143, the first EIF 145, the first server 150, the first eIoT 170, the second server 180, and the 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.

[0115] The first processing unit 1133, the first roll map PLC 1171, the first process PLC 1143, the first EIF 145, the first server 150, the first eIoT 170, the second server 180, and the third server 190 can consist of firmware, software, routines, and instructions for performing the operations described above or any of the processes described below. For example, the first processing unit 1133, the first roll map PLC 1171, the first process PLC 1143, the first EIF 145, the first server 150, the first eIoT 170, the second server 180, and the third server 190 can be instantiated in memory.

[0116] The first processing unit 1133 can be embodied 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.

[0117] The first 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.

[0118] The first step PLC 1143 can be embodied by software configured to generate control signals for controlling the first unwinder 1111 and the first rewinder 1113 based on the product ID and product recipe, and to receive and transmit coordinate data CD and coordinate-related measurement data CMD.

[0119] The first EIF 145 can be embodied by software for relaying data and information transmission between the first process PLC 1143 and the first server 150. More specifically, the first EIF 145 can be embodied by software configured to perform flow control, error control, synchronization, sequence control, addressing, multiplexing, routing, and format conversion of communication between the first process PLC 1143 and the first server 150.

[0120] The first server 150 can be embodied by software configured to transmit product ID and product recipe to the first process PLC 1143 and generate a first roll map based on coordinate-related measurement data CMD.

[0121] The first 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] However, this is for illustrative purposes only, and the operation of the aforementioned first processing unit 1133, first roll map PLC 1171, first process PLC 1143, first EIF 145, first server 150, first eIoT 170, second server 180, and third server 190 can also be triggered by other devices that execute computing devices, distributed computing devices, processors, firmware, software, routines, and instructions, etc.

[0125] The second roll-to-roll device 210 may include a second unwinder 2111, a second rewinder 2113, a third rotary encoder 2121, a fourth rotary encoder 2125, a second measuring instrument 2130, and a second process programmable logic controller (PLC) 2143.

[0126] The second unwinder 2111 is provided with an electrode roll to be processed in the second roll-to-roll process P2, and the second unwinder 2111 can be configured to unwind the electrode roll. The second rewinder 2113 can be configured to wind up the electrode E2 that has been unwound and processed from the second unwinder 2111. As described above, the electrode roll unwound from the second unwinder 2111 may be unwound using an upper unwinding method or a lower unwinding method.

[0127] The third rotary encoder 2121 may be configured to sense the extent to which the electrode E2 has been unwound by the second unwinder 2111. The third rotary encoder 2121 may be configured to be contact-type or non-contact-type. In some embodiments, the third rotary encoder 2121 may be configured to sense the length to which the electrode E2 has been unwound by the second unwinder 2111. This may cause the third rotary encoder 2121 to generate an unwind amount signal UWAS that represents the length to which the electrode E2 has been unwound and to transmit it to a second roll map PLC 2171, which will be described in detail later. The second roll map PLC 2171 may be configured to collect unwind amount data based on the received unwind amount signal UWAS.

[0128] The fourth rotary encoder 2125 may be configured to sense the extent to which the electrode E2 has been wound by the second rewinder 2113. The fourth rotary encoder 2125 may be configured to be contact-type or non-contact-type. In some embodiments, the fourth rotary encoder 2125 may be configured to sense the length to which the electrode E2 has been wound by the second rewinder 2113. This allows the fourth rotary encoder 2125 to generate a winding amount signal WAS that represents the length to which the electrode E2 has been wound and to transmit it to a second roll map PLC 2171, which will be described in detail later. The second roll map PLC 2171 may be configured to collect winding amount data based on the received winding amount signal WAS.

