Battery manufacturing method and battery manufacturing system

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a battery is provided. The above manufacturing method includes the step of generating pattern indicator data indicating multiple positions on a pattern electrode sheet in which coated portions and uncoated portions are repeatedly arranged, and coated portions and uncoated portions adjacent to the coated portions constitute a single pattern. One of the multiple positions may be the position of an uncoated portion adjacent to at least one coated portion on the pattern electrode sheet. The method includes the steps of generating measurement data and / or inspection data for the pattern electrode sheet, associating the generated measurement data and / or inspection data with the pattern indicator data, and generating monitoring data for battery manufacturing based on the associated pattern indicator data, measurement data, and / or inspection data.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery manufacturing method and a battery manufacturing system.

[0002] The present application incorporates all contents disclosed in Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0010828 filed on January 24, 2024, U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 607,003 filed on March 15, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0005010 filed on January 13, 2025 as a part of the present specification. [[Background Art]]

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various cordless devices such as handsets, notebook computers, and cordless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, due to improvements in energy density and economies of scale, the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has been dramatically reduced, and as the cruising range of battery electric vehicles (BEV) has increased to a level comparable to that of fuel vehicles, the main applications of secondary batteries have shifted from mobile devices to mobility.

[0004] A secondary battery is manufactured through an electrode process, an assembly process, and an activation process. Among these, the electrode process is the most core process for determining the yield and performance of battery cells. The electrode process may include a coating process, a roll pressing process, and a slitting process. In the coating process, an active material and an insulating material can be applied onto the surface of a current collector. In the roll pressing process, the electrode can be pressed by pressure rolls. The roll pressing process can determine the density, performance, and surface quality of the electrode. In the slitting process, the electrode can be cut into a plurality of electrodes according to the design of the battery cell. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Korean Published Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0134303 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a battery manufacturing method and a battery manufacturing system that improve quality traceability and data integrity in a battery manufacturing process using patterned electrodes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An exemplary battery manufacturing method of the present invention for solving the above problems is: The method may include the steps of: generating pattern indicator data indicating multiple positions on a pattern electrode sheet in which coated and uncoated portions are repeatedly arranged and the coated portions and uncoated portions adjacent to the coated portions constitute a single pattern; generating measurement data and / or inspection data for the pattern electrode sheet; associating the pattern indicator data with the generated measurement data and / or inspection data; and generating monitoring data for battery manufacturing based on the associated measurement data and / or inspection data and pattern indicator data. One of the multiple positions may be the position of at least one coated portion and an adjacent uncoated portion on the pattern electrode sheet.

[0008] One or more non-temporary processor-readable media can be provided to store executable instructions that cause the one or more processors to perform the above method when executed by one or more processors.

[0009] The pattern indicator data may include a pattern indicator and a time value matched to the pattern indicator; the measurement data and / or inspection data may include a measured value and / or inspection value and a time value matched to the measured value and / or inspection value; and the pattern indicator and the measured value and / or inspection value can be associated with each other in correspondence to the same time value.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the pattern indicator data may include a pattern indicator, and the method may include the step of matching the pattern indicator to a plurality of positions on the pattern electrode sheet, where one pattern indicator is obtained by counting one position, and the count can be increased or decreased according to the pattern indicator.

[0011] The above method may further include a step of comparing the set pattern pitch with the length of each pattern to identify patterns with abnormal pitches.

[0012] The length of the pattern can be derived by multiplying the difference between the boundary detection time point at the beginning of the coated portion included in the pattern and the boundary detection time point at the end of the uncoated portion by the moving speed of the pattern electrode sheet.

[0013] The length of the coated portion can be derived by multiplying the difference between the point at which the boundary line at the beginning of the coated portion is detected and the point at which the boundary line at the end of the coated portion is detected by the moving speed of the pattern electrode sheet.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment, the method may further include the step of acquiring coordinate data including coordinate values ​​indicating the position on the pattern electrode sheet. The above coordinate values ​​can be associated with at least one of the following: i) The above pattern indicator ii) The above measured values ​​and / or test values iii) The pattern indicator described above, and the time values ​​matched to the measured and / or tested values ​​described above.

[0015] By comparing the set pattern pitch with the above coordinate data, a sub-pattern indicator can be obtained.

[0016] The above method may further include a step of identifying patterns with abnormal pitches by comparing the set pattern pitch with the length of each pattern, and the length of each pattern may be determined based on the difference in coordinate values ​​between the start end of the coated portion and the end end of the uncoated portion of each pattern.

[0017] The above method may further include the step of deriving the length of the coated portion of each pattern based on the difference in coordinate values ​​between the start and end points of the coated portion of each pattern.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment, when there is an uncoated section between adjacent patterns on the pattern electrode sheet that is not included in the pattern, a number of pattern indicators corresponding to the uncoated section can be provided to the uncoated section, calculated by dividing the length of the uncoated section by a set pattern pitch.

[0019] The above monitoring data is The above pattern indicator data may include measurement data and / or inspection data associated with the above pattern indicator, and a roll map may also include the above coordinate data selectively further included.

[0020] Another aspect of this disclosure is the battery manufacturing system, A first position measuring instrument configured to generate pattern indicator data indicating a plurality of positions on a patterned electrode sheet in which coated portions and uncoated portions are repeatedly arranged, and one coated portion and one uncoated portion adjacent to said coated portion constitute one pattern; a measuring instrument and / or an inspection instrument configured to collect measurement data and / or inspection data for said patterned electrode sheet; a server configured to generate monitoring data for battery manufacturing based on said pattern indicator data, and measurement data and / or inspection data associated with said pattern indicator; one position among said plurality of positions may be a position of at least one coated portion and an adjacent uncoated portion in said patterned electrode sheet.

[0021] Said system further comprises one or more processors, said first position measuring instrument is configured to generate pattern indicator data including pattern indicators and time values matched to said pattern indicators, said measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument is configured to generate measured values and / or inspection values, and time values matched to said measured values and / or inspection values, said one or more processors may be configured to associate said pattern indicators with said measured values and / or inspection values with each other in correspondence with the same time value.

[0022] said first position measuring instrument is configured to generate pattern indicator data including pattern indicators matched to a plurality of positions on said patterned electrode sheet, one pattern indicator is generated by counting one position, and said count can be increased or decreased in accordance with said pattern indicator.

[0023] The first position measuring instrument described above can be configured to identify patterns with abnormal pitches by comparing the set pattern pitch with the length of each pattern.

[0024] The battery manufacturing system described above may further include a controller configured to control the movement of a pattern electrode sheet between an unwinder and a rewinder. The association between the pattern indicator and the measurement data and / or inspection data may be performed by the measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument, or by the controller.

[0025] The above system may further include a second position measuring instrument configured to generate coordinate data including coordinate values ​​indicating the position of the pattern electrode sheet. The above coordinate values ​​can be associated with at least one of the following: i) The above pattern indicator ii) Measured values ​​and / or test values ​​included in the above measurement data and / or test data iii) The pattern indicator described above, and the time values ​​matched to the measured and / or tested values ​​described above.

[0026] The server described above can be configured to generate a roll map that includes the pattern indicator data, measurement data and / or inspection data associated with the pattern indicator, and selectively further includes the coordinate data.

[0027] The above roll map contains information about patterns with abnormal pitches that differ from the set pattern pitch, The information may include at least one piece of information relating to an uncoated section located between adjacent patterns on the pattern electrode sheet and not included in the pattern.

[0028] The information regarding the uncoated section may be information regarding pattern indicators assigned to the uncoated section for a number of patterns obtained by dividing the length of the uncoated section by the set pattern pitch.

[0029] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an electrode having an uncoated portion adjacent to at least one coated portion, which is indicated by one pattern indicator among a plurality of positional pattern indicator data, in a roll map stored in memory, A battery can be provided that includes a case in which the above electrodes are built.

[0030] The roll map described above shows a pattern electrode sheet in which coated and uncoated portions are repeatedly arranged, the roll map provides measurement data and / or inspection data for the coated portions on the pattern electrode sheet, and the pattern indicator can indicate the position of an uncoated portion adjacent to at least one coated portion in the roll map corresponding to the electrode.

