Electrode connection cause determination system and role map generation system using the same

Abstract

The electrode connection cause determination system of the present invention includes a position measuring device that acquires a longitudinal position of the electrode as coordinate value data corresponding to an amount of rotation of the rewinder when the electrode moves between the unwinder and the rewinder in a roll-to-roll state, a signal generator that generates a connection notification signal that is generated in advance in relation to the electrode connection when the electrode is connected between the unwinder and the rewinder due to a specific reason, a seam detector that detects a seam attached to the electrode after the signal is generated, and a determination unit that determines that the electrode connection due to the seam is due to the specific reason when the seam is detected within a predetermined distance from the electrode coordinate value at the time the connection notification signal is generated.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for determining the cause of connection of an electrode when a seam is detected in the electrode during the electrode manufacturing process.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a role map generating system using the above-mentioned determination system.

[0003] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0117213 dated September 2, 2021, and all contents disclosed in the documents of that Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0004] The demand for secondary batteries is also increasing rapidly due to technological development and increasing demand for mobile devices. Among them, lithium secondary batteries are widely used as an energy source for various electronic products as well as various mobile devices due to their high energy density, operating voltage, and excellent storage and life characteristics.

[0005] The electrode manufacturing process for manufacturing electrodes for lithium secondary batteries consists of several detailed processes, including a coating process in which an active material and a predetermined insulating material are applied to the surface of a metal electrode plate, which serves as a current collector, to form a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a roll press process in which the coated electrodes are rolled, and a slitting process in which the rolled electrodes are cut to size.

[0006] The electrodes manufactured in the electrode manufacturing process are notched to form electrode tabs, and a separator is interposed between the positive and negative electrodes to form an electrode assembly, which is then stacked or folded, packaged in a pouch or can, and filled with electrolyte to form a secondary battery. The assembled secondary battery is then charged and discharged, and undergoes an activation process to impart battery properties, resulting in the final completed secondary battery.

[0007] In the electrode manufacturing process, the electrodes are moved in a roll-to-roll state between an unwinder and a rewinder and undergo each detailed process. In this process, for example, a joint may be formed in the electrode due to the removal of a broken or defective electrode portion. That is, the broken or defective electrode portion may be removed and the electrodes may be joined by bonding with a connecting tape. Alternatively, for material exchange, the electrodes may be bonded with a connecting tape in a so-called splicing process in which the end of one electrode is connected to the start of another electrode.

[0008] However, in the past, it was only possible to determine the position of the seam (connecting tape) using a seam detector, and it was difficult to determine the actual cause of the seam. Knowing information about how the seam was created makes it easy to track the quality of the electrode in subsequent processes. Also, if a defect occurs in a battery cell manufactured using the electrode, information about the seam may be required to track the cause of the defect.

[0009] Recently, in the electrode manufacturing process, a roll map may be generated in which the electrode moving in a roll-to-roll state is displayed in a simulated form and data on the longitudinal position of the electrode is displayed at a predetermined coordinate, thereby recording information on various events that occur in the electrode in the electrode manufacturing process. By creating a roll map, information on the quality and defects of the electrode can be displayed in the electrode coating process, roll press process, slitting process, etc. The roll map is very useful for analyzing quality correlation in the electrode manufacturing process since it shows the electrode progress status in the previous process, the status of electrode length change, and the status of defect occurrence between each detailed process of the electrode manufacturing process. In addition, the roll map information can be referred to in the subsequent process to efficiently perform the subsequent process.

[0010] Meanwhile, the roll map can display the positions of the seams using coordinates. In this case, if the cause of the seams can be displayed, history information regarding electrode connection in the electrode manufacturing process can be grasped at a glance.

[0011] Therefore, when a joint occurs in an electrode during the electrode manufacturing process, it is necessary to develop a technology that can accurately determine the cause of the electrode joint or seam or display it on a roll map. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0059026 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a system for determining the cause of electrode connection, which can simply and accurately determine the cause of electrode connection that occurs in an electrode manufacturing process in which electrodes are moved in a roll-to-roll state.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a roll map generating system capable of displaying electrode connection causes on a roll map using the above-mentioned electrode connection cause determining system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The electrode connection cause determination system of the present invention for solving the above problem includes a position measuring device that acquires a longitudinal position of an electrode as coordinate value data corresponding to an amount of rotation of the rewinder when an electrode moves in a roll-to-roll state between an unwinder and a rewinder, a signal generator that generates a connection prediction signal that is generated in advance in relation to the electrode connection when an electrode is connected between the unwinder and the rewinder for a specific reason, a seam detector that detects a seam attached to the electrode after the signal is generated, and a determination unit that determines that the electrode connection due to the seam is due to the specific reason when the seam is detected within a predetermined distance from the electrode coordinate value at the time the connection prediction signal is generated.

[0016] As an example, the position measuring device may be a rotary encoder that extracts the electrode position as coordinate value data from the amount of rotation of a motor that drives the rewinder.

[0017] Specifically, the signal generator and the seam detector may be linked with the position measuring device to obtain electrode coordinate values ​​at the time of signal generation and electrode coordinate values ​​at which the seam is attached, respectively.

[0018] For example, the electrode connection cause determination system may further include a controller that controls electrode movement between the unwinder and the rewinder and that may acquire a longitudinal position of the electrode as a coordinate value in cooperation with the position measuring device. The controller may be connected to the signal generator and the seam detector to acquire electrode coordinate data at the time of signal generation and electrode coordinate values ​​at which the seam is attached, respectively.