[0129] The second measuring instrument 2130 may be configured to measure the electrode E2 in order to collect measurement data MD of the electrode E2 as it is transferred from the second unwinder 2111 to the second rewinder 2113. The second measuring instrument 2130 may measure the electrode E2 in a scanning manner. In some embodiments, the second measuring instrument 2130 may move along the width direction of the electrode E2. In some embodiments, during a single scan of the second measuring instrument 2130, the second measuring instrument 2130 may move from one end of the electrode E2 in the width direction to the other end in the width direction. While the second measuring instrument 2130 is performing the widthwise scanning, the electrode E2 may be moved longitudinally by the second unwinder 2111 and the second rewinder 2113.

[0130] The above measurement data MD may include inspection results expressed numerically. In some embodiments, the measurement data MD may further include data on the loading amount of 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 back surface of the electrode. Here, the loading amount represents the amount of coating material loaded per unit area of ​​the electrode E2 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.

[0131] The second measuring instrument 2130 may include a second sensing unit 2131 and a second processing unit 2133. The second sensing unit 2131 may be configured to sense a physical quantity of electrode E2 to generate a measurement signal MS. For example, the second sensing unit 2131 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 second sensing unit 2131 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 second sensing unit 2131 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 second measuring instrument 2130 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.

[0132] The second roll-to-roll device 210 described above may further include an inspector configured to inspect the electrode E2 in order to collect inspection data. The inspection data may include quality judgments and process events related to parts of the electrode E2. 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 of 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 location 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 location 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] The second processing unit 2133 can be configured to collect the measurement signal MS sensed by the second sensing unit 2131 in order to generate measurement data MD. The second processing unit 2133 can be connected to the second sensing unit 2131 by wire or wireless connection.

[0135] The second roll-to-roll PLC 2171 may be in operative communication with the third rotary encoder 2121, the fourth rotary encoder 2125, the second measuring instrument 2130, 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 third rotary encoder 2121, the fourth rotary encoder 2125, the second measuring instrument 2130, additional measuring instruments, and additional testers may be configured to collect data from equipment, workpieces, semi-finished products, and finished products within the second roll-to-roll device 210, or to generate signals for collecting data.

[0136] The second roll map PLC 2171 can be configured to transmit coordinate data CD to the second processing unit 2133. The second processing unit 2133 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 measurement data MD, manipulating measurement data MD (e.g., generating coordinate-related measurement data CMD), and transmitting measurement data MD.

[0137] As a non-restrictive example, the trigger point for processing the measurement data MD could be the completion of scanning. For example, the second sensing unit 2131 can scan the electrode E2 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 could be the completion of multiple scans, or the completion of a portion of a scan.

[0138] The second processing unit 2133 can be configured to transmit coordinate-related measurement data CMD to the second roll map PLC 2171. The second roll map PLC 2171 can be configured to transmit coordinate-related measurement data CMD to the second process PLC 2143.

[0139] The coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) transmitted to the second-stage PLC 2143 can be transmitted to the first server 150 via the second-stage PLC 2143 and the second equipment interface (EIF) 245. The second-stage PLC 2143 and the second EIF 245 can relay data communication, including the measurement data (CMD), between the first server 150 and the second roll map PLC 2171. However, the second roll map PLC 2171 can also be configured to transmit the coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) directly to the first server 150.

[0140] The second step PLC 2143 can be configured to control the operation of the second unwinder 2111 and the second rewinder 2113. The second step PLC 2143 can also be configured to generate signals for the operation and interruption of the second unwinder 2111 and the second rewinder 2113.

[0141] In some embodiments, the second roll map PLC2171 and the second process PLC2143 may each be part of a second PLC2140, which is a single PLC.

[0142] For controlling the second roll-to-roll process, a communication line can be installed between the second process PLC2143 and the first server 150 via the second EIF245. This allows for data transmission via the second process PLC2143 to save resources required for communication line installation and streamline data processing and management compared to the case where the third rotary encoder 2121, the fourth rotary encoder 2125, and the second measuring instrument 2130 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 second roll map PLC2171 directly transmits the measurement data CMD to the first server 150.

[0143] The second EIF245 may be a device for communication between the second process PLC2143 of the manufacturing equipment and the first server 150, which is a higher-level server.