[0031] The above case may include a cell ID that identifies the pattern indicator in order to retrieve measurement data and / or inspection data for at least one coating portion on the electrode sheet corresponding to the pattern indicator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to the present invention, monitoring data for battery manufacturing can be generated using data that reflects the pattern indicator of the pattern electrode.

[0033] Therefore, the battery manufacturing process can be monitored to match the condition of the actual pattern electrodes, improving quality traceability and data integrity.

[0034] The present invention also allows for the acquisition of coordinate data in addition to pattern indicator data. Therefore, monitoring data including both pattern indicators and coordinate values ​​can be generated, further improving the accuracy of the monitoring data.

[0035] The effects obtained from exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects associated with carrying out exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can also be derived by a person of ordinary skill in the art from exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] An exemplary embodiment of a battery manufacturing system is shown. [Figure 2] A visualized roll map and patterned electrodes are shown. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating a battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] This shows a roll map of a pattern electrode sheet with loading amount measurement data arranged over time. [Figure 5] An exemplary embodiment of a battery manufacturing system is shown. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating a battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] This shows a roll map of a pattern electrode sheet with pattern indicators and sub-pattern indicators displayed. [Figure 8] An exemplary embodiment of a battery manufacturing system is shown. [Figure 9] This is a pattern electrode sheet with pattern electrodes formed on its top and bottom surfaces, displaying pattern indicator data and coordinate data. [Figure 10] This is a roll map that displays pattern indicator data and coordinate data for coated and uncoated sections. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. As a premise, terms and words used herein and in the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their general or dictionary meanings, but rather in a manner consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their own invention.

[0038] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention; thus, there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of filing.

[0039] Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0040] The embodiments of the present invention are provided to give a more complete explanation to those skilled in the art; therefore, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically for the sake of clarity. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes and proportions.

[0041] Figure 1 shows a battery manufacturing system 10 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0042] Referring to Figure 1, the battery manufacturing system 10 may include a coating device 11, a roll pressing device 12, a slitting device 13, a winding device 14, an intermediary server (Event integration facility (EIF)) 1010, a server 180, and a display device 190.

[0043] The battery manufacturing system 10 can be configured to manufacture battery cells (e.g., cylindrical battery cells, prismatic battery cells, or pouch cells) by performing a series of roll-to-roll processes. Electrode sheets unwinded from the input electrode rolls can be processed by one of the die coater of the coating apparatus 11, the pressure roll of the roll pressing apparatus 12, and the slitting knife of the slitting apparatus 13, and the processed electrode sheets can be wound onto the electrode rolls. Thus, the processing of the coating apparatus 11, the roll pressing apparatus 12, and the slitting apparatus 13 for producing battery electrodes can be called a roll-to-roll process. The winding apparatus 14 can wind together a first electrode sheet (e.g., a negative electrode sheet) unwinded from a first electrode roll (e.g., a negative electrode roll), a second electrode sheet (e.g., a positive electrode sheet) unwinded from a second electrode roll (e.g., a positive electrode roll), and one or more separator sheets unwinded from one or more separator rolls.

[0044] The intermediary server (EIF) 1010 may be a device for communication between the process controllers of the manufacturing equipment and the server 180. This allows process event data generated in the coating equipment 11, roll pressing equipment 12, slitting equipment 13, and winding equipment 14 to be received by the intermediary server (EIF) 1010 and transmitted to the server 180. If necessary, each process controller and the server 180 may communicate directly. This allows process event data generated in the coating equipment 11, roll pressing equipment 12, slitting equipment 13, and winding equipment 14 to be transmitted to the server 180, respectively.

[0045] Server 180 can generate monitoring data for battery manufacturing. Typically, the monitoring data may include a roll map containing process event data. The roll map data may include data representing process events and coordinate values ​​matched to the data. The coordinate values ​​may indicate positions on electrodes. Server 180 can transmit visualization commands to display device 190, which can visualize the roll map and display the visualized roll map VRM.

[0046] Server 180 can generate and save roll maps for each process (for example, a coating process, a roll pressing process, or a slitting process).

[0047] A roll map can be a type of simulated electrode that replicates a moving real electrode (for example, a real electrode moving between an unwinder and a rewinder).

[0048] Referring again to Figure 1, the electrode assemblies manufactured by winding in the winding device 14 are transported and can be housed in a case such as a can 15. The can may be assigned a can ID, which is a type of battery cell ID. Therefore, historical data on the manufacturing of the battery cells can be retrieved based on the can ID.

[0049] Figure 2 shows the visualized roll map and patterned electrodes.

[0050] In Figure 2, arrow X indicates the longitudinal direction (travel direction) of the electrode (roll map), and arrow Y indicates the width direction of the electrode (roll map).

[0051] The visualized roll map VRM in Figure 2(a) can include multiple visualization segments VS1, VS2, VS3, VS4, VS5, and VS6, corresponding to multiple sections of the electrode sheet. Each of the multiple visualization segments VS1, VS2, VS3, VS4, VS5, and VS6 can include a start coordinate, an end coordinate, and a color.

[0052] Representative values ​​of the measurement data CMD associated with the coordinates of visualization intervals VS1, VS2, VS4, and VS6 can be displayed in color C1, representative values ​​of the measurement data CMD associated with the coordinates of visualization interval VS3 can be displayed in color C2, and representative values ​​of the measurement data CMD associated with the coordinates of visualization interval VS5 can be displayed in color C3.

[0053] Color C1 indicates that the representative values ​​for visualization intervals VS1, VS2, VS4, and VS6 are normal; color C2 indicates that the representative value for visualization interval VS3 is excessive; and color C3 indicates that the representative value for visualization interval VS3 is very excessive. Color C4 indicates that the representative value is insufficient; and color C5 indicates that the representative value is very insufficient.

[0054] Thus, since a roll map can represent the position of electrodes using coordinates and visualize measurement data corresponding to each position (for example, electrode slurry loading amount data), the efficiency of electrode production management can be improved by using the roll map and the data it contains.

[0055] Figure 2(b) shows a pattern electrode in which coated and uncoated portions are repeatedly arranged along the longitudinal direction to form a pattern.

[0056] In a subsequent process, the patterned electrode is slit in the width direction with respect to the uncoated portions 1 between the coated portions 2. The slit coated portions 2 can be stacked with electrode coated portions and separators of other polarities to form an electrode assembly, or they can be wound together with electrode coated portions and separators of other polarities to form an electrode assembly in the form of a jelly roll.

[0057] In particular, pattern electrodes used for small batteries can be slit in the width direction and also slit along the longitudinal direction of the pattern electrode to form multiple electrode lanes L1 to L20.

[0058] Unlike conventional electrodes where the coating is continuously formed along the longitudinal direction, pattern electrodes have the coating formed intermittently. Therefore, a roll map method like that shown in Figure 2(a), which continuously indicates the longitudinal position of the electrode using length coordinates, may not be suitable for pattern electrodes. For example, the uncoated portion of a pattern electrode has a measured value of zero, such as the loading amount, and is not a significant portion that affects actual battery performance. However, there is little need to connect the measurement data to coordinates and display it in detail for such portions. Furthermore, in pattern electrodes, the electrode assembly is manufactured according to the length and width of the coated portion 2 included in the pattern. That is, electrode production performance processing is aggregated into the quantity of the coated portion 2 or the quantity of patterns containing the coated portion 2. Thus, pattern electrodes are produced and managed based on the pattern, and position data needs to be assigned according to the characteristics of pattern electrodes where the coated and uncoated portions are intermittently coated. The present invention provides a battery manufacturing method and a battery manufacturing system that can generate monitoring data based on pattern indicator data, which is position data suitable for such pattern electrodes.

[0059] (First Embodiment) Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 shows a roll map of a pattern electrode sheet in which loading amount measurement data is arranged over time.

[0060] The battery manufacturing method of the present invention includes the step (P110) of acquiring pattern indicator data, which includes a pattern indicator that intermittently indicates a position on a pattern electrode sheet as the pattern electrode sheet moves along its longitudinal direction, and measurement data and / or inspection data for the pattern electrode sheet. The pattern indicator may be a number, letter, symbol and / or code.