[0019] As a specific example, the determination unit may be provided in a control unit that controls the movement of the electrode between the unwinder and the rewinder, or in a manufacturing execution system (MES) that manages the electrode manufacturing process.

[0020] More specifically, the production management system includes a roll map generating unit that generates a roll map that displays electrodes moving in a roll-to-roll manner and displays longitudinal positions of the electrodes and positions of seams in predetermined coordinates. The roll map generating unit may display the electrode connection cause grasped by the determining unit at the seam position on the roll map.

[0021] In one embodiment, the specific reason is electrode disconnection due to electrode breakage, and the signal generator is a tension sensor that senses tension of an electrode moving in a roll-to-roll state. The determination unit may determine that the electrode connection due to the seam is due to electrode breakage when the seam is detected within a distance obtained by adding an entire distance of the equipment from the rewinder to the unwinder to an electrode coordinate value at the time when the sensing signal is generated by the tension sensor.

[0022] In another embodiment, the specific reason is scrap disposal, which is to remove and discard a defective part of an electrode, and the signal generator is a manual input device installed in a defective removal port. The determination unit may determine that the electrode connection due to the seam is due to scrap disposal when the seam is detected within a distance obtained by adding a distance from the rewinder to the defective removal port to an electrode coordinate value at the time of receiving an input signal from the manual input device.

[0023] In another embodiment, the specific event is electrode splicing for connecting an old electrode and a new electrode for electrode replacement, and the signal generator is an automatic or manual input device that can input whether or not an electrode replacement has occurred. The determination unit may determine that the electrode connection due to the splicing is due to splicing for electrode replacement when the splicing is detected within a distance obtained by adding a distance from the rewinder to the splicing unit to an electrode coordinate value at the time of receiving a replacement signal from the automatic or manual input device.

[0024] In another aspect of the present invention, a roll map generating system includes a position measuring device that, when an electrode moves between an unwinder and a rewinder in a roll-to-roll state, acquires a longitudinal position of the electrode as coordinate value data corresponding to an amount of rotation of the rewinder; a signal generator that generates a connection notification signal that is generated in advance in relation to the electrode connection when an electrode is connected between the unwinder and the rewinder for a specific reason; a seam detector that detects a seam attached on the electrode after the signal is generated; a determination unit that, when the seam is detected within a predetermined distance from an electrode coordinate value at a time when the connection notification signal is generated, determines that the electrode connection due to the seam is due to the specific reason; and a roll map generating unit that generates a roll map that displays electrodes moving in a roll-to-roll state and displays the longitudinal positions of the electrodes and the positions of the seam at predetermined coordinates, and the roll map generating unit may generate a roll map by displaying the cause of electrode connection grasped by the determination unit at the position of the seam on the roll map.

[0025] As an example, the determination unit may be included in the roll map generation unit or a control unit that controls electrode movement between the unwinder and rewinder.

[0026] In a specific example, the roll map generating unit may further include a control unit that controls movement of the electrodes between the unwinder and the rewinder and that is linked with the position measuring device to obtain a coordinate value of a longitudinal position of the electrodes. The roll map generating unit may include the determination unit, and the control unit may be connected to the signal generator and the seam detector to obtain electrode coordinate data at a time when the signal is generated and an electrode coordinate value where the seam is attached, and transmit the electrode coordinate data to the determination unit. Effect of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, when a connection occurs on an electrode, the cause of the connection can be easily determined, and information regarding the cause of the connection can be utilized in subsequent processes, and the information can be utilized when tracking quality in the event of a defect.

[0028] In addition, the availability of the roll map information can be improved by displaying information on the location of the junction and the cause of the junction on the roll map. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a roll press step in an electrode manufacturing process. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a roll map that mimics an electrode. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrode connection cause determination system according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a role map generation system according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a role map generating unit of the role map generating system of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mechanism for determining the cause of electrode connection and generating a role map according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mechanism for determining the cause of electrode connection and generating a role map according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the splicing process for electrode replacement. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mechanism for determining the cause of electrode connectivity and generating a role map according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Hereinafter, detailed configurations of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and various embodiments. The embodiments described below are illustratively shown to facilitate understanding of the present invention. In addition, the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated.

[0031] The present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various forms. Therefore, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, it is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific disclosed forms, but it should be understood that the present invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a roll press step in an electrode manufacturing process.

[0033] As described above, the electrode manufacturing process includes a coating process in which an active material and a predetermined insulating material are applied to the surface of a metal electrode plate, which is a collector, to form a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a roll press process in which the coated electrode is rolled, and a slitting process in which the rolled electrode is cut according to size. The above processes are performed while the electrode 1 moves in a roll-to-roll state between the unwinder UW and the rewinder RW. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, while the electrode 1 moves between the unwinder UW and the rewinder RW, it is rolled by the press rolls P1 and P2 arranged above and below the electrode 1. After rolling, the rolled electrode 1 is changed in direction by a predetermined guide roll R and moves to the rewinder RW to be wound up. A dancer roll Rd for adjusting the tension of the electrode 1 may be installed on the transport path of the electrode 1, and a tension sensor 20A for detecting the tension of the electrode 1 is installed on the dancer roll. The tension sensor 20A may detect a break in the electrode 1 by sensing a change in tension of the electrode 1. The path of the roll pressing process illustrated in FIG. 1 is merely an example and is not limiting.