[0144] In some embodiments, the first server 150 may include a second 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 E2 on a plane that replicates the electrode E2 moving between the second unwinder 2111 and the second rewinder 2113. In this case, the first server 150 can function as a roll map creation device.

[0145] In some embodiments, the second roll map PLC 2171 may include a second roll map creation unit configured to generate the second roll map. In this case, the second roll map PLC 2171 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 second roll map PLC 2171 may also be configured to create the second roll map in the same way as the configuration related to the first server 150 creating the second roll map.

[0146] The above-mentioned second roll map can be generated in lot units formed by winding and cutting the electrode E2. The above-mentioned 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 winding direction of the electrode roll, the unwinding direction of the electrode roll, the width of the electrode, and the material and composition used for processing the electrode.

[0147] The first server 150 could be, for example, an MES (Manufacturing Execution System) and could be configured to input, process, output, and communicate data necessary for the second roll-to-roll process.

[0148] 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.

[0149] In some embodiments, the second processing unit 2133 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 second eIoT 270. The second eIoT 270 may be a device for communication between the second processing unit 2133 and the second server 180.

[0150] 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 an 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.

[0151] The second processing unit 2133, the second roll map PLC 2171, the second process PLC 2143, the second EIF 245, the first server 150, the second eIoT 270, the second server 180, and the third server 190 can be embodied in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the second processing unit 2133, the second roll map PLC 2171, the second process PLC 2143, the second EIF 245, the first server 150, the second eIoT 270, the second server 180, and the third server 190 may include computing devices such as workstation computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, and tablet computers. The second processing unit 2133, second roll-map PLC 2171, second process PLC 2143, second EIF 245, first server 150, second eIoT 270, second server 180, and third server 190 may include any one of the following: a simple controller, a microprocessor, a complex processor such as a CPU or GPU, a processor composed of software, dedicated hardware, and firmware. The second processing unit 2133, second roll-map PLC 2171, second process PLC 2143, second EIF 245, first server 150, second eIoT 270, second server 180, and third server 190 can be embodied, 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).

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] The second roll-to-roll device 210 described above can embody a plug-in architecture with an API for data acquisition to provide plug-and-play connectivity for the second measuring instrument 2130, 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.

[0155] The data network between the elements of the second roll-to-roll device 210 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 a dedicated conduit communication such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE 802 (Ethernet), IEEE 1394 (FireWire), or other high-speed data communication standards.

[0156] In some embodiments, the second roll-to-roll device 210 may further include a manual input system that allows an operator to input manufacturing data. The second roll-to-roll device 210 may allow operator data input using an input tool and computer-based input of manufacturing data, such as Excel file scraping.

[0157] According to some embodiments, the operation of the second processing unit 2133, the second roll map PLC 2171, the second process PLC 2143, the second EIF 245, the first server 150, the second eIoT 270, the second server 180, and the 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.

[0158] The second processing unit 2133, the second roll map PLC 2171, the second process PLC 2143, the second EIF 245, the first server 150, the second eIoT 270, the second server 180, and the third server 190 may consist of firmware, software, routines, and instructions for performing the operations described above or any of the processes described below. For example, the second processing unit 2133, the second roll map PLC 2171, the second process PLC 2143, the second EIF 245, the first server 150, the second eIoT 270, the second server 180, and the third server 190 may be instantiated in memory.

[0159] The second processing unit 2133 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.

[0160] The second roll map PLC2171 can be embodied, for example, 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.

[0161] The second step PLC2143 can be embodied by software configured to generate control signals for controlling the second unwinder 2111 and the second rewinder 2113 based on the product ID and product recipe, and to receive and transmit coordinate data CD and coordinate-related measurement data CMD.

[0162] The second EIF245 can be embodied by software for relaying data and information transmission between the second process PLC2143 and the first server150. More specifically, the second EIF245 can be embodied by software configured to perform flow control, error control, synchronization, sequence control, addressing, multiplexing, routing, and format conversion of communication between the second process PLC2143 and the first server150.