[0061] As described above, in the processes for producing patterned electrodes (coating, roll pressing, slitting, etc.), the patterned electrode sheet can be moved along its longitudinal direction. The patterned electrode sheet can be moved between an unwinder and a rewinder. In this case, a first electrode roll on which the patterned electrode sheet is wound can be loaded into the unwinder. The patterned electrode sheet unwound from the unwinder can undergo predetermined processing and then be moved and wound into a rewinder to become a second electrode roll. Alternatively, the patterned electrode sheet can be moved along its longitudinal direction by a conveyor or other driving means.

[0062] One pattern can refer to one coated area and one uncoated area adjacent to the coated area. When only coated or uncoated areas are considered as patterns and pattern indicators are assigned accordingly, the overall state of the pattern electrode sheet cannot be fully represented. Referring to Figure 2(b), uncoated areas are located on both sides of one coated area. Therefore, one pattern can include one coated area and one uncoated area, or one coated area and the other uncoated area. Pattern indicators can be obtained by counting so that the pattern number increases or decreases, or they can be identified by letters, symbols, codes, or combinations of numbers and letters.

[0063] For example, pattern indicator data may include a pattern number assigned to each pattern. The pattern number can be counted, for example, by a pattern counter. Therefore, pattern indicator data can be obtained by a pattern counter. Each pattern number counted represents a position on the moving pattern electrode sheet. Thus, a pattern counter can be a position measuring instrument that measures the position of the pattern electrode sheet. When recognizing the start and end of a pattern, a pattern counter can count the pattern number for one pattern. However, it should be understood that a pattern counter can count pattern numbers associated with multiple patterns. A pattern counter counts pattern numbers intermittently; that is, a pattern counter can count pattern numbers for one pattern or multiple patterns. In this specification, a pattern counter that measures intermittent position values ​​(pattern numbers) can be referred to as a first position measuring instrument. As will be discussed later, an encoder or the like that measures continuous position values ​​(coordinate values) can be referred to as a second position measuring instrument.

[0064] The length of a single pattern can vary depending on the type and model of the pattern electrode. The length of a single pattern defined for a particular pattern electrode sheet can be called the set pattern pitch. In other words, the set pattern pitch can be defined as the sum of the length of one set coated area and the length of one set uncoated area.

[0065] If the length (pitch) of one pattern differs from the set pattern pitch, it becomes a pattern with an abnormal pitch. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of comparing the set pattern pitch with the length of each pattern to determine a pattern with an abnormal pitch may be further included.

[0066] The length of each pattern and / or the lengths of the coated and uncoated portions included in the pattern can be derived by multiplying the difference in the boundary detection time points between the coated and uncoated portions included in each pattern by the moving speed of the pattern electrode sheet.

[0067] A pattern counter may include a pitch sensor and a trigger board. The pitch sensor can measure the length of each pattern, i.e., the pitch of each pattern.

[0068] According to exemplary embodiments, the pitch sensor is or may include a photoelectric sensor. The photoelectric sensor consists of a light emitter and a light receiver. When the light emitted by the light emitter is blocked or reflected by the object to be detected, the amount of light reaching the light receiver changes. The light receiver detects this change and converts it into an electrical signal for output. The amount of light that reaches the light receiver changes based on the boundary between the coated portion 2 and the uncoated portion 1 on the pattern electrode. This allows a pattern counter equipped with a pitch sensor to distinguish between the coated portion and the uncoated portion on the pattern electrode. An optical fiber sensor can be used as the photoelectric sensor. An optical fiber sensor uses an optical fiber instead of a lens in a photoelectric sensor, and since the optical fiber, which is the detection portion, has no electrical parts at all, it has advantages such as excellent environmental resistance, including noise immunity.

[0069] When the photoelectric sensor equipped in the pitch sensor detects the boundary between the coated and uncoated areas, the time of boundary detection can also be recorded simultaneously. Therefore, by multiplying the difference (time) in the boundary detection times between the coated and uncoated areas in each pattern by, for example, the moving speed of the pattern electrode sheet, the distance between the boundaries can be determined. The pitch sensor or pattern counter may be equipped with a calculation unit for calculating time and speed.

[0070] Referring to Figure 4, the process of detecting abnormal pitch patterns using a pattern counter is explained.

[0071] When the pattern electrode sheet travels in the longitudinal direction X (travel direction (MD)), the pattern counter can sense the boundary lines BL1, BL2, and BL3 between the coated and uncoated areas.

[0072] BL1 is the boundary line of the first coated portion 2 below the first uncoated portion 1 at the top of Figure 4. BL2 is the boundary line between the first coated portion and the second uncoated portion below it. BL3 is the boundary line between the second coated portion and the second coated portion below it.

[0073] For example, a pattern counter can count by incrementing the pattern number by 1 each time it detects BL1 and BL3 in a given pattern.

[0074] The pattern counter can determine the length of the first coated area by multiplying the difference (time) between the detection time of BL1 and the detection time of BL2 by the movement speed of the pattern electrode sheet.

[0075] The pattern counter can determine the length of the second uncoated portion by multiplying the difference (time) between the detection time of BL2 and the detection time of BL3 by the movement speed of the pattern electrode sheet.

[0076] The pattern counter can determine the length (pitch) of the first pattern (#1) by multiplying the difference (time) between the detection time of BL1 and the detection time of BL3 by the movement speed of the pattern electrode sheet. Using the same method, the pattern counter can determine the length of the second pattern (#2).

[0077] Furthermore, by comparing the pattern length with the set pattern pitch PP, patterns with abnormal pitch (length) can be identified. In Figure 4, PPx represents a pattern with an abnormal pitch smaller than the set pattern pitch PP. PPy represents a pattern with an abnormal pitch larger than the set pattern pitch PP. For example, patterns with a large difference from the set pattern pitch can be determined to be abnormal patterns. The electrode portion of the abnormal pattern can be removed in a subsequent process.

[0078] The pitch sensor can transmit the length of the detected pattern to the trigger board. The trigger board can generate count information for each pattern based on the length of each pattern received from the pitch sensor. That is, the trigger board can increment the count value for each length of the received pattern. The trigger board can increment the BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) code by 1 each time the count value for each pattern length increases. The trigger board can convert the generated count values ​​for each pattern length into BCD code form and transmit them to the controllers of each process or the server of the battery manufacturing system. The pattern counter (trigger board) can count so that the pattern number increases with each pattern (so-called ascending order), or so that the pattern number decreases with each pattern (so-called descending order). However, the counting method is not limited to these. Any method that can count the patterns in a way that allows the location of the pattern to be identified is sufficient. The pattern indicator may be a number, letter, character, symbol, code, and / or a combination of numbers and letters.

[0079] Electrode specification data (ESD) can include model information, recipe, and pattern pitch of the electrode sheet. The ESD can also include various details related to the processing of the patterned electrode sheet, such as the number of lots processed in the current process, the number of coating lanes formed on the electrode sheet, process conditions including temperature, humidity, and pressure, and process parameters including electrode sheet movement speed, coating die discharge rate, and pressure of the pressure roll. The ESD can be stored in a controller or server for each process. A pattern counter can download information about the set pattern pitch from the controller or server to detect patterns with abnormal pitches.

[0080] Measurement data and / or inspection data can be acquired for a pattern electrode sheet. Measurement data and / or inspection data refers to all data that can be obtained through measurement or inspection of the pattern electrode. Measurement data and inspection data can be acquired by measuring instruments and inspectors that measure and inspect the electrodes.

[0081] Measurement data may include numerically represented measurement results. For example, measurement data may include dimensional data of the pattern electrode sheet PES, such as thickness and width, loading amount data of the coating material on the pattern electrode sheet PES, and mismatch data between the coating lane on the upper surface of the pattern electrode sheet PES and the coating lane on the lower surface of the pattern electrode sheet PES. As a non-limiting example, the measuring instrument may be either a web gauge or a thickness gauge from Thermo Fisher Scientific.

