Measuring device, manufacturing management system, and measuring method

Abstract

To grasp a volatile component amount of a sheet in a wet state.SOLUTION: A measuring device includes: a basis weight sensor for measuring the basis weight of a sheet in a wet state on which a paint containing a volatile component is applied; and a volatile component amount sensor for measuring the basis weight of a volatile component contained in the sheet. The measuring device measures the basis weight or a coating amount of the sheet in the case it is assumed that the volatile component is volatilized and disappears and the sheet is in a dry state on the basis of a measurement result using the basis weight sensor and a measurement result using the volatile component amount sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device, a manufacturing management system, and a measuring method.

Background Art

[0002] In the manufacturing process of a sheet, it is known to measure the basis weight online (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, the manufacturing process of an electrode sheet of a battery includes a coating process and a drying process. It is conceivable to measure the basis weight of the sheet after coating and feed back the measurement result to the coating process. For rapid feedback, it is necessary to measure the basis weight of the sheet in a wet state after coating, rather than in a dry state after drying. However, the sheet in the wet state contains volatile components, and these volatile components become factors causing fluctuations in the basis weight of the sheet. As a countermeasure, it is considered effective to grasp the amount of volatile components in the sheet.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is to enable grasping of the amount of volatile components in a sheet in a wet state.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The measuring device according to one aspect includes a basis weight sensor for measuring the basis weight of a wet sheet coated with a paint containing a volatile component, and a volatile component amount sensor for measuring the basis weight of the volatile component contained in the sheet. Based on the measurement result using the basis weight sensor and the measurement result using the volatile component amount sensor, the basis weight or the coating amount of the sheet is measured assuming that the volatile component has volatilized and disappeared and the sheet has become dry.

[0007] The production management system according to one aspect includes a measuring device for measuring a wet sheet coated with a paint containing a volatile component, and a coating machine for coating the paint on the sheet based on the measurement result of the measuring device. The measuring device includes a basis weight sensor for measuring the basis weight of the wet sheet, and a volatile component amount sensor for measuring the basis weight of the volatile component contained in the sheet.

[0008] The production management system according to one aspect includes a measuring device for measuring the moisture absorption amount of a sheet in a manufacturing process, and a ventilation device for ventilating the environment of the manufacturing process based on the measurement result of the measuring device. The measuring device includes a basis weight sensor for measuring the basis weight of the sheet, and a volatile component amount sensor for measuring the basis weight of the moisture contained in the sheet.

[0009] The measuring method according to one aspect includes measuring the basis weight of a wet sheet coated with a paint containing a volatile component using a basis weight sensor, measuring the basis weight of the volatile component contained in the sheet using a volatile component amount sensor, and measuring the basis weight or the coating amount of the sheet assuming that the volatile component has volatilized and disappeared and the sheet has become dry based on the measurement result using the basis weight sensor and the measurement result using the volatile component amount sensor.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, the amount of the volatile component in the wet sheet can be grasped.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0013] <Measuring Device> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a measuring device according to an embodiment. The measuring device 1 measures the sheet 9 during the manufacturing process online. The sheet 9 during the manufacturing process is conveyed by a conveyor (not shown) or the like.

[0014] In the figure, an XYZ coordinate system is shown. The XY plane direction corresponds to the plane direction of sheet 9. The X-axis direction corresponds to the width direction of sheet 9. The Y-axis direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of sheet 9, and sheet 9 is conveyed in the positive Y-axis direction. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the thickness direction of sheet 9. For example, the XY plane direction may be the horizontal direction, and the Z-axis direction may be the vertical direction. Note that in the figure, elements located behind other elements may sometimes be shown by dashed lines.

[0015] As a manufacturing process of sheet 9, here, the coating process and the drying process will be described as examples. An example of sheet 9 is an electrode sheet of a battery such as a lithium-ion battery. In the coating process, first, a paint, also referred to as a slurry or the like, is applied to the front (surface) of sheet 9. The paint is a formulated paint produced by adding a solvent such as NMP or water to a formulation and kneading. The paint is applied with a thickness of several tens of μm so that several hundreds of g / m2 of active materials (for example, lithium cobaltate, PVDF, carbon black, etc.) are provided on the surface of the conductive sheet. The conductive sheet is a metal foil such as aluminum foil, a conductive resin sheet, etc., and has a thickness of about 20 μm, for example. The paint contains volatile components. Examples of the volatile components are NMP, water, etc. Sheet 9 in a state where the volatile components of the applied paint remain is also referred to as a wet sheet 9.