[0034] In the electrode 1 manufacturing process including the roll press process, the electrode 1 may break due to excessive tension applied to the electrode 1 moving in a roll-to-roll state or due to the presence of a defective electrode part. Usually, the electrode rolls attached to the unwinder UW and the rewinder RW have a long running distance of about 2000 meters to 3000 meters, and the electrode often breaks during this process. In particular, excessive force is applied to the electrode 1 before and after the press rolls P1 and P2, which often causes electrode breakage. Alternatively, in the roll press process, a scrap disposal process may be performed to remove defective parts of the electrode generated in the previous electrode coating process. In addition, as described later, when one electrode 1 is completely worn out, a splicing process is performed to connect the end of the worn electrode to the start of a new electrode for continuous electrode manufacturing.

[0035] In the case of electrode breakage or scrap disposal, for example, a connecting tape coated with adhesive is attached to the broken electrode 1 to connect the electrodes. In the splicing process, electrodes can also be connected using double-sided tape. As described above, joints (seams) occur in electrodes due to various reasons. The electrode joints can be measured using a joint detector such as a color sensor. Since the connecting tape has a different color from the electrodes, its position can be easily detected by the color sensor.

[0036] Generally, when an electrode is transferred in a roll-to-roll state, a rotary encoder capable of deriving the electrode position from the amount of rotation of a motor is installed on the unwinder and / or rewinder. Therefore, the electrode position at the time of seam detection can be specified as an encoder value (position coordinate value) by the seam detector and the rotary encoder.

[0037] Since electrode connections occur due to various reasons as described above, even if a seam is actually detected by a sensor, it is difficult to identify the cause of the seam. Therefore, the present invention is directed to identifying and determining the cause of the electrode connections or seams.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a roll map that mimics an electrode.

[0039] The role map RM is generated by a predetermined role map generation system.

[0040] 2, on the roll map RM, the longitudinal dimension X of the electrode is shown at a predetermined interval using coordinates. On such a roll map RM, information on defects and quality that occur in the electrode manufacturing process is shown together with the coordinates, making it easy to visually grasp data on quality and defects in the electrode manufacturing process at a glance.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 2, appearance defect information such as a pinhole defect f1 and a line defect f2 is visually displayed at the coordinates where the defect occurs. A mismatch portion f3 between a coated portion and an uncoated portion is also displayed. Other loading amount defects are also displayed, and the positions of the electrode connections are also displayed. A plurality of electrode connections can be displayed along the electrode. Therefore, if it is possible to visually display the cause of each connection, the effectiveness of the roll map information can be improved.

[0042] (First embodiment) FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an electrode connection cause determining system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] The electrode connection cause determination system 100 of the present invention includes a position measuring device 10 that acquires the longitudinal position of the electrode 1 as coordinate value data corresponding to the amount of rotation of the rewinder when the electrode 1 moves in a roll-to-roll state between the unwinders UW1, UW2 and the rewinder RW, a signal generator 20 that generates a connection notice signal that is generated in advance in relation to the electrode connection when the electrode 1 is connected between the unwinder and the rewinder for a specific reason, a seam detector 30 that detects a seam attached to the electrode 1 after the signal is generated, and a determination unit 4 that determines that the electrode connection due to the seam is due to the specific reason when the seam is detected within a predetermined distance from the electrode coordinate value at the time the connection notice signal is generated.

[0044] The present invention includes a position measuring device 10 that obtains the longitudinal position of the electrode in accordance with the amount of rotation of the rewinder as coordinate value data in order to determine the cause of electrode connection.

[0045] As an example of such a position measuring device, a rotary encoder can be used that extracts the electrode position as coordinate value data from the amount of rotation of the motor that drives the rewinder RW. The electrode position can also be extracted as coordinates by a rotary encoder installed on the unwinder. However, in the case of the present invention, since it is also applied to the case of splicing caused by material exchange in the unwinder, it is difficult to apply the rotary encoder of the unwinder to derive the coordinate value. In particular, since the joint sensor 30 must sense the electrode joint after the generation of a signal related to the electrode connection, it is arranged near the rewinder RW where the electrode 1 is finally wound. Since the present invention determines the cause of electrode connection based on the above signal and the sensing data of the electrode connection part by the joint sensor 30, the coordinate value data is obtained using the rotary encoder of the rewinder RW adjacent to the joint sensor 30.

[0046] The electrode connection cause determination system 100 of the present invention also includes a signal generator 20 that generates a connection notice signal that is generated in advance in relation to the electrode connection. When the electrode 1 is terminated in any form and another electrode or a broken electrode part is connected, a predetermined signal is generated before the connection. For example, when the electrode breaks, the tension of the electrode is suddenly reduced, so the tension sensor 20A can detect the tension and grasp the electrode breakage. When the electrode 1 breaks, the electrode 1 is connected with a connecting tape, so the sensing signal detected by the tension sensor 20A becomes the connection notice signal that is generated in advance in relation to the electrode connection. The tension sensor 20A also serves as the signal generator 20 that generates the signal. In FIG. 3, the tension sensor 20A is illustrated on the electrode as a signal generator. In FIG. 3, an alarm unit 21 that issues an alarm regarding the electrode breakage when the tension sensor detects the electrode breakage is also illustrated.