[0082] Inspection data may include quality judgments and process events related to a portion of the pattern electrode sheet (PES). For example, inspection data may include visual data of the pattern electrode sheet (PES) collected by an image-based inspection device such as a vision machine, data on breaks and seams in the pattern electrode sheet (PES), data on the portion of the pattern electrode sheet (PES) that has been sampled, data on portions of the pattern electrode sheet (PES) that are scheduled for scrapping, data on reference points indicating the location of the pattern electrode sheet (PES), and defect data such as pinhole defects, crater defects, and line defects. The inspection device may be one of a color sensor, a seam sensor, a reference point sensor, and a vision machine.

[0083] Pattern indicator data, measurement data, and inspection data may be time-series data. Pattern indicator data may include a pattern indicator and time values ​​matched to the pattern indicator, and measurement data and / or inspection data may include measured values ​​and / or inspection values ​​and time values ​​matched to the measured values ​​and / or inspection values.

[0084] In other words, the pattern indicator, measured values, and test values ​​can be aligned in time.

[0085] Referring to Figure 3, the battery manufacturing method of the present invention may include a step (P120) of associating pattern indicator data with measurement data and / or inspection data to generate measurement data and / or inspection data associated with the pattern indicator.

[0086] For example, pattern indicators and measured and / or test values ​​can be associated with each other, corresponding to the same time value.

[0087] Figure 4 shows the loading amounts Rt0 to Rt10 measured at measurement times t0 to t10, respectively.

[0088] At time t0, BL1 was detected by the pattern counter; at time t8, BL2 was detected; and at time t10, BL3 was detected. Therefore, the time values ​​corresponding to pattern number #1 are t0, t8, and t10. The loading amounts measured at time values ​​t0, t8, and t10 are Rt0, Rt8, and Rt10, and these loading amounts are the measured values ​​associated with pattern number #1. More specifically, the loading amounts Rt0, Rt1, Rt2, Rt3, Rt4, Rt5, Rt6, Rt7, and Rt8 measured between time t0 and t8 are the measured values ​​associated with the coated area between BL1 and BL2. Also, the loading amounts Rt8, Rt9, and Rt10 measured between t8 and t10 are the measured values ​​associated with the uncoated area between BL2 and BL3.

[0089] Furthermore, the start and end points of the connecting tape T1 located in the coated portion of pattern number #2 can be detected by a seam sensor. The seam measurement data includes a seam measurement signal and time values ​​related to the start and end points. In this case, the seam measurement data can be associated with the pattern of pattern number #2 that matches to the same time values ​​as the time values ​​of the start and end points that detected T1.

[0090] As described above, a pattern counter can determine the length of each pattern and the coated and uncoated parts belonging to each pattern by multiplying the difference in the time at which the boundary between the coated and uncoated parts is detected by the movement speed of the pattern electrode sheet. Using the same principle, if an appropriate calculation tool is available, it is also possible to determine the length of the coated or uncoated part corresponding to each measurement section by multiplying the difference (time) at each measurement point by the movement speed of the pattern electrode sheet. Such calculation tools can be provided, for example, in pattern counters, process controllers, measuring instruments, or inspection instruments.

[0091] The association between the pattern indicator and the measurement data and / or inspection data can be performed by the controller of the processing step in which the pattern electrode sheet is processed. In this case, the measurement data and inspection data acquired by the measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument are transmitted to the controller, and the pattern indicator data acquired by the pattern counter can also be transmitted to the controller. The controller can associate the pattern indicator with the measurement data and inspection data by comparing the time values ​​of the measurement data and inspection data with the time values ​​included in the pattern indicator data.

[0092] Alternatively, the association between the pattern indicator and the measurement data and / or inspection data can be performed by the measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument. In this case, the pattern indicator data acquired by the pattern counter can be transmitted to the measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument directly or via a controller. The measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument can associate the pattern indicator with the measurement data and inspection data by comparing the time values ​​of the acquired measurement data and inspection data with the time values ​​included in the pattern indicator data.

[0093] Referring to Figure 3, the battery manufacturing method of the present invention may include the step (P130) of generating monitoring data for battery manufacturing based on pattern indicator data and measurement and / or inspection data associated with the pattern indicator.

[0094] As described above, by attaching pattern indicators to pattern electrodes, the position and number of patterns on the pattern electrodes can be easily identified. This makes it easy to understand the production performance of the pattern electrodes. Furthermore, by associating the measurement data and / or inspection data acquired for the pattern electrodes with the pattern indicators, the condition of each pattern, whether or not there is electrode breakage, and whether or not there are defects can be easily understood. A roll map is one of the monitoring data in the electrode manufacturing process. As shown in Figure 4, a roll map for a pattern electrode can include pattern indicator data, which includes the pattern indicators, and measurement or inspection data associated with the pattern indicators. Measurement data and / or inspection data are a type of process event data that occurs in each process. By generating roll maps cumulatively for workpieces, parts, semi-finished products, and finished products in a unit process, it becomes possible to track the process history for shipped products (e.g., battery cells, battery modules, or battery packs). For example, shipped products may include cell IDs that can be used to track the process history if necessary.

[0095] As shown in Figure 4, multiple measurements can be assigned to a single pattern. In Figure 4, 10 measurements are associated with each pattern, but depending on the type of measuring instrument or tester, many more measurements and / or test values ​​can be associated. As the size of the measurement and / or test data increases in this way, it places a load on the server system for generating the monitoring data. This can slow down the data processing speed. The measurement and / or test data can be compressed to reduce the data size, thereby improving the data processing speed.

[0096] For example, a processing unit provided to a measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument can be configured to generate compressed measurement and / or inspection data based on pattern indicator data and measurement and / or inspection data. The compressed measurement and / or inspection data is smaller in size than the measurement and / or inspection data associated with the pattern indicator data. The server resources required to generate monitoring data can be reduced by using compressed measurement and / or inspection data.

[0097] Compressed measurement and / or inspection data may include representative values ​​of the measured and / or inspection values, and pattern indicator data relating to the start and end points of the portion of the electrode sheet from which the measurement and / or inspection data is collected. Compressed measurement and / or inspection data may also include timestamps indicating the date and time of data collection for each or more patterns, instrument and / or inspection equipment IDs, and equipment IDs.

[0098] For example, the processing unit of a measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument can calculate representative values ​​of the measurement and / or inspection data for each pattern of an electrode sheet. The representative values ​​may include at least one of the mean, standard deviation, median, maximum, and minimum values ​​of the measurement and / or inspection data for each pattern.

[0099] For example, if the loading amount data corresponding to pattern number #1 has 10 measured values ​​corresponding to one scan of the loading amount measuring instrument, the compressed measurement data may include a single representative value calculated based on the 10 measured values. Therefore, the size of the compressed measurement data may be smaller than the size of the measurement data associated with the pattern indicator data. In this case, the representative value can represent not only one pattern but also multiple patterns. That is, multiple patterns can be grouped into groups, and the measurement data and / or inspection data acquired for each group can be compressed to obtain a single representative value. In this case, measured values ​​smaller than a specific value among the measured values ​​included in each pattern can be excluded when calculating the representative value, for example, by considering them as values ​​measured in the uncoated part of the pattern. That is, the representative value can be calculated from the measured values ​​included in each pattern that are greater than or equal to the specific value.

[0100] The pattern indicators for the start and end points of each pattern on an electrode sheet from which measurement and / or inspection data have been collected can be determined based on pattern indicator data. Alternatively, the pattern indicators for the start and end points of some electrode sheets corresponding to multiple patterns grouped by group can be determined. The pattern indicators for the start and end points of compressed measurement and / or inspection data may be substantially the same as the pattern indicators for the start and end points of the measurement and / or inspection data associated with the pattern indicator data.

[0101] Figure 5 shows a battery manufacturing system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0102] The battery manufacturing system 1000 may include a battery manufacturing device 100, a server 180, and user equipment 300.

[0103] The battery manufacturing apparatus 1000 may include an unwinder 111, a rewinder 113, a processing mechanism 115, first position measuring instruments 125R, 125U, measuring instruments and / or inspection instruments 130, and a controller 140.