[0163] The first server 150 can be embodied by software configured to transmit product ID and product recipe to the second process PLC 2143 and generate a second roll map based on coordinate-related measurement data CMD.

[0164] The second eIoT270 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.

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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.

[0167] However, this is for illustrative purposes only, and the operation of the second processing unit 2133, second roll map PLC 2171, second process PLC 2143, second EIF 245, first server 150, second eIoT 270, second server 180, and third server 190 described above can also be triggered by other devices that execute computing devices, distributed computing devices, processors, firmware, software, routines, and instructions, etc.

[0168] For a single electrode roll, the first roll map created in the first roll-to-roll process and the second roll map created in the second roll-to-roll process must be matched with each other. In other words, only by matching the corresponding positions in the first roll map and the second roll map created for a single electrode roll can it be possible to track how a specific position on the electrode roll changes in a series of processes.

[0169] As mentioned above, the generation directions of the first roll map and the second roll map differ depending on how a single electrode roll is wound up by the rewinder in the preceding process and how it is unwound by the unwinder in the following process. Therefore, in order to find the position on the second roll map that corresponds to a specific position on the first roll map, it is necessary to convert the lane number and top / back according to a predetermined rule.

[0170] Here, the "aspect" of winding or unwinding refers to whether the electrodes are located above or below the central axis of the winding rewinder or unwinder. Specifically, if the electrodes are located above the central axis of the winding rewinder, the winding aspect is called upper winding. Conversely, if the electrodes are located below the central axis of the winding rewinder, the winding aspect is called lower winding.

[0171] When the electrodes are positioned above the central axis of the unwinder from which they are unwound, the unwinding process is called upper unwinding. Conversely, when the electrodes are positioned below the central axis of the unwinder from which they are unwound, the unwinding process is called lower unwinding.

[0172] The first server 150 described above includes a roll map matching unit 155. The roll map matching unit 155 can match the physical electrodes represented by the roll map of the final step (e.g., the second roll-to-roll step P2) in a series of roll-to-roll steps (e.g., the first roll-to-roll step P1 and the second roll-to-roll step P2 that follows it) with the physical electrodes represented by the roll maps of each step preceding the final step (e.g., the first roll-to-roll step P1).

[0173] In other words, the roll map matching unit 155 can be configured to match the first roll map M1 and the second roll map M2 with each other.

[0174] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram conceptually illustrating the rules for matching the first role map M1 and the second role map M2 with each other.

[0175] Referring to Figure 8, the relationship between the first roll map M1 created in the first roll-to-roll process P1 and the second roll map M2 created in the second roll-to-roll process P2 is shown for a specific electrode roll.

[0176] T11 represents the case where electrode E is wound up from the top in the first roll-to-roll process P1 and unwound from the top in the second roll-to-roll process P2. As shown in the figure, the top and back surfaces of electrode E remain unchanged in the first roll map M1 and the second roll map M2, while the order of lanes L1, L2, L3, and L4 is reversed. Furthermore, for a specific position on electrode E, the width coordinate (y-direction) in the second roll map M2 corresponds to the width coordinate (y-direction) in the first roll map M1, but inverted from each other.

[0177] T12 represents the case where electrode E is wound up from the top in the first roll-to-roll process P1 and unwound from the bottom in the second roll-to-roll process P2. As shown in the figure, the order of lanes L1, L2, L3, and L4 remains unchanged in the first roll map M1 and the second roll map M2, but the top and back surfaces of electrode E are reversed. Also, for a specific position on electrode E, the width coordinate (y direction) in the second roll map M2 is substantially the same as the width coordinate (y direction) in the first roll map M1.

[0178] T21 represents the case where electrode E is wound at the bottom in the first roll-to-roll process P1 and unwound at the top in the second roll-to-roll process P2. As shown in the figure, the order of lanes L1, L2, L3, and L4 remains unchanged in the first roll map M1 and the second roll map M2, but the top and back surfaces of electrode E are reversed. Also, for a specific position on electrode E, the width coordinate (y direction) in the second roll map M2 is substantially the same as the width coordinate (y direction) in the first roll map M1.