[0047] Alternatively, in the roll press process as shown in FIG. 3, when a scrap disposal operation is performed to remove defective parts of the electrode generated in the previous process, an operator inputs a scrap disposal operation signal to a predetermined input device before starting the operation. The input device 20B may be, for example, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) control button displayed on a touch screen. The operator removes the defective parts on a work table 22 installed in a defect removal port 23, and connects the remaining electrode 1 with a connecting tape. The removed defective parts are discarded in the defect removal port 23.

[0048] Therefore, during the scrap disposal operation, a work start signal from an operator serves as a connection advance signal that is generated in advance in relation to the electrode connection.

[0049] In addition, an electrode connection part is also generated during a so-called splicing operation in which an old electrode and a new electrode are connected to supply a new electrode when one type of electrode is consumed. FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the connection of the electrodes of the old electrode roll and the new electrode roll. The above splicing operation can be performed manually or automatically. For example, when replacing the old electrode roll with the new electrode roll on one unwinder, the operation of the equipment can be stopped, and the barcode of the new electrode roll can be scanned with a barcode reader installed on the unwinder to transmit information about the new electrode roll to a production management system (MES) or the like. In addition, the connection between the bobbin on which the old electrode roll was wound and the chuck of the unwinder can be released, and the bobbin on which the new electrode roll was wound can be connected to the chuck of the unwinder. Alternatively, in the case of automatic splicing in which the old electrode and the new electrode are automatically connected using two unwinders UW1 and UW2, the end of the old electrode can be cut by the cutter 20C after the electrodes are connected. In the case of the above manual or automatic splicing operation, the electrode replacement signal can be appropriately selected. For example, the replacement signal may be a scan signal from a barcode reader. Alternatively, the replacement signal may be a connection and release signal of the chuck of the unwinder. Alternatively, in automatic splicing, the replacement signal may be a rise and fall signal of the cutter 20C. In any case, splicing is followed by electrode connection. Therefore, the above signal is a connection advance signal that is generated in advance in relation to electrode connection (splicing). In this case, the signal generator 20 may be a motion sensor connected to the barcode reader, the chuck, or the cutter.

[0050] The signal generator 20 and the seam detector 30 can obtain the electrode coordinate value at the time of signal generation and the electrode coordinate value at which the seam is attached in cooperation with the position measuring device 10. That is, the signal generator 20 can obtain the encoder value of the position measuring device 10 (rotary encoder of the rewinder) at the time of signal generation to obtain the electrode coordinate value at the time of signal generation. It should be noted that the electrode coordinate value is the signal value of the encoder, and is not the actual position of the actual electrode when the electrode is actually broken. That is, for example, when the tension sensor 20A senses a sudden tension, the tension sensor can obtain the electrode coordinate value at that time in cooperation with the position measuring device. However, if the tension suddenly decreases, the electrode coordinate at that point (time) cannot be said to be the electrode breakage point, and generally there is a time difference between the sensing of the tension sensor and the time when the actually broken electrode reaches the tension sensor due to the electrode running. Therefore, the actual electrode breakage does not occur at the signal generation (sensing) point, but at a portion thereafter. The seam detector 30 also works in conjunction with the position measuring device 10 to derive electrode coordinate values ​​(encoder values) at the time of seam detection.

[0051] The present invention includes a determination unit 40 that, if the seam is detected within a predetermined distance from the electrode coordinate value at the time when the connection notice signal is generated, determines that the electrode connection due to the seam is due to a specific reason.

[0052] As described above, in order to determine the cause of electrode connection, the connection notice signal must be received by the determination unit 40. For example, when an electrode breaks, the operation of the device is interrupted, and the electrode 1 is connected with a connection tape. In this case, a sensing signal from a predetermined signal generator 20 (tension sensor) is received by the determination unit, and the electrode coordinate value at that time is obtained. The electrode coordinate value may be input to the determination unit 40 directly from the signal generator 20 linked with the position measuring device 10, or may be input to the determination unit 40 via a control unit 50 that controls the electrode movement as described below. In addition, it is necessary to confirm that the actual electrode 1 is connected after receiving the signal. For this purpose, the determination unit 40 must also receive a detection signal from the seam detector 30 and electrode coordinate values ​​of the seam. The determination unit 40 is intended to determine the cause of electrode connection when the seam is detected within a predetermined distance from the electrode coordinate value at the time when the connection notice signal is generated, i.e., when the position of the seam is grasped, and therefore the electrode coordinate value of the seam must also be specified. The electrode coordinate values ​​of the seam can be input to the determination unit 40 directly from the seam detector 30 that is linked to the seam detector, or can be input to the determination unit via the control unit 50 that controls the electrode movement, as described below.

[0053] FIG. 3 clearly shows that the electrode coordinate values ​​from the signal generator 20 and the seam detector 30 are transmitted to the determination unit 40.

[0054] The electrode connection cause determination system 100 may further include a control unit 50 that controls electrode movement between the unwinder UW and the rewinder RW and can acquire the longitudinal position of the electrode as a coordinate value in cooperation with the position measuring device 10. For example, the control unit 50, such as a PLC control unit, can be connected to the position measuring device 10 to control the transfer of the roll-to-roll electrode and can acquire the longitudinal position of the electrode as a coordinate value from the position measuring device at any time. Therefore, when the control unit 50 is connected to the signal generator 20 and the seam detector 30, the electrode coordinate data at the time of signal generation and the electrode coordinate value where the seam is attached can be acquired through the control unit 50, respectively.