[0104] The unwinder 111 can be configured to unwind the pattern electrode sheet PES from the electrode roll ER1. The rewinder 113 can be configured to wind the pattern electrode sheet PES onto the pattern electrode roll ER2. This allows the pattern electrode sheet PES to move between the unwinder 111 and the rewinder 113.

[0105] Battery manufacturing processes (e.g., electrode processes) can be carried out on the pattern electrode sheet PES.

[0106] Electrode sheets or pattern electrode sheets PES can be processed by a processing mechanism 115. For example, the processing mechanism 115 may include a coater, which can coat an electrode sheet with electrode slurry to form a pattern electrode sheet PES. Alternatively, the processing mechanism 115 may include a pressure roll, which can perform a roll pressing process on the pattern electrode sheet PES coated with electrode slurry. Another example is the processing mechanism 115, which may include a splicing die and a scrap port, which can scrap portions of the pattern electrode sheet PES. Finally, the processing mechanism may include a slitting knife, which can separate the pattern electrode sheet PES into multiple electrode sheets.

[0107] In this embodiment, a pattern indicator, which is a pattern number, can be used. The first position measuring instruments 125R, 125U may be pattern counters that count the pattern numbers on the pattern electrodes. The pattern numbers intermittently indicate the position on the pattern electrode sheet as it moves between the unwinder and the rewinder.

[0108] A first position measuring instrument 125U installed on the unwinder side can be configured to sense the amount of electrode sheet or pattern electrode sheet PES unwound from the electrode roll ER1 by the unwinder 111. The controller 140 can be configured to collect pattern indicator data PID generated by the first position measuring instrument 125U.

[0109] The first position measuring instrument 125R, installed on the rewinder side, can be configured to sense the amount of pattern electrode sheet PES wound onto the pattern electrode roll ER2 by the rewinder 113. The controller 140 can be configured to collect pattern indicator data PID generated by the first position measuring instrument 125R. This pattern indicator data PID can indicate the production performance of the battery manufacturing apparatus 100. Below, the technical concept of the present invention will be explained focusing on an embodiment in which the controller 140 collects pattern indicator data PID generated by the first position measuring instrument 125R.

[0110] As a non-limiting example, controller 140 is a process controller that controls a processing step and may be a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). Controller 140 may include a power supply, CPU, input interface, output interface, communication interface, and memory device. The communication interface may be configured to send and receive data between controller 140 and the first position measuring instruments 125U, 125R, measuring instruments and / or testers 130, and server 180.

[0111] The measuring instrument may be configured to measure the pattern electrode sheet PES and collect measurement data MD. The inspecting instrument may be configured to inspect the pattern electrode sheet PES and collect inspection data ID. One or more measuring instruments or inspecting instruments may be provided. In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the measuring instrument and / or inspecting instrument are collectively denoted by a single reference numeral 130.

[0112] The measuring and / or testing instrument may include a sensing unit 130S and a processing unit 130P. The sensing unit 130S may be configured to sense physical quantities of an electrode sheet ES to generate a measurement signal MS and an inspection signal IS. For example, the sensing unit 130S may include a TDI (Time Delay and Integration) camera, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, and a TOF (Time of Flight) sensor.

[0113] The processing unit 130P can be configured to receive measurement signals MS and inspection signals IS sensed by the sensing unit 130S in order to collect measurement data MD and inspection data ID. The processing unit 130P can be connected to the sensing unit 130S by wire or wireless connection.

[0114] The controller 140 can collect measurement data and / or inspection data MD / ID generated by the measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument 130. The controller 140 can also be configured to control the operation of the unwinder 111, rewinder 113, and processing mechanism 115. Signals for the operation and interruption of the unwinder 111, rewinder 113, and processing mechanism 115 can be generated based on electrode spec data ESD, additional inspection signals, and measurement signals.

[0115] The pattern indicator in the pattern indicator data PID can be associated with measurement data and / or inspection data MD / ID. For example, a pattern indicator collected based on a specific time value can be associated with measurement data and / or inspection data MD / ID that matches the same time value. The processing unit 130P of the measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument receives the pattern indicator data PID from the first position measuring instruments 125U and 125R and can associate the pattern indicator with the measurement data and / or inspection data. Alternatively, the pattern indicator data and the measurement data and / or inspection data are transmitted to the controller 140, where the pattern indicator can be associated with the measurement data and / or inspection data.

[0116] According to an exemplary embodiment, the measuring instrument and / or inspector 130 or controller 140 can calibrate the pattern indicator data PID based on the offset length OL.

[0117] Because the positions of the measuring instrument and / or inspector and the first position measuring instrument are different, the portion of the pattern electrode sheet PES measured and / or inspected at the same time may be different from the portion of the pattern electrode sheet PES that is the target of the pattern indicator sensed by the first position measuring instrument. Therefore, the pattern numbers can be calibrated by adding or subtracting the number of pattern numbers corresponding to the offset length to the pattern numbers of the pattern indicator data collected at the same time as the measurement data and / or inspection data, and the calibrated pattern numbers can be associated with the measurement data and / or inspection data to obtain the measurement data and / or inspection data associated with the calibrated pattern numbers. Such calibration of pattern indicator data can be performed in the processing unit 130P or controller 140 of the measuring instrument and / or inspector.

[0118] The measurement data and / or inspection data PIMD / PIID associated with the pattern indicator generated by the processing unit 130P can be transmitted to the server 180 directly or via the controller 140. Alternatively, the measurement data and / or inspection data PIMD / PIID associated with the pattern indicator generated by the controller 140 can be transmitted to the server 180.

[0119] Server 180 can generate monitoring data for battery manufacturing based on pattern indicator data PID and measurement data and / or inspection data PIMD / PIID associated with the pattern indicator. In addition to generating roll maps, Server 180 performs a variety of tasks for managing battery production. For example, a battery cell may include a cell ID formed on the electrode assembly or case. The cell ID may include lot numbers and coordinate information for the electrodes and separators contained within the battery cell. The cell ID can be associated with a roll map of the electrodes and separators contained within the battery cell. This allows for the retrieval of a collective data history of the manufacturing of a battery cell based on its cell ID if an event such as a quality problem occurs with a battery cell that has already been shipped.

[0120] The user device 300 can display a visualized role map VRM, as shown in Figure 4. The user device 300 can be any device for communicating with the server 180, such as a workstation computer, notebook computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, tablet, smartphone, or other mobile and wearable device. The user device 300 can be configured to generate a request to load a role map. The server 180 can be configured to transmit various types of role map data D1, D2 to the user device.

[0121] (Second Embodiment) Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 shows a roll map of a pattern electrode sheet with a pattern indicator and sub-pattern indicators displayed.

[0122] The battery manufacturing method of the present invention may include a step (P210) of acquiring pattern indicator data, which includes a pattern indicator that intermittently indicates a position on a pattern electrode sheet as the pattern electrode sheet moves along its longitudinal direction; coordinate data, which includes coordinate values ​​that can continuously indicate the longitudinal position of the pattern electrode sheet; and measurement data and / or inspection data for the pattern electrode sheet.

[0123] Methods that use the movement speed and time difference of the pattern electrode sheet to calculate the pattern length (pitch) and the length of the interval in which measurement data and / or inspection data are acquired require additional calculation tools. Furthermore, since the movement speed of the pattern electrode sheet is not always constant, the position of the pattern electrode sheet at a specific data measurement point may not correspond precisely to that point. For example, the movement speed of the pattern electrode sheet can vary depending on the specifications of the pattern electrode sheet, the type of model, the type of processing step, and the drive mechanism of the processing device. Thus, methods that indirectly determine the position and distance of the pattern electrode sheet using different movement speeds and time differences can slow down data processing speed and increase manufacturing costs.