[0016] In the drying process, sheet 9 passes through a large drying furnace that extends for, for example, several tens of meters. The volatile components contained in sheet 9 volatilize and disappear. Sheet 9 in a state where the volatile components of the applied paint have volatilized and disappeared is also referred to as a dry sheet 9.

[0017] The same coating and drying are also performed on the back surface of sheet 9. Thereby, an electrode sheet with active materials provided on both sides is obtained. In this manufacturing process, for inspection, the basis weight (g / m 2 )(also referred to as the basis weight, etc.) of sheet 9 and the shape of the end face (edge) of the coating part are measured, or image diagnosis of the dry surface state is performed, etc. The measuring device 1 according to the embodiment is used for the measurement of the basis weight, etc.

[0018] Note that the battery manufacturing process includes processes such as material production and slurry production before the above-described electrode sheet manufacturing process, and also includes processes such as tab welding, vacuum drying, liquid injection and sealing, charge aging, cell inspection, packing, and module inspection after the electrode sheet manufacturing process. If the battery is an in-vehicle battery, a complete vehicle can be obtained by mounting it on a vehicle.

[0019] The measuring device 1 will be described. The measuring device 1 includes a frame 2 and a measuring head 3. The frame 2 has a shape (for example, a ring shape) through which the sheet 9 can pass inside. Such a frame 2 is also referred to as an O-ring frame or the like. Some parts of the frame 2 are referred to as a bottom portion 21, a ceiling portion 22, a side wall portion 23, and a side wall portion 24 and are illustrated.

[0020] The bottom portion 21 and the ceiling portion 22 extend in the X-axis direction and are located on opposite sides of each other with the sheet 9 sandwiched therebetween in the Z-axis direction. The side wall portion 23 and the side wall portion 24 extend in the Z-axis direction and are located on opposite sides of each other with the sheet 9 sandwiched therebetween in the X-axis direction.

[0021] The measuring head 3 is supported by being moored or the like to the frame 2. The measuring head 3 scans the sheet 9 by moving in a direction (in this example, the X-axis direction) intersecting the conveyance direction (Y-axis direction) of the sheet 9 inside the frame 2. The measuring head 3 scans the entire width of the sheet 9 while repeating forward and backward movements (moving in the positive and negative X-axis directions). The measuring head 3 is configured to include, for example, an actuator or the like.

[0022] The measuring head 3 includes a lower measuring head 31 and an upper measuring head 32. The lower measuring head 31 and the upper measuring head 32 are a pair of measuring heads that move in synchronization with each other. The lower measuring head 31 and the upper measuring head 32 are arranged so as to be located on opposite sides of each other with the sheet 9 sandwiched therebetween in the Z-axis direction (so as to face each other), and move in synchronization while the positional relationship therebetween is fixed. In this example, the lower measuring head 31 and the upper measuring head 32 move along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the bottom portion 21 and the ceiling portion 22 of the frame 2.

[0023] The scanning speed of the measurement head 3 may be smaller than the conveyance speed of the sheet 9. For example, the operation speed of the measurement head 3 may be about 1 / 10 or less of the conveyance speed of the sheet 9.

[0024] The measurement head 3 is equipped with and arranged with sensors used for measuring the sheet 9. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0025] FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams showing examples of the schematic configuration of the measuring device. FIG. 2 schematically shows a part of the measurement head 3 when viewed in the positive X-axis direction. FIG. 3 schematically shows a part of the measurement head 3 when viewed in the negative Z-axis direction. The measuring device 1 further includes a basis weight sensor 4, a volatile component amount sensor 5, and a standard sample 6. In this example, the basis weight sensor 4, the volatile component amount sensor 5, and the standard sample 6 are arranged on the measurement head 3.