[0055] Specifically, the determination unit 40 may be included in a control unit 50 that controls the movement of the electrode between the unwinder UW and the rewinder RW, or in a manufacturing execution system (MES) that manages the electrode manufacturing process. With reference to Figs. 4 and 5, it is clearly shown that the determination unit 40 may be included as a component of the PLC control unit 50, or may be included as a component of the production management system that manages the electrode manufacturing process. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the production management system may include a roll map generation unit 60 that displays the electrode 1 moving in a roll-to-roll state in an imitation form and generates a roll map RM that displays the longitudinal position of the electrode and the position of the seam in predetermined coordinates. Therefore, the roll map generation unit 60 may display the electrode connection cause grasped by the determination unit 40 included in the control unit 50 or the roll map generation unit 60 itself at the position of the seam on the roll map RM. The process of displaying the electrode connection cause on the roll map will be described later in association with the second embodiment.

[0056] The determination unit 40 can determine the cause of electrode connection due to the seam when a seam is detected within a predetermined distance from the electrode coordinate value at the time when the connection notice signal is generated. The predetermined distance can be applied differently depending on the cause of electrode connection. Also, it is necessary to determine the predetermined distance as a distance at which the connection tape can be reliably detected having a predetermined relationship from the position (electrode coordinate value) at the time when the connection notice signal is generated in relation to the cause of electrode connection.

[0057] The determination of the predetermined distance for determining the cause of electrode connection is also applied to the role map generating system of the second embodiment. Therefore, the determination of the predetermined distance and the specific determination of the cause of electrode connection will be described in more detail in association with the second embodiment.

[0058] Second embodiment FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a role map generation system 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] The roll map generating system 200 of the present invention includes a position measuring device 10 for acquiring a longitudinal position of an electrode according to a rotation amount of the rewinder as coordinate value data when an electrode moves between an unwinder and a rewinder in a roll-to-roll state, a signal generator 20 for generating a connection notice signal that is generated in advance in relation to the electrode connection when an electrode is connected between the unwinder and the rewinder due to a specific event, a seam detector 30 for detecting a seam attached on the electrode after the signal is generated, a determination unit 40 for determining that the electrode connection due to the seam is due to the specific event when the seam is detected within a predetermined distance from the electrode coordinate value at the time when the connection notice signal is generated, and a roll map generating unit 60 for generating a roll map that displays electrodes moving in a roll-to-roll state in a form that imitates the longitudinal positions of the electrodes and a seam position at predetermined coordinates, and the roll map generating unit 60 can generate a roll map RM by displaying the electrode connection cause grasped by the determination unit 40 at the seam position on the roll map.

[0060] In the roll map generating system 200, the position measuring device 10, the signal generator 20, the seam detector 30 and the determination unit 40 are the same as those in the electrode connection cause determination system of the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for the corresponding components and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0061] This embodiment includes a roll map generator 60 that generates a roll map RM that displays electrodes moving in a roll-to-roll manner in a simulated form and displays the longitudinal positions of the electrodes and seam positions in predetermined coordinates.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the role map generating unit of the role map generating system of FIG.

[0063] The roll map generating unit 60 may include a database 61 in which electrode coordinate data, data regarding the quality of normal and defective electrodes, etc. are stored, a central processing unit 62 which commands a visualization device to visualize and display a roll map based on data from the database or data obtained by a seam detector, an appearance detector, or other detectors, and a visualization device 63 which visualizes and displays the roll map so that it can be confirmed by the naked eye.

[0064] The visualization device 63 defines a visualization area forming a roll map RM that mimics an electrode, and displays coordinate data on the defined area. The visualization device 63 can match and visualize various test data acquired on the electrode and the coordinate data from which the data was acquired. The visualization device 63 is connected to the central processing unit 62, and can visualize and display the test data and the coordinate data in response to an instruction from the central processing unit 62.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 5, the visualization device 63 includes an acquired data input unit 63a, a roll map coordinate grasping unit 63b, and an image generating unit 63c.

[0066] The acquired data input unit 63a receives and inputs data from the central processing unit 62. The roll map coordinate grasper 63b can define a visualization area forming a roll map and define pixel coordinate values ​​in the visualization area for each data element of the acquired source data. The coordinate grasper 63b can map the acquired data on quality or defects and the (width and length) position data of the electrode 1, and assign the mapped data on the visualization area (roll map) according to pixel coordinates. The image generator 63c can express the mapped data elements assigned to each pixel coordinate in the visualization area with at least one legend. The legend refers to various shapes such as circles, squares, and triangles displayed in the visualization area, and the shapes with colors. Therefore, the image generating unit 63c visually displays various data related to quality or defects at pixel coordinates (coordinates on the roll map) corresponding to each position data of the actual electrode 1 in a visualization area called a roll map in a display unit with a pattern, shape, and color specified for each data, thereby generating the roll map RM of the present invention.

[0067] Also, based on data stored in a storage unit such as a database 61, data corresponding to a specific range of the role map can be read from the storage unit and displayed (image generated) on the screen. At this time, the central processing unit 62 can issue a command to the visualization device 63 to visually display test data found to be abnormal in comparison with normal data stored in the database 61, distinguishing it from other data.