[0124] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, both pattern indicator data and coordinate data can be used to display the longitudinal position of the pattern electrode sheet. For example, as the main position data, pattern indicator data including a pattern indicator that intermittently shows the position on the pattern electrode sheet can be acquired, and coordinate data including coordinate values ​​that can continuously show the longitudinal position can also be acquired. The difference between the coordinate values ​​and the above coordinate values ​​directly indicates the position of the pattern electrode sheet or the distance of a specific section. Therefore, by acquiring coordinate data, position information regarding the pattern electrode sheet can be obtained more accurately without performing the above additional calculations and by eliminating the influence of the electrode sheet's movement speed. By associating such coordinate data with pattern indicator data, measurement data and / or inspection data, or measurement data and / or inspection data associated with the pattern indicator, state information for the pattern electrode sheet can be obtained more accurately and reliably.

[0125] A first position measuring instrument (pattern counter) can be used to acquire pattern indicator data. A second position measuring instrument can be additionally used to acquire coordinate data. The second position measuring instrument may be a rotary encoder that can represent the position signal of the pattern electrode sheet moving in accordance with the amount of rotation of the unwinder or rewinder as an encoder value. Alternatively, it may be a linear encoder that represents the position signal corresponding to the displacement of the pattern electrode sheet as an encoder value. The encoder can be configured to be in contact with or non-contact with the electrode sheet. The second position measuring instrument includes a predetermined calculation unit that can convert the encoder value into a coordinate value. Alternatively, a controller can receive the encoder value and convert it into a coordinate value via a predetermined calculation. Considering the load on the process controller, it may be preferable to convert directly to a coordinate value with the encoder.

[0126] By comparing the set pattern pitch with coordinate data, a more detailed sub-pattern indicator can be calculated from the pattern indicator. For example, the pattern indicator and sub-pattern indicator can be the pattern number and sub-pattern number, respectively, as shown in Figure 7.

[0127] Referring to Figure 7, the pattern electrode sheet PES is moving in the longitudinal direction X, which is the direction of travel (MD).

[0128] For example, the first position measuring instrument, which is a pattern counter, can sense the boundary lines BL1, BL2, and BL3 between the coated part 2 and the uncoated part 1 located in Figure 7. For example, the second position measuring instrument, which is a rotary encoder, can represent the longitudinal position of each pattern (#1, #2) as coordinate values ​​based on the encoder value. In this case, if the set pattern pitch PP is 800 mm, the set pattern pitch can be divided into 10 equal parts, and the pattern number can be displayed in decimal units. For example, when the pattern electrode sheet moves by 80 mm and the controller receives the coordinate value corresponding to 80 mm, the controller can count a pattern number of 0.1 Pt at the position corresponding to this coordinate value. The controller can count sub-pattern numbers from 0.1 Pt to 1.0 Pt to correspond to the coordinate values ​​of each point until the pattern electrode sheet moves by 800 mm and the first position measuring instrument senses the boundary line BL3 of the coated part of pattern number #2. As described above, by calculating the sub-pattern number by comparing the set pattern pitch and coordinate data, the pattern number can be displayed in more detail. This makes it easier to identify patterns of abnormal pitch.

[0129] As shown in Figure 7, patterns with abnormal pitches can be identified by comparing the set pattern pitch with the length of each pattern.

[0130] In this case, the length of each pattern and / or the lengths of the coated and uncoated portions included in the pattern can be determined based on the difference in coordinate values ​​between the start and end points of each pattern, the difference in coordinate values ​​between the start and end points of the coated portion, and the difference in coordinate values ​​between the start and end points of the uncoated portion. In this case, since the coordinate values ​​that directly represent position and distance are compared with the pattern pitch, the length (pitch) of the pattern can be intuitively determined without any separate calculations to determine the distance (length), as in the first embodiment. Therefore, patterns with excessive or insufficient pitch can be identified more quickly.

[0131] Referring to Figure 6, the battery manufacturing method of the present invention may include a step (P220) of associating pattern indicator data, coordinate data, and measurement data and / or inspection data to generate measurement data and / or inspection data associated with pattern indicators and coordinate values.

[0132] As described in relation to the first embodiment, the pattern indicator and the measured values ​​of the measurement data and / or the inspected values ​​of the inspection data can be associated with each other in correspondence to the same time value. In the second embodiment, in addition to this, the coordinate values ​​of the coordinate data can be associated with at least one of the following: i) Pattern indicator ii) Measured values ​​and / or test values iii) Pattern indicator, and time values ​​matched to measured and / or test values

[0133] In other words, since the coordinate values ​​are associated with the pattern indicator, the coordinate data and the pattern indicator data are linked.

[0134] Furthermore, since coordinate values ​​correspond to measured values ​​and / or inspection values, coordinate data and measured data and / or inspection data are associated.

[0135] From now on, pattern indicator data can be associated with measurement data and / or inspection data based on coordinate values ​​(coordinate data), excluding time values ​​(time-series data).

[0136] Furthermore, coordinate values ​​can be associated with pattern indicators and time values ​​matched to measured and / or test values. Alternatively, pattern indicator data can be associated with measured and / or test data based on time values ​​(time-series data) and coordinate values ​​(coordinate data).

[0137] The battery manufacturing method of the present invention may include the step (P230) of generating monitoring data for battery manufacturing based on pattern indicator data, coordinate data, and measurement data and / or inspection data associated with the pattern indicator and coordinate values.

[0138] As monitoring data, a roll map including coordinate data can be provided. As shown in Figures 9 and 10 described later, a roll map for a pattern electrode can include pattern indicator data including pattern indicators, coordinate data including coordinate values, and measurement or inspection data associated with the pattern indicators and coordinate values. Such a roll map allows for a more comprehensive and intuitive understanding of the length, state, and characteristics of the pattern on the pattern electrode sheet.

[0139] Figure 8 shows a battery manufacturing system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0140] The battery manufacturing system 2000 may include a battery manufacturing device 100, a server 180, and user equipment 300.

[0141] The battery manufacturing apparatus 1000 may include an unwinder 111, a rewinder 113, a processing mechanism 115, first position measuring instruments 125R, 125U, second position measuring instruments 121, 123, measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument 130, and a controller 140.

[0142] This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that second position measuring instruments 121 and 123 are added. The difference is that coordinate data is acquired by the second position measuring instruments 121 and 123, and this coordinate data is associated with other data. Points that are the same as those in the first embodiment will not be repeated and will be omitted.

[0143] For example, pattern indicator data PIDs, which intermittently indicate the position on the pattern electrode sheet, are acquired by the first position measuring instruments 125R and 125U, which are pattern counters. The controller 140 can collect the pattern indicator data PIDs generated by the first position measuring instrument 125U, for example, installed on the rewinder 113.

[0144] The second position measuring instrument is, for example, a rotary encoder.

[0145] Of the second position measuring instruments, the first rotary encoder 121 can be configured to sense the amount of pattern electrode sheet PES unwound from the electrode roll ER1 by the unwinder 111. This allows the first rotary encoder 121 to generate an unwound amount signal indicating the amount of pattern electrode sheet ES unwound. The first rotary encoder 121 can convert the unwound amount signal to directly acquire input amount data (coordinate data). Alternatively, the first rotary encoder 121 can transmit the unwound amount signal to the controller 140, where the controller 140 converts the signal to collect input amount data. The input amount data is the amount of material (i.e., electrode roll ER1) fed into the battery manufacturing apparatus 100 to manufacture the battery, and is coordinate data CD.

[0146] The second rotary encoder 123 can be configured to sense the amount of pattern electrode sheet PES wound onto the electrode roll ER2 by the rewinder 113. This allows the second rotary encoder 123 to generate a winding amount signal indicating the amount of electrode sheet ES wound. The second rotary encoder 123 can convert the winding amount signal to directly acquire exhaustion amount data (coordinate data). Alternatively, the second rotary encoder 123 can transmit the winding amount signal to the controller 140, where the controller 140 converts the signal to collect exhaustion amount data. The exhaustion amount data can represent the production performance of the battery manufacturing equipment 100.

[0147] The controller 140 can associate pattern indicator data PID with coordinate data CD.

[0148] The measuring and inspecting instrument 130 can measure and / or inspect the pattern electrode sheet PES and collect measurement data MD and / or inspection data ID.