[0026] The basis weight sensor 4 is used to measure the basis weight of the sheet 9 in a wet state. The basis weight sensor 4 includes a radiation source 41 and a radiation detector 42. In this example, the radiation source 41 is arranged on the lower measurement head 31. The radiation detector 42 is arranged on the upper measurement head 32.

[0027] The radiation source 41 outputs radiation toward the radiation detector 42. Examples of the radiation are β-rays, X-rays, etc.

[0028] The lower measurement head 31 has a measurement window 311 for passing the radiation from the radiation source 41. Similarly, the upper measurement head 32 has a measurement window 321 for passing the radiation from the radiation source 41. The radiation from the radiation source 41 passes through the measurement window 311, penetrates the sheet 9, passes through the measurement window 321, and reaches the radiation detector 42.

[0029] The radiation detector 42 detects the radiation after being attenuated by the sheet 9. The detection value in the case of no attenuation is a known value obtained by calibration or the like. For example, based on this known value, the radiation detector 42 can detect the attenuation amount of the radiation that has passed through the sheet 9.

[0030] The areal weight of the sheet 9 is measured by the radiation detector 42 detecting the amount of attenuation of radiation. For example, a plurality of samples having known areal weights are measured in advance to obtain a calibration curve. The areal weight of the sheet 9 is calculated (such as by arithmetic operation) from the relationship between the amount of attenuation of the radiation transmitted through the sheet 9 and the calibration curve. Incidentally, the thickness of the sheet 9 may be measured from the measured areal weight. Since the thickness measurement based on the areal weight itself is well-known, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0031] Although not shown in the figure, the measuring device 1 naturally includes an arithmetic unit that performs various calculations and the like. The location of the arithmetic unit and the number of arithmetic units are not particularly limited. Unless otherwise specified, the calculations and the like necessary for the measurement are assumed to be performed using the arithmetic unit.

[0032] The volatile component amount sensor 5 is used to measure the areal weight of the volatile components contained in the paint of the wet sheet 9. The volatile component amount sensor 5 outputs light toward the sheet 9 and detects the light that has not been absorbed by the sheet 9, more specifically, the light reflected by the sheet 9 in this example. An example of the light is infrared light, and more specifically, near-infrared light, mid-infrared light, or the like.

[0033] The volatile component amount sensor 5 includes a light source 51 and a light detector 52. In this example, both the light source 51 and the light detector 52 are arranged in the lower measurement head 31.

[0034] The light source 51 outputs light toward the sheet 9. An example of the light is infrared light, and more specifically, near-infrared light, mid-infrared light, or the like. The wavelength of the light is, for example, about 1.7 μm to 8.0 μm.

[0035] The lower measurement head 31 has a measurement window 312 for passing the light from the light source 51 and the light from the sheet 9. The light from the light source 51 passes through the measurement window 312, is reflected by the sheet 9, passes through the measurement window 312, and reaches the light detector 52.

[0036] The photodetector 52 detects the light reflected by the sheet 9 among the light from the light source 51. The photodetector 52 may be an infrared photodetector including a photodetection element using, for example, InGaAs, InAs, InSb, or the like. The detection value in the case where there is no light reflection on the sheet 9 is a known value obtained by calibration or the like. For example, based on this known value, the photodetector 52 can detect the light absorption amount of the sheet 9.

[0037] The volatile component amount sensor 5 is designed to use light having a wavelength capable of detecting the light absorption amount of the volatile component of the sheet 9. For example, when the volatile component is NMP, light in a wavelength band including 3.39 μm, a wavelength band including 5.93 μm, or the like may be used. When the volatile component is moisture, light in a wavelength band including 1.45 μm, a wavelength band including 1.94 μm, a wavelength band including 2.9 μm, or the like may be used.

[0038] Note that the reflection method of detecting the light reflected by the sheet 9 as described above is particularly useful when the sheet 9 is an electrode sheet or the like. This is because a conductive sheet is less likely to transmit infrared light.

[0039] By the photodetector 52 detecting the light absorption amount, the coating weight of the volatile component contained in the paint of the sheet 9 is measured. For example, a plurality of samples having a known coating weight of the volatile component are measured in advance to obtain a calibration curve. The coating weight of the volatile component is calculated from the relationship between the light absorption amount of the volatile component and the calibration curve.