[0179] T22 represents the case where electrode E is wound up at the bottom in the first roll-to-roll process P1 and unwound at the bottom in the second roll-to-roll process P2. As shown in the figure, the top and back surfaces of electrode E remain unchanged in the first roll map M1 and the second roll map M2, while the order of lanes L1, L2, L3, and L4 is reversed. Also, for a specific position on electrode E, the width direction (y direction) coordinate in the second roll map M2 corresponds to the width direction (y direction) coordinate in the first roll map M1, but inverted.

[0180] As shown in Figure 8, if the winding direction in the first roll-to-roll process P1 and the unwinding direction in the second roll-to-roll process P2 are the same (i.e., upper winding and upper unwinding, or lower winding and lower unwinding), the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode are maintained, but the order of the lanes is reversed with respect to the direction of electrode movement (T11, T22). Also, the width direction (y-direction) coordinate of a specific point on the electrode on the first roll map M1 corresponds to the width direction (y-direction) coordinate on the second roll map M2, but inverted from each other.

[0181] Furthermore, if the winding direction in the first roll-to-roll process P1 and the unwinding direction in the second roll-to-roll process P2 are different (i.e., upper winding and lower unwinding, or lower winding and upper unwinding), the order of the lanes is maintained with respect to the direction of electrode movement, but the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode are reversed (T12, T21). Also, the widthwise (y-direction) coordinate of a specific point on the electrode on the first roll map M1 is substantially the same as the widthwise (y-direction) coordinate on the second roll map M2.

[0182] In Figure 8, the white surface is the top surface in the first roll-to-roll process, and the gray surface is the back surface in the first roll-to-roll process.

[0183] In either case, the starting point S1 of the first roll map M1 corresponds to the ending point T2 of the second roll map M2, and the ending point T1 of the first roll map M1 corresponds to the starting point S2 of the second roll map M2. This is because the subsequent process begins from the last portion of the electrode roll that was wound in the preceding process.

[0184] (Second Embodiment) In some embodiments, the winding pattern of a relatively preceding first roll-to-roll process and the unwinding pattern of a relatively subsequent second roll-to-roll process can be stored in any one of the first server 150, second server 180, and third server 190. In some embodiments, the winding pattern of the first roll-to-roll process and the unwinding pattern of the second roll-to-roll process can be stored in the first server 150, which is an MES. In some embodiments, the first server 150 may further include a storage device capable of storing lot information, including the winding direction and unwinding direction of the electrode rolls. In some embodiments, the storage device may be provided within the roll map matching unit 155.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first server 150 can be configured to read the winding pattern of the first roll-to-roll process P1 and the unwinding pattern of the second roll-to-roll process P2 stored in the first server 150 in order to match the first roll map M1 and the second roll map M2. After reading the winding pattern of the first roll-to-roll process P1 and the unwinding pattern of the second roll-to-roll process P2, the first server 150 can match the corresponding positions according to the rules shown in Figure 8.

[0186] In other words, if the winding pattern of the first roll-to-roll process P1 and the unwinding pattern of the second roll-to-roll process P2 are upper winding and upper unwinding, respectively (i.e., case T11), then in the first roll map M1 and the second roll map M2, the top surfaces are matched with each other, and the back surfaces are matched with each other, while the lane order and width coordinates are reversed for matching. At this time, the start and end points of the first roll map M1 are matched with the end and start points of the second roll map M2, respectively.

[0187] If the winding pattern of the first roll-to-roll process P1 and the unwinding pattern of the second roll-to-roll process P2 are bottom winding and bottom unwinding, respectively (i.e., case T22), then in the first roll map M1 and the second roll map M2, the top surfaces are matched with each other, and the back surfaces are matched with each other, while the lane order and width coordinates are reversed for matching. At this time, the start and end points of the first roll map M1 are matched with the end and start points of the second roll map M2, respectively.