[0149] The processing unit 130P of the measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument may be configured to receive the measurement signal MS and inspection signal IS sensed by the sensing unit 130S in order to collect the measurement data MD and inspection data ID.

[0150] The controller 140 can collect measurement data and / or inspection data MD / ID generated by the measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument 130.

[0151] The pattern indicator in pattern indicator data PID can be associated with measurement data and / or inspection data MD / ID. For example, a pattern indicator collected based on a specific time value can be associated with measurement data and / or inspection data MD / ID that matches the same time value. Alternatively, the coordinate values ​​of coordinate data can be associated with measurement data and / or inspection data or measurement data and / or inspection data associated with a pattern indicator. The processing unit 130P of the measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument receives pattern indicator data PID from the first position measuring instruments 125U and 125R and can associate the pattern indicator with the measurement data and / or inspection data. Alternatively, the pattern indicator data and measurement data and / or inspection data are transmitted to the controller 140, where the pattern indicator can be associated with the measurement data and / or inspection data. Furthermore, the processing unit 130P of the measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument receives coordinate data CD from the second position measuring instruments 121 and 123 and can associate the pattern indicator with the measurement data and / or inspection data. Alternatively, the coordinate data, measurement data, and / or inspection data are transmitted to the controller 140, where the controller can associate the coordinate data with the measurement data and / or inspection data.

[0152] In the controller, coordinate data and pattern indicator data can be associated with measurement data and / or inspection data.

[0153] According to an exemplary embodiment, the measuring instrument and / or inspector 130 or controller 140 can calibrate the pattern indicator data PID and coordinate data CD based on the offset length OL.

[0154] The principle of calibrating coordinate data based on the offset length OL is the same as the principle of calibrating pattern indicator data described above. That is, because the positions of the measuring instrument and / or inspector and the second position measuring instrument are different, the portion of the pattern electrode sheet PES measured and / or inspected at the same time may differ from the portion of the pattern electrode sheet PES sensed by the second position measuring instrument. Therefore, the coordinate data can be calibrated by subtracting or adding the offset length to the coordinate data of the second position measuring instrument collected at the same time as the measurement data and / or inspection data.

[0155] The coordinate data generated by the processing unit 130P and associated with the measurement and / or inspection data CMD / CND, the measurement data and / or inspection data PIMD / PIID associated with the pattern indicator, and the coordinate values ​​and the measurement data and / or inspection data PICMD / PICID associated with the pattern indicator can be transmitted to the server 180 directly or via the controller 140. Alternatively, the coordinate data generated by the controller 140 and associated with the measurement data and / or inspection data CMD / CND, the measurement data and / or inspection data PIMD / PIID associated with the pattern indicator, and the coordinate values ​​and the measurement data and / or inspection data PICMD / PICID associated with the pattern indicator can be transmitted to the server 180.

[0156] Server 180 can generate a roll map that includes pattern indicator data PID and coordinate data CD, measurement data and / or inspection data CMD / CND associated with the coordinate data, measurement data and / or inspection data PIMD / PIID associated with the pattern indicator, and measurement data and / or inspection data PICMD / PICID associated with the coordinate values ​​and pattern indicator. The roll map of this embodiment mainly shows the measurement data and / or inspection data of the pattern electrode sheet based on the pattern indicator data, and supplementarily shows the measurement data and / or inspection data based on the coordinate data, thereby greatly improving the visibility of information regarding the pattern of the pattern electrode sheet.

[0157] (Third embodiment) Figure 9 shows pattern indicator data and coordinate data displayed on a pattern electrode sheet with pattern electrodes formed on its top and bottom surfaces.

[0158] Figure 9 is a roll map of a double-sided electrode, simulating the coating state of an actual pattern electrode sheet. The areas on the pattern electrode sheet other than the coated areas are uncoated.

[0159] In this example, the first uncoated area on the right side of Figure 9 and the adjacent coated area can be combined and counted as pattern number #1. Alternatively, the first coated area on the right side of Figure 9 and the adjacent uncoated area on the left can be combined and counted as pattern number #1. The first position measuring instrument sequentially senses the boundary between the uncoated and coated areas, senses patterns #1 to #8, and acquires pattern indicator data. The roll map also displays coordinate data (displayed in meters) acquired by the second position measuring instrument. To avoid data overload, coordinate data can only be displayed on the main portion of the roll map.

[0160] As shown in Figure 9, roll maps can be generated not only for cross-sectional electrodes where the coating is formed on only one side of the pattern electrode sheet, but also for double-sided electrodes where the coating is formed on both sides of the pattern electrode sheet. To prevent an excessive increase in roll map data, only major event information can be collected and transmitted to the server. Based on this, the server can generate a roll map for the double-sided electrodes. When performance management is performed considering both the top and bottom patterns, the amount of data to be considered increases, so performance management can be performed based on either the top or bottom pattern. In this embodiment, pattern performance management is performed based on the bottom pattern.

[0161] When the set pattern pitch is 878 mm, patterns with abnormal pitches can be represented in comparison to the set pattern pitch based on pattern indicator data from the first position measuring instrument and coordinate data from the second position measuring instrument. Figure 9 shows a normal section coated according to the set pattern pitch. However, based on the bottom pattern, a pattern with an insufficient length is measured and displayed at position #4, an uncoated section at position #5, and a pattern with an excessive length at section #6. For example, patterns with a set pattern pitch of 0.5 times or less can be considered defective patterns. Alternatively, patterns with a set pattern pitch of 1.5 times or more can be considered defective patterns.

[0162] When there is an uncoated section between adjacent patterns that is not included in the pattern, a pattern indicator can be assigned to the uncoated section for a number of patterns determined by dividing the length of the uncoated section by the set pattern pitch. In Figure 9, the pattern number #5 is assigned to the uncoated section between patterns #4 and #6. If a pattern indicator is not assigned to the uncoated section, a gap will be created in the roll map information, and the state of the pattern electrode sheet cannot be fully represented. Errors may occur when managing and tracking the electrode process with such a roll map. Therefore, the roll map needs to include information about uncoated sections that are not included in the pattern, along with information about patterns with abnormal pitches that differ from the set pattern pitch. The information about uncoated sections is information about pattern indicators that are assigned to the uncoated section in proportion to the number of patterns determined by dividing the length of the uncoated section by the set pattern pitch.

[0163] In this embodiment, information regarding reference points and joints is also included.

[0164] Reference points M1, M2, and M3 are marked on the pattern electrode sheet at predetermined intervals. The roll map can display the actual positions of the reference points and their intervals. If the interval between reference points changes from the set reference point positions, it is possible to understand the change in electrode length that occurred during or before / after the process. The indication of a connecting tape, which is a seam, means that the electrode broke for some reason and was connected by a connecting tape T1. The position of the connecting tape T1 can be indicated by obtaining coordinate values ​​or pattern indicator data for the start point Ts and end point Te of the connecting tape. From such information, it is possible to more accurately understand the history of the state changes of the actual pattern electrode sheet after going through multiple processes.

[0165] Figure 9 shows three reference points M1, M2, and M3, along with their respective pattern indicators and coordinate values. The reference points can be measured using a reference point measuring instrument, and the seams can be measured using a seam sensor.

[0166] Figure 10 is a roll map showing pattern indicator data and coordinate data for coated and uncoated sections. For example, the pattern indicator and sub-pattern indicator can be the pattern number and sub-pattern number, respectively, as illustrated in Figure 10.

[0167] Figure 10 shows the pattern numbers in units of sub-pattern numbers.

[0168] Additionally, coordinate values ​​are displayed for key locations.

[0169] The roll map in Figure 10 includes uncoated sections, and sub-pattern numbers are displayed for these uncoated sections in relation to the set pattern pitch. The uncoated sections include uncoated areas corresponding to two set pattern pitches and an uncoated area corresponding to 0.6 times the set pattern pitch (0.6 Pt).

[0170] On the other hand, information regarding the actual results excluding the non-coated section can be combined and transmitted to the process controller. The controller is the process equipment that controls the process and is interested in the actual results produced by the electrodes, and needs to record the net results. Among the pattern numbers in Figure 10, those that are not sub-pattern numbers (numbers not expressed in decimal units: for example, 24pt) are the pattern numbers that indicate the results. In the non-coated section, the pattern number remains unchanged at 26pt, and at the end of the non-coated section, it becomes 27pt, and the pattern number increases by 1.