[0040] In one embodiment, the basis weight sensor 4 and the volatile component amount sensor 5 are arranged side by side so as to be as close to each other as possible in the conveyance direction (Y-axis direction) of the sheet 9. For example, the basis weight sensor 4 and the volatile component amount sensor 5 may be arranged such that the distance between the measurement window 311 provided for the basis weight sensor 4 and the measurement window 312 provided for the volatile component amount sensor 5 is as close as possible. An example of the separation distance between the measurement window 311 and the measurement window 312 is about 50 mm to 200 mm. Even if the measurement window 311 and the measurement window 312 are provided separately, the basis weight of the sheet 9 at substantially the same time and the same location is measured using the basis weight sensor 4 and the volatile component amount sensor 5. The conveyance speed of the sheet 9 is high, for example, about 50 m / min to 90 m / min. If the detection interval by the basis weight sensor 4 and the volatile component amount sensor 5 is about several m seconds to several tens of m seconds, the positional deviation of the measurement location remains about several mm to 10 mm.

[0041] The standard sample 6 is used for calibration of the volatile component amount sensor 5, more specifically, for example, calibration of the detection value of the photodetector 52. In this example, the standard sample 6 is arranged on the upper measurement head 32 so as to be located above the volatile component amount sensor 5 (on the positive Z-axis side).

[0042] As the standard sample 6, a universal sample, an optical filter, a reference tile, etc. having an absorption wavelength equivalent to the volatile component contained in the paint of the sheet 9 may be used. With no sheet 9 between the volatile component amount sensor 5 and the standard sample 6, the light from the light source 51 is reflected by the standard sample 6 and detected by the photodetector 52, and calibration is performed.

[0043] Since the standard sample 6 is only used during the calibration of the volatile component amount sensor 5, it does not have to move together with the measurement head 3. For example, a mechanism (feeding mechanism) for sending out the standard sample 6 to the position shown in FIG. 2 may be provided only when the sheet 9 is not being conveyed. Further, a shutter mechanism for shielding the volatile component amount sensor 5, particularly the photodetector 52, may be provided. By detecting the light reflected by the sheet 9 based on the detection value of the photodetector 52 in the shielded state, the influence of noise in the photodetector 52 and environmental noise can be reduced.

[0044] The standard sample 6 may be arranged at the furthest advanced position of the measurement head 3, for example, at a position outside or near the sheet 9 on the negative X-axis side within the frame 2 in FIG. 1. Each time the measurement head 3 returns to the furthest advanced position, the calibration of the volatile component amount sensor 5 may be performed.

[0045] For example, as described above, the measuring device 1 not only measures the basis weight of the wet sheet 9 using the basis weight sensor 4, but also measures the basis weight of the volatile components contained in the paint of the wet sheet 9 using the volatile component amount sensor 5.

[0046] In one embodiment, based on the measurement result using the basis weight sensor 4 and the measurement result using the volatile component amount sensor 5, the measuring device 1 measures the basis weight of the sheet 9 assuming that the volatile components of the sheet 9 have volatilized and disappeared, that is, assuming that the sheet 9 is in a dry state. This basis weight of the dry sheet 9 is also referred to as the "dry basis weight". The dry basis weight is calculated, for example, by subtracting the basis weight of the volatile components measured using the volatile component amount sensor 5 from the basis weight of the sheet 9 measured using the basis weight sensor 4. Since the dry basis weight calculated in this way does not include the variation factor (i.e., the amount of volatile components), the correlation with the dry basis weight obtained by actually measuring the basis weight of the sheet 9 after it has become dry through a subsequent drying process is also good. Note that the thickness of the sheet 9 may be measured from the measured dry basis weight.

[0047] The difference between the dry basis weight of the sheet 9 measured by the measuring device 1 and the basis weight of the sheet 9 before coating is calculated as the coating amount (for example, the coated basis weight) of the sheet 9, and may be fed back to the coating process. By calculating the dry basis weight of the sheet 9 at the wet state stage before drying (for example, immediately after coating), feedback can be made earlier than when detecting the dry basis weight of the sheet 9 at the dry state stage after drying.