[0068] The size setting of the visualization area and the generation of the image by grasping the coordinates of the visualization area can be performed by various conventional user interfaces, or various programs and processing tools related to data allocation, processing, analysis, and visualization. Therefore, the role map generator 60 described above is merely an example, and is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0069] The above-mentioned roll map generating unit 60 may be one component of a data processing system such as a production management system (MES). A data processing system refers to a system (including hardware or software) that performs input, processing, output, communication, etc. in order to perform a series of operations on data. In the electrode 1 manufacturing process, an electrode MES is provided that manages a series of electrode manufacturing processes such as coating, pressing, and slitting. Therefore, when the above-mentioned coordinate data, inspection data, etc. are sent to the electrode MES, the electrode MES can generate the above-mentioned roll map. The generated roll map RM can be displayed on a display unit.

[0070] The roll map generating unit 60 of the present invention can generate a roll map RM by displaying the electrode connection cause grasped by the determining unit on the position of the seam of the generated roll map. To this end, the roll map generating unit 60 can include the determining unit 40. For example, the central processing unit 62 can include the determining unit 40, and the determining unit of the central processing unit can determine the connection cause according to a predetermined logic and display it on the roll map.

[0071] Alternatively, the determination unit 40 may be included in the control unit 50 that controls the movement of the electrodes. In this case, the roll map generating unit 60 may receive information on the cause of electrode connection from a determination unit included in the control unit and display it on a roll map. Alternatively, when the determination unit 40 is included in a central processing unit, the determination unit 40 may determine the cause of electrode connection by acquiring electrode coordinate data at the time of signal generation and electrode coordinate values ​​where the seam is attached from the control unit 50 that can acquire the longitudinal position of the electrode as coordinate values ​​in cooperation with the position measuring device 10.

[0072] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mechanism for determining the cause of electrode connection and generating a role map according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] FIG. 6 shows that the electrodes are connected in the event of an electrode breakage between the unwinder and rewinder.

[0074] When the tension sensor (signal generator) 20A receives a sudden tension reduction signal (tension sensor on signal), the electrode coordinate value at that time is derived. This sudden tension reduction signal becomes a connection notice signal. For example, if the tension sensor signal is received from the rewinder encoder value at an electrode coordinate of 104 m, the tension sensor signal continues to be on until the electrodes are connected again, and turns off after the electrodes are connected. Then, the seam (connected tape: T) and its electrode coordinate value are detected by the seam detector 30 installed adjacent to the rewinder. In this case, the seam T is located at least within the distance of the entire equipment (offset distance of the entire equipment) from the electrode coordinate value (104 m) at the time when the connection notice signal is generated. In other words, since the connection of the electrodes is performed within the equipment, if the seam T is found at a point outside the distance of the entire equipment, it is difficult to determine that the electrodes are connected when the tension sensor signal is induced (in the case of electrode breakage). Therefore, if the seam T is found within the entire equipment distance, for example, 50 m, from the electrode coordinate value (104 m) where the tension sensor signal was generated, the determination unit 40 can determine that the electrode seam (connecting tape) is an electrode connection caused by a break. In Fig. 6, since the seam is detected by the seam detector at 115 m, which is within the entire equipment distance of 50 m from 104 m, the cause of electrode connection can be displayed as "broken connection" on the roll map formed by the roll map generation unit 60. In this case, the predetermined distance for determining the cause of electrode connection is the "entire equipment distance."

[0075] The electrode connection cause can be indicated by letters as in FIG. 6, or visually indicated by changing the color or hatching pattern of the connecting tape T according to each cause.

[0076] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mechanism for determining the cause of electrode connection and generating a role map according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] FIG. 7 shows that the electrodes are joined together in the case of scrap disposal to remove defective parts of the electrodes.

[0078] When an operator presses a scrap start button on a manual input device 20B (signal generator) installed in a defect removal port 23 (scrap port), the input signal and the electrode coordinate value at the time of receiving the input signal are transmitted to the judgment unit 40 directly from the manual input device or via a control unit 50 that controls the transfer of electrodes. In this embodiment, the input signal of the scrap port is a connection notice signal. For example, if the input signal of the scrap port is received at an electrode coordinate of 104m from the encoder value of the rewinder, the input signal of the scrap port continues to be on until the electrode is connected again, and turns off after the electrode is connected. Then, a seam and its electrode coordinate value are detected by a seam sensor installed adjacent to the rewinder.

[0079] The distance from the rewinder to the defective removal port 23 where scrap disposal is performed is preset. For example, if the distance from the rewinder to the defective removal port 23 is 40 m, the joint is located within 40 m (i.e., 144 m) from the electrode coordinate value (104 m) at the time when the input signal of the scrap port is received. In this case, the predetermined distance for determining the cause of electrode connection is the "distance from the rewinder to the defective removal port."

[0080] Therefore, if the seam is found within a predetermined distance of 40 m from the electrode coordinate value (104 m) at the time of receiving the input signal from the manual input device, the determination unit 40 can determine the electrode seam (connecting tape) T as an electrode connection due to scrap disposal. In Fig. 7, since the seam T is detected by the seam detector 30 at 115 m, which is within a predetermined distance of 40 m from 104 m, the electrode connection cause can be displayed as "scrap disposal connection" on the roll map formed by the roll map generator 60.