[0171] Thus, according to the present invention, the battery manufacturing system described above allows for the free display of pattern indicator data and coordinate data, and furthermore, it allows for the separate display of pattern indicators that are aggregated as actual results and pattern indicators that are not actual results.

[0172] Therefore, it is possible to generate monitoring data and roll map data that match the actual pattern electrode state, significantly improving data consistency.

[0173] The servers, controllers, devices, units, etc., disclosed in connection with various embodiments, and the various components included herein, can be embodied by one or more microprocessors and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that enable the embodiment of the methods and processes relating to this disclosure and run software or firmware, and / or one or more processors having circuits such as ASICs, individual electronic components (e.g., transistors) and microprocessors.

[0174] In some embodiments, components shown separately may be replaced by a single component. Furthermore, some of the displayed components may be additional or replaced by other components.

[0175] In various embodiments, one or more memories can store a set of instruction words that can be executed by one or more processors to perform one or more methods or processes based on the functions disclosed herein. One or more memories can communicate by one or more wires or buses or wirelessly. One or more memories may be static or dynamic memories. One or more memories may be, for example, various types

[0176] This may include, but is not limited to, volatile and non-volatile storage media, such as computer-readable storage media including random-access memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable read-only memory, and flash memory.

[0177] In one embodiment, one or more memories may include cache or random access memory for one or more processors. One or more memories may be cache memory, system memory, or other memory for one or more processors. Processing strategies may include multiprocessing, multitasking, and the like. According to various embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium described with respect to one or more memories may be non-temporary and may be tangible memory.

[0178] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described herein are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of filing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0179] 1000, 2000: Battery manufacturing system 100: Battery manufacturing equipment 180: Server 111: Unwinder 113: Rewinder 115: Processing mechanism 125U, 125R: First position measuring instrument 121, 123: Second position measuring instrument (first rotary encoder, second rotary encoder) 130: Measuring Instruments 130P: Processing Unit 130S: Sensing Unit 140: Controller 300: User equipment

Claims

1. The steps include generating pattern indicator data that indicates multiple positions in a pattern electrode sheet in which coated portions and uncoated portions are repeatedly arranged, and coated portions and uncoated portions adjacent to the coated portions constitute a single pattern, A step of generating measurement data and / or inspection data for the pattern electrode sheet, The steps of relating the pattern indicator data with the generated measurement data and / or inspection data, The process includes the step of generating monitoring data for battery manufacturing based on associated measurement data and / or inspection data and pattern indicator data, A battery manufacturing method wherein one of the plurality of positions is the position of at least one coated portion and an adjacent uncoated portion in the pattern electrode sheet.

2. The pattern indicator data includes a pattern indicator and a time value matched to the pattern indicator. The measurement data and / or inspection data includes the measured value and / or inspection value and the time value matched to the measured value and / or inspection value. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the pattern indicator and the measured value and / or test value are associated with each other in correspondence to the same time value.

3. The aforementioned pattern indicator data includes a pattern indicator, The battery manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the step of assigning the pattern indicator to a plurality of positions on the pattern electrode sheet, wherein one pattern indicator is obtained by counting one position, and the count increases or decreases according to the pattern indicator.

4. A battery manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of determining a pattern with an abnormal pitch by comparing the set pattern pitch with the length of each pattern.

5. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of deriving the length of the pattern by multiplying the difference between the time of detecting the boundary at the beginning of the coated portion and the time of detecting the boundary at the end of the uncoated portion by the moving speed of the pattern electrode sheet.

6. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of deriving the length of the coating portion by multiplying the difference between the time of detecting the boundary line at the beginning of the coating portion and the time of detecting the boundary line at the end of the coating portion by the moving speed of the pattern electrode sheet.

7. The step further includes obtaining coordinate data including coordinate values ​​indicating the position on the pattern electrode sheet, The battery manufacturing method according to claim 2, wherein the coordinate values ​​are associated with at least one of the following: i) The pattern indicator ii) The measured value and / or the test value iii) The pattern indicator and the time value matched to the measured value and / or test value

8. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of obtaining a sub-pattern indicator by comparing a set pattern pitch with the coordinate data.

9. The method further includes a step of comparing the set pattern pitch with the length of each pattern to identify patterns with abnormal pitches, The battery manufacturing method according to claim 6, wherein the length of each pattern is determined based on the difference in coordinate values ​​between the starting end of the coated portion and the ending end of the uncoated portion of each pattern.

10. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of deriving the length of the coated portion of each pattern based on the difference in coordinate values ​​between the start and end points of the coated portion of each pattern.

11. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when there is an uncoated section between adjacent patterns of the pattern electrode sheet that is not included in the pattern, a number of pattern indicators corresponding to the uncoated section are provided to the uncoated section, equal to the number of patterns obtained by dividing the length of the uncoated section by a set pattern pitch.

12. The aforementioned monitoring data is A battery manufacturing method according to claim 7, comprising a roll map that includes the pattern indicator data, measurement data and / or inspection data associated with the pattern indicator, and further selectively includes the coordinate data.

13. A first position measuring instrument is configured to generate pattern indicator data indicating multiple positions on a pattern electrode sheet in which coated portions and uncoated portions are repeatedly arranged, and coated portions and uncoated portions adjacent to the coated portions constitute a single pattern. A measuring instrument and / or inspector configured to collect measurement data and / or inspection data for the pattern electrode sheet, The system includes the pattern indicator data and a server configured to generate monitoring data for battery manufacturing based on the pattern indicator data and / or measurement data associated with the pattern indicator data, A battery manufacturing system in which one of the plurality of positions is the location of at least one coated portion and an adjacent uncoated portion in the pattern electrode sheet.

14. It further includes one or more processors, The first position measuring instrument is configured to generate pattern indicator data including a pattern indicator and a time value matched to the pattern indicator. The measuring instrument and / or testing instrument is configured to generate a measured value and / or a tested value, and a time value that matches the measured value and / or tested value. The battery manufacturing system according to claim 13, wherein one or more processors are configured to associate the pattern indicator and the measured value and / or test value with each other in correspondence to the same time value.

15. The battery manufacturing system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the first position measuring instrument is configured to generate pattern indicator data including pattern indicators that are matched to a plurality of positions on the pattern electrode sheet, one pattern indicator being generated by counting one position, the count increasing or decreasing according to the pattern indicator.

16. The battery manufacturing system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the first position measuring instrument is configured to determine a pattern with an abnormal pitch by comparing a set pattern pitch with the length of each pattern.

17. The system further includes a second position measuring instrument configured to generate coordinate data including coordinate values ​​that indicate the position of the pattern electrode sheet, The battery manufacturing system according to claim 14, wherein the coordinate values ​​are associated with at least one of the following: i) The pattern indicator ii) Measured values ​​and / or test values ​​included in the measurement data and / or test data iii) The pattern indicator and the time value matched to the measured value and / or test value

18. The battery manufacturing system according to claim 17, wherein the server is configured to generate a roll map which includes the pattern indicator data, measurement data and / or inspection data associated with the pattern indicator, and which selectively further includes the coordinate data.

19. One or more non-temporary processor-readable media for storing executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors to perform the method of claim 1.

20. An electrode having an uncoated portion adjacent to at least one coated portion, which is indicated by one of the pattern indicators among the pattern indicator data indicating multiple positions in a roll map stored in memory, The case in which the electrode is housed includes, The roll map shows a pattern electrode sheet in which coated and uncoated portions are repeatedly arranged, the roll map provides measurement data and / or inspection data of the coated portions on the pattern electrode sheet, and the pattern indicator indicates the position of an uncoated portion adjacent to at least one coated portion in the roll map corresponding to the electrode. The case includes a battery that includes a cell ID for identifying the pattern indicator in order to retrieve measurement data and / or inspection data for at least one coating portion in the pattern electrode sheet corresponding to the pattern indicator.

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