[0188] If the winding pattern of the first roll-to-roll process P1 and the unwinding pattern of the second roll-to-roll process P2 are upper winding and lower unwinding, respectively (i.e., case T12), then the upper surface of the first roll map M1 is matched with the back surface of the second roll map M2, the back surface of the first roll map M1 is matched with the upper surface of the second roll map M2, and the lane order and widthwise coordinates are the same. In this case, the start and end points of the first roll map M1 are matched with the end and start points of the second roll map M2, respectively.

[0189] If the winding pattern of the first roll-to-roll process P1 and the unwinding pattern of the second roll-to-roll process P2 are lower winding and upper unwinding, respectively (i.e., case T21), then the upper surface of the first roll map M1 is matched with the back surface of the second roll map M2, the back surface of the first roll map M1 is matched with the upper surface of the second roll map M2, and the lane order and widthwise coordinates are the same. In this case, the start and end points of the first roll map M1 are matched with the end and start points of the second roll map M2, respectively.

[0190] When the order of the lanes is reversed between the first roll map M1 and the second roll map M2, the lanes that were arranged from left to right with respect to the direction in which the electrodes move in the first roll-to-roll process will be positioned from right to left with respect to the direction in which the electrodes move in the second roll-to-roll process, thereby allowing the first roll map M1 and the second roll map M2 to be matched.

[0191] The longitudinal coordinates of the first roll map M1 can be correlated with the longitudinal coordinates of the second roll map M2 in order to match the start and end points of the first roll map M1 with the end and start points of the second roll map M2, respectively. In some embodiments, the longitudinal coordinates of the first roll map M1 and the second roll map M2 can be matched with each other using a reference point shown in the uncoated portion 1b (see Figure 1).

[0192] As described above, if the winding direction of the rewinder in the first roll-to-roll process P1 and the unwinding direction of the unwinder in the second roll-to-roll process P2 are the same (see T11 and T22), the first roll map M1 and the second roll map M2 can be matched in such a way that the top surfaces are matched with each other, the back surfaces with each other, and the lane order and width coordinates are reversed.

[0193] If the winding direction of the rewinder in the first roll-to-roll process P1 and the unwinding direction of the unwinder in the second roll-to-roll process P2 are different (see T12 and T21), the top surface of the first roll map M1 can be matched with the back surface of the second roll map M2, the back surface of the first roll map M1 can be matched with the top surface of the second roll map M2, and the lane order and widthwise coordinates can be the same.

[0194] In some embodiments, the first server 150 can be configured to match the first role map M1 and the second role map M2 and then display the matched information on the display device 160. In some embodiments, the first server 150 can be configured to match the first role map M1 and the second role map M2 to additionally create a single integrated overlay role map. In some embodiments, the first server 150 can be configured to match the first role map M1 and the second role map M2 and then display the single integrated role map on the display device 160.

[0195] In some embodiments, the first roll map M1 and the second roll map M2 may also include all information regarding the removed portion. During the first roll-to-roll process P1 and the second roll-to-roll process P2, the electrode may be partially removed due to defects or other reasons, and the removed portion of the electrode may be shown in both the first roll map M1 and the second roll map M2. The portion that remains as an effective part without being removed through the roll-to-roll process is called the surviving electrode portion, and the first roll map M1 and the second roll map M2 may include not only the surviving electrode portion but also the removed portion.

[0196] Therefore, the removed portion of the first roll map M1 also exists as a removed portion in the corresponding portion of the second roll map M2. Furthermore, the surviving electrode portion of the second roll map M2 exists as a surviving electrode portion in the corresponding portion of the first roll map M1. In some embodiments, the surviving electrode portion of the first roll map M1 can be partially removed in the second roll-to-roll process P2, thereby existing as a removed portion in the corresponding portion of the second roll map M2.