[0081] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the automated splicing process for replacing electrodes.

[0082] As shown in the figure, the end 1A of the electrode drawn from the old electrode roll (not shown) and the start 1B of the electrode drawn from the new electrode roll UW2 are connected. For example, when the electrode end signal of the old electrode roll is received by a winding diameter sensor (not shown) installed on the old electrode roll in the standby state of the new electrode roll UW2 as shown in FIG. 8(a), the pressure roll R1 on which the end 1A of the old electrode is wound and the pressure roll R2 on which the start 1B of the new electrode is pressed are driven to approach each other (see FIG. 8(b)). Since the double-sided tape 2 is attached to the start 1B of the new electrode roll, the old electrode and the new electrode are bonded by the pressure of the pressure roll. After the bonding is completed, the cutter 20C installed near the end 1A of the old electrode descends to cut the old electrode, and the electrode of the new electrode roll connected to the old electrode roll moves in a roll-to-roll state toward a rewinder (not shown). This allows the roll-to-roll transfer from the unwinder to the rewinder to be performed continuously without interruption. A support 20D is provided on the rear surface of the electrode so that the cutter 20C can easily cut the electrode. Even in the case of such splicing, electrode connection inevitably occurs.

[0083] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the mechanism of electrode connection cause determination and role map generation in the case of the above-mentioned splicing.

[0084] When an old electrode and a new electrode are automatically or manually spliced ​​together on a splicing table (splicing unit) for electrode replacement, a predetermined electrode replacement signal (splicing signal) is input by an automatic or manual input device.

[0085] The replacement signal may be an operation signal of a motion sensor installed in a lifting cylinder connected to a cutter 20C for cutting off an old electrode in the case of Fig. 9. Alternatively, when an operator manually presses a splicing start button before splicing an electrode on a splicing table, the input signal may be the electrode replacement signal.

[0086] When the replacement signal is input, the electrode coordinate value of that point is also transmitted to the determination unit. The electrode replacement signal becomes a connection notice signal. For example, if the electrode replacement signal is received at an electrode coordinate of 104m from the rewinder's encoder value, the replacement signal continues to be on until the electrodes are reconnected, and turns off after the electrodes are connected. Then, the seam T and its electrode coordinate value are detected by the seam sensor 30 installed adjacent to the rewinder.

[0087] The distance from the rewinder to the splicing part is already set. For example, if the distance from the rewinder to the splicing part is 45 m, the joint is located within 45 m (i.e., 149 m) from the electrode coordinate value (104 m) at the time when the material exchange signal is received. In this case, the predetermined distance for determining the cause of electrode connection is the "distance from the rewinder to the splicing part."

[0088] Therefore, if the seam T is found within a predetermined distance of 45 m from the electrode coordinate value (104 m) at the time of receiving the material exchange signal, the determination unit 40 can determine that the connection cause of the electrode seam (connecting tape) is electrode connection due to splicing. In Fig. 9, since the seam is detected by the seam detector 30 at 115 m, which is within a predetermined distance of 45 m from 104 m, the electrode connection cause can be displayed as "splicing connection" on the roll map formed by the roll map generator 60.

[0089] As described above, according to the present invention, when a connection part is formed on an electrode in each detailed process of an electrode manufacturing process in which an electrode is moved in a roll-to-roll state, the location of the connection part and the cause of the connection can be easily determined. In addition, the identified electrode connection cause can be displayed on a roll map to increase the effectiveness of the roll map information.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the cause of electrode connection has been described as being typically determined in the case of electrode breakage, scrapping, and splicing, but the present invention can also be applied to cases of electrode connection due to other causes. However, if the cause of electrode connection changes, the connection prediction signal generated in advance in relation to electrode connection and the "predetermined distance" for determining the cause of connection may change. In this case, the cause of connection can be determined by selecting an appropriate signal generator that can detect a signal generated in accordance with the cause and appropriately setting the predetermined distance.

[0091] The present invention has been described in more detail above through the drawings and embodiments, etc. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments, etc. in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not fully represent the technical ideas of the present invention, so it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of filing this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1: Electrode 10: Position measuring device (rotary encoder) UW1, UW2: Unwinder RW: Rewinder 20: Signal Generator 20A: Tension sensor 20B: Manual input device 20C: Cutter 30: Seam detector 40: Judgment section 50: Control unit 60: Role map generator 61: Database 62: Central Processing Unit 63: Visualization device 70: Display section T: Seam (connecting tape) RM: Role Map

Claims

1. a position measuring device that obtains, when the electrode moves in a roll-to-roll state between an unwinder and a rewinder, a longitudinal position of the electrode in accordance with an amount of rotation of the rewinder as coordinate value data; a signal generator that generates a connection advance signal in association with the electrode connection when the electrodes are connected between the unwinder and the rewinder for a specific reason; a seam detector for detecting a seam attached on the electrode after the generation of the joint advance signal; and a determination unit that, if the seam is detected within a predetermined distance from the electrode coordinate value at the time when the connection prediction signal is generated, determines that the connection of the electrodes due to the seam is due to the specific reason.

2. 2. The electrode connection cause determining system according to claim 1, wherein the position measuring device is a rotary encoder that extracts the electrode position as coordinate value data from the amount of rotation of a motor that drives the rewinder.