[0048] As described above, in the drying process, for example, since the large drying furnace extending for dozens of meters allows the electrode sheet to pass through, if the dry basis weight of the sheet 9 is detected at the dry state stage after drying, the feedback will be considerably delayed. A large amount of coating defective parts (for example, parts where the basis weight does not meet the standard value) are generated in the sheet 9, and the losses associated with the elimination, disposal work, material costs, etc. of those parts also increase. The material cost is not cheap in many cases, for example, it costs several thousand yen per meter. Such problems are addressed by the above-described measuring device 1.

[0049] Since the drying of the paint is affected by the ambient temperature, the flow of the air, the speed of the production line, the kneading condition of the paint, etc., it does not always reach a constant drying state. It is also conceivable to measure the basis weight of the wet sheet 9 using only the basis weight sensor 4 and manage the dry basis weight in consideration of the result of the dried finish, but it becomes a fuzzy management operation based on the operator's sense. Various problems such as errors by the operator and ensuring reproducibility occur.

[0050] According to the measuring device 1 according to the embodiment, since the dry basis weight of the sheet 9 is calculated, it is possible to accurately grasp and feedback the coating amount in the coating process. For example, it is possible to perform more accurate feedback than the fuzzy management operation based on the operator's intuition and experience.

[0051] In practice, the reliability of online measurement is verified using the measured values of an electronic balance. In the wet sheet 9, due to a time lag or the like between the online measurement and the verification, volatile components evaporate and disappear, and the state of the paint differs between the online measurement and the verification. Merely detecting and measuring the basis weight using the basis weight sensor 4 makes it difficult to perform an appropriate verification. Since the state of the paint changes moment by moment, measurement value drift also occurs. According to the measuring device 1 according to the embodiment, since the dry basis weight of the sheet 9 can be measured without being affected by the amount of volatile components, which is a variable factor, these problems are also solved.

[0052] <Modification Example> Some modification examples of the measuring device 1 will be described. For example, a common measurement window may be provided for the basis weight sensor 4 and the volatile component amount sensor 5. This will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the measuring device. In this example, the measurement window 311 of the lower measurement head 31 is commonly used between the radiation source 41 of the basis weight sensor 4, the light source 51 of the volatile component amount sensor 5, and the photodetector 52. The light source 51 and the photodetector 52 of the volatile component amount sensor 5 are arranged on opposite sides of the radiation source 41 of the basis weight sensor 4. Note that the size of the measurement window 311 may be changed as appropriate. By using the common measurement window 311, the displacement between the measurement location using the basis weight sensor 4 and the measurement location using the volatile component amount sensor 5 can be further reduced.

[0054] The calibration standard sample (standard sample 6 in FIG. 2) may be fixed, for example, at the rearmost position of the measurement head 3, for example, at a position where the sheet 9 in the frame 2 does not pass in FIG. 1 or in the vicinity thereof (the portion on the negative X-axis side). Calibration using the standard sample may be performed each time the measurement head 3 returns to the rearmost position.

[0055] The basis weight sensor 4 and the volatile component amount sensor 5 may be arranged on separate measurement heads. This will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the measuring device. The measuring head 3 further includes a measuring head 33. The volatile component amount sensor 5 described so far is arranged on the measuring head 33. The radiation source 41 and the radiation detector 42 of the basis weight sensor 4 are arranged on the lower measuring head 31 and the upper measuring head 32.

[0057] The measuring head 33 is not a pair of measuring heads that sandwich the sheet 9 like the lower measuring head 31 and the upper measuring head 32, but a single measuring head located on one side of the sheet 9 (the negative Z-axis side in this example). The measuring head 33 may move in synchronization with the lower measuring head 31 and the upper measuring head 32.