[0197] 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]

[0198] 110: First Roll-to-Roll Device 145: 1st EIF 170: 1st eIoT 1111: First Unwinder 1113: First Rewinder 1121: First rotary encoder 1125: Second rotary encoder 1130: First measuring instrument 1131: First Sensing Department 1133: First Processing Unit 1140: 1st PLC 1143: 1st process PLC 1171: 1st Roll Map PLC 210: Second Roll-to-Roll Device 245:2nd EIF 270: Second eIoT 2111: Second Unwinder 2113: Second Rewinder 2121: Third rotary encoder 2125: 4th rotary encoder 2130: Second measuring instrument 2131: Second Sensing Department 2133: Second Processing Unit 2140: 2nd PLC 2143: 2nd process PLC 2171: Second Role Map PLC

Claims

1. A roll map creation system in a series of roll-to-roll processes in which electrodes unwound from an unwinder move and are wound up by a rewinder, and this process is repeated sequentially, In a roll map creation system including a roll map creation device that creates a roll map for each process, which is defined as a coordinate plane having two coordinate axes, the longitudinal axis and the width axis of the electrode, and which displays the position of the electrode in each process as coordinate values ​​on the coordinate plane, The roll map creation apparatus includes a roll map matching unit that matches the coordinate values ​​of the roll maps for each process with the coordinate values ​​of the roll map for the final process, so that the actual electrodes represented by the roll map of the final process in a series of roll-to-roll processes are matched with the actual electrodes represented by the roll maps of each process prior to the final process. The roll map matching unit is configured to reverse the widthwise coordinates of the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process and match it with the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process when the vertical direction in which the rewinder of the preceding first roll-to-roll process winds up the electrode and the vertical direction in which the unwinder of the unwinder of the electrode of the second roll-to-roll process that follows the first roll-to-roll process are the same.

2. The roll map creation system according to claim 1, wherein the roll map matching unit is configured to match the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process with the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process while maintaining the widthwise coordinates of the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process when the vertical direction in which the rewinder of the preceding first roll-to-roll process winds up the electrode and the vertical direction in which the unwinder of the second roll-to-roll process unwinds the electrode are different from each other.

3. The roll map creation system according to claim 2, further comprising a storage device for storing lot information including the winding direction of the electrodes.

4. The electrode includes two or more lanes arranged in the width direction, The roll map creation system according to claim 3, wherein the roll map matching unit is configured to match the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process with the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process after reversing the order of the lanes of the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process in the width direction when the vertical direction in which the rewinder of the first roll-to-roll process winds up the electrode and the vertical direction in which the unwinder of the second roll-to-roll process unwinds the electrode are the same.

5. The electrode includes two or more lanes arranged in the width direction, The roll map creation system according to claim 3, wherein the roll map matching unit is configured to match the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process with the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process while maintaining the order of the lanes of the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process in the width direction when the vertical direction in which the rewinder of the first roll-to-roll process winds up the electrode and the vertical direction in which the unwinder of the second roll-to-roll process unwinds the electrode are opposite to each other.

6. The electrode includes two or more lanes arranged in the width direction, The roll map creation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the roll map matching unit is configured to match the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process with the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process when the rewinder of the first roll-to-roll process winds the electrodes up and the unwinder of the second roll-to-roll process unwinds the electrodes up, by reversing the lane arrangement order and widthwise coordinates of the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process.

7. The electrode includes two or more lanes arranged in the width direction, The roll map creation system according to claim 1, wherein the roll map matching unit is configured to match the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process with the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process when the rewinder of the first roll-to-roll process winds the electrodes up and the unwinder of the second roll-to-roll process unwinds the electrodes down, maintaining the lane arrangement order and widthwise coordinates of the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process, and inverting the top and back surfaces of the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process, thereby matching the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process with the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process.

8. The electrode includes two or more lanes arranged in the width direction, The roll map creation system according to claim 1, wherein the roll map matching unit is configured to match the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process with the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process when the rewinder of the first roll-to-roll process winds the electrodes downward and the unwinder of the second roll-to-roll process unwinds the electrodes upward, maintaining the lane arrangement order and widthwise coordinates of the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process, and inverting the upper and lower surfaces of the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process, thereby matching the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process with the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process.