3. The system for determining a cause of electrode connection according to claim 1 , wherein the signal generator and the seam detector are connected in conjunction with the position measuring device to obtain electrode coordinate values ​​at the time when the connection warning signal is generated and electrode coordinate values ​​at which the seam is attached, respectively.

4. a control unit that controls movement of the electrode between the unwinder and the rewinder and acquires a longitudinal position of the electrode as a coordinate value in cooperation with the position measuring device; The system of claim 1 , wherein the control unit is connected to the signal generator and the seam detector, and obtains electrode coordinate data at a time when the connection warning signal is generated and an electrode coordinate value where the seam is attached, respectively.

5. The electrode connection cause determining system according to claim 1 , wherein the determining unit is provided in a control unit that controls electrode movement between the unwinder and the rewinder, or in a production management system that manages an electrode manufacturing process.

6. The production management system includes a roll map generating unit that generates a roll map that displays an electrode moving in a roll-to-roll state in an imitation form and displays a longitudinal position of the electrode and a joint position in predetermined coordinates, The system for determining a cause of electrode connectivity according to claim 5 , wherein the roll map generating unit displays the cause of electrode connectivity grasped by the determining unit at a seam position on the roll map.

7. The specific event is electrode breakage due to electrode fracture, The signal generator is a tension sensor that senses tension of an electrode moving in a roll-to-roll state, 2. The system for determining a cause of electrode connection according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the electrode connection caused by the joint is caused by an electrode breakage when the joint is detected within a distance obtained by adding an entire equipment distance from the rewinder to the unwinder to an electrode coordinate value at a time when the sensing signal is generated by the tension sensor.

8. The specific reason is scrap disposal, which involves removing and discarding defective parts of electrodes. the signal generator is a manual input device installed at a fault removal port; 2. The system for determining a cause of electrode connection according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the electrode connection caused by the joint is due to scrap disposal when the joint is detected within a distance obtained by adding a distance from the rewinder to the defect removal port to an electrode coordinate value at a time when an input signal is received by the manual input device.

9. The specific event is electrode splicing, which connects an old electrode to a new electrode for electrode replacement; The signal generator is an automatic or manual input device for inputting the presence or absence of electrode replacement, 2. The system for determining a cause of electrode connection according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the electrode connection caused by the joint is due to splicing for electrode replacement when the joint is detected within a distance obtained by adding a distance from the rewinder to the splicing unit to an electrode coordinate value at the time of receiving a replacement signal from the automatic or manual input device.

10. a position measuring device that obtains, when the electrode moves in a roll-to-roll state between an unwinder and a rewinder, a longitudinal position of the electrode in accordance with an amount of rotation of the rewinder as coordinate value data; a signal generator that generates a connection advance signal in association with the electrode connection when the electrodes are connected between the unwinder and the rewinder for a specific reason; a seam detector for detecting a seam attached on the electrode after the generation of the joint advance signal; a determination unit that, when the seam is detected within a predetermined distance from an electrode coordinate value at a time when the connection notice signal is generated, determines that the electrode connection due to the seam is due to the specific event; a roll map generating unit that generates a roll map that displays an electrode moving in a roll-to-roll state in a simulated form and displays the longitudinal position of the electrode and the seam position in predetermined coordinates, The roll map generating system is configured to generate a roll map by displaying the electrode connection cause grasped by the determining unit at a seam position on the roll map.

11. The roll map generating system according to claim 10 , wherein the determination unit is provided in the roll map generating unit or a control unit that controls electrode movement between the unwinder and the rewinder.

12. a control unit that controls movement of the electrode between the unwinder and the rewinder and acquires a longitudinal position of the electrode as a coordinate value in cooperation with the position measuring device; The role map generation unit includes the determination unit, The roll map generating system of claim 10, wherein the control unit is connected to the signal generator and the seam detector, and acquires electrode coordinate data at the time of generating the connection warning signal and electrode coordinate values ​​where the seam is attached, and transmits the electrode coordinate data and the electrode coordinate values ​​where the seam is attached to the determination unit.

13. The specific event is electrode breakage due to electrode fracture, The signal generator is a tension sensor that senses tension of an electrode moving in a roll-to-roll state, 11. The roll map generating system of claim 10, wherein the determination unit determines that the electrode connection due to the seam is due to an electrode breakage when the seam is detected within a distance obtained by adding an electrode coordinate value at the time when the sensing signal is generated by the tension sensor to a distance of the entire equipment from the rewinder to the unwinder.

14. The specific reason is scrap disposal, which involves removing and discarding defective parts of electrodes. the signal generator is a manual input device installed at a fault removal port; 11. The roll map generating system of claim 10, wherein the determination unit determines that the electrode connection due to the seam is due to scrap disposal when the seam is detected within a distance obtained by adding a distance from the rewinder to the defect removal port to an electrode coordinate value at the time of receiving an input signal from the manual input device.

15. The specific event is electrode splicing, which connects an old electrode to a new electrode for electrode replacement; The signal generator is an automatic or manual input device for inputting the presence or absence of electrode replacement, The roll map generating system of claim 10, wherein the determination unit determines that the electrode connection due to the seam is due to splicing for electrode replacement when the seam is detected within a distance obtained by adding a distance from the rewinder to the splicing unit to an electrode coordinate value at the time of receiving a replacement signal from the automatic or manual input device.

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