9. The electrode includes two or more lanes arranged in the width direction, The roll map creation system according to claim 1, wherein the roll map matching unit is configured to match the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process with the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process when the rewinder of the first roll-to-roll process winds the electrodes downward and the unwinder of the second roll-to-roll process unwinds the electrodes downward, by reversing the lane arrangement order and widthwise coordinates of the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process.

10. The roll map creation system according to claim 1, wherein the roll map matching unit is configured to match the starting point of the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process with the ending point of the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process.

11. The roll map creation system according to claim 10, wherein the roll map matching unit is configured to make the end point of the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process correspond to the start point of the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process.

12. A roll map creation system for a series of roll-to-roll processes in which electrodes unwound from an unwinder are processed and then wound up by a rewinder, and this process is repeated sequentially, In a roll map creation system including a roll map creation device that creates a roll map for each process, which is defined as a coordinate plane having two coordinate axes, the longitudinal axis and the width axis of the electrode, and which displays the position of the electrode in each process as coordinate values ​​on the coordinate plane, The roll map creation device is configured to create a first roll map for a relatively preceding first roll-to-roll process and a second roll map for a relatively subsequent second roll-to-roll process. The roll map creation device includes information on the winding process in the first roll-to-roll process and the unwinding process in the second roll-to-roll process. The roll map creation device is configured to additionally create an overlay roll map by integrating the first roll map and the second roll map using information on the winding process of the first roll-to-roll process and the unwinding process of the second roll-to-roll process, and is a roll map creation system.

13. The roll map creation system according to claim 12, wherein the second roll-to-roll process is performed immediately after the first roll-to-roll process.

14. The roll map creation device is configured such that, when the winding pattern of the first roll-to-roll process and the unwinding pattern of the second roll-to-roll process are the same, the upper surface of the first roll map is matched with the upper surface of the second roll map, and the arrangement order and widthwise coordinates of the lanes of the second roll map are reversed with respect to the direction of electrode travel to match them with the lanes of the first roll map, as described in claim 13.

15. The roll map creation device is configured such that, when the winding pattern of the first roll-to-roll process and the unwinding pattern of the second roll-to-roll process are different from each other, the upper surface of the first roll map is matched with the back surface of the second roll map, and the lanes of the second roll map are matched with the lanes of the first roll map without changing the arrangement order and coordinates in the width direction of the lanes of the second roll map with respect to the direction of electrode travel. This is the roll map creation system according to claim 13 or 14.

16. In a series of roll-to-roll processes in which electrodes unwound from an unwinder are moved and wound up by a rewinder, the process is repeated sequentially, The process includes the step of creating a roll map that is defined as a coordinate plane having two coordinate axes, the longitudinal axis and the width axis, of an electrode including two or more lanes, and which displays the position of the electrode in each process as coordinate values ​​on the coordinate plane, The step of creating the aforementioned role map is: A method for creating a roll map, which includes the step of reversing the widthwise coordinates of the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process and matching it with the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process when the vertical direction in which the rewinder of the preceding first roll-to-roll process winds up the electrode and the vertical direction in which the unwinder of the unwinder of the second roll-to-roll process that follows the first roll-to-roll process unwinds the electrode are the same.

17. The step of creating the aforementioned role map is: A method for creating a roll map according to claim 16, comprising the step of matching the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process with the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process while maintaining the widthwise coordinates of the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process when the vertical direction in which the rewinder of the first roll-to-roll process winds up the electrode and the vertical direction in which the unwinder of the second roll-to-roll process unwinds the electrode are different from each other.

18. The step of creating the aforementioned role map is: A method for creating a roll map according to claim 16 or 17, comprising the step of matching the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process with the roll map of the second roll-to-roll process, after reversing the order of the lanes of the roll map of the first roll-to-roll process in the width direction, when the vertical direction in which the rewinder of the first roll-to-roll process winds up the electrode and the vertical direction in which the unwinder of the second roll-to-roll process unwinds the electrode are the same.

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