[0058] In the above, the case where the measuring device 1 includes both the basis weight sensor 4 and the volatile component amount sensor 5 has been described as an example. However, the measuring device 1 may include only the volatile component amount sensor 5 among the basis weight sensor 4 and the volatile component amount sensor 5. It is possible to grasp the volatile component amount of the sheet 9, for example, to measure the dryness from another perspective. The arrangement of sensors on the pair of lower measuring head 31 and upper measuring head 32 such as the radiation source 41 and the radiation detector 42 of the basis weight sensor 4 is unnecessary. The frame 2 does not have to be an expensive O-type frame. By utilizing mooring to a short-axis drive mechanism or the like, the configuration of the device can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

[0059] <Application to Manufacturing Management System> The measuring device 1 described above can be incorporated and used in, for example, a manufacturing management system for the sheet 9. The manufacturing management system performs management and control of the manufacturing process. As the manufacturing process, first, the coating process and the drying process described so far will be described as examples.

[0060] Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams showing an example of the schematic configuration of a manufacturing management system related to a coating process and a drying process. In Figure 6, an example of the appearance of the manufacturing management system 100 is schematically shown. In Figure 7, a block diagram of the manufacturing management system 100 is schematically shown. The manufacturing management system 100 includes, in addition to the measuring device 1 that has been measured so far, a measuring device 1E, a coating machine 7 (Figure 7), and a management control device 8.

[0061] The measuring device 1E is different from the measuring device 1 in that it does not include a volatile component amount sensor 5. The measuring device 1E measures the basis weight of the sheet 9 using a basis weight sensor 4.

[0062] The coating machine 7 applies paint to the sheet 9. The coating by the coating machine 7 is parameter-controlled, and these parameters are hereinafter referred to as coating parameters. For example, in the case of the die coat coating method, the coating parameters define the rotation speed of the pump, the left and right gaps, etc.

[0063] The management control device 8 manages the manufacturing process of the sheet 9 and also controls the manufacturing process. Details will be described later.

[0064] In the example shown in Figures 6 and 7, a total of five measurements, namely measurements M01 to M05, are performed on the sheet 9 in this order. Note that, as will be described later, measurements M03 and M05 may be omitted.

[0065] In measurement M01, the measuring device 1E measures the basis weight of the sheet 9 before coating (pre-coating basis weight). Thereafter, the coating machine 7 applies paint to the surface of the sheet 9. The sheet 9 becomes wet.

[0066] In measurement M02, the measuring device 1 measures the basis weight (dry basis weight) of the wet sheet 9, more specifically, the sheet 9 immediately after the paint is applied to the surface, assuming that it has become dry. Thereafter, the sheet 9 undergoes a drying process and changes from a wet state to a dry state.

[0067] In measurement M03, the measuring device 1E measures the basis weight of the sheet 9 in a dry state. However, this dry basis weight has already been measured by the measuring device 1 in the previous measurement M02. Therefore, the measurement in M03 may be omitted, and in that case, the measuring device 1E used in M03 may also be unnecessary.

[0068] After that, the coater 7 coats the back surface of the sheet 9 with paint. The sheet 9 becomes wet.

[0069] In measurement M04, the measuring device 1 measures the basis weight (dry basis weight) of the sheet 9 in a wet state, more specifically, when it is assumed that the sheet 9 immediately after the paint is applied to the back surface has become dry. After that, the sheet 9 goes through a drying process and changes from a wet state to a dry state.

[0070] In measurement M05, the measuring device 1 measures the basis weight of the sheet 9 in a dry state. However, this dry basis weight has already been measured by the measuring device 1 in the previous measurement M04. Therefore, the measurement in M05 may be omitted, and in that case, the measuring device 1E used in M05 may also be unnecessary.

[0071] For example, through the above coating process and drying process, the sheet 9 is manufactured. The coating process and drying process are managed and controlled by the management control device 8. First, the coating process will be described as an example.

[0072] <Management and Control of Coating Process> The management and control of the coating process will be described. The management and control device 8 manages and controls the coating process such that the coating machine 7 coats the sheet 9 with paint based on the measurement results of the measuring device 1. The management and control device 8 controls (feedback control) the coating of the sheet 9 by the coating machine 7 based on the measurement results of the measuring device 1 or the measuring device 1E. For example, the management and control device 8 calculates the coating amount on the surface of the sheet 9 by subtracting the pre - coating basis weight measured by measurement M01 from the dried basis weight measured by measurement M02. The management and control device 8 adjusts the coating parameters of the coating machine 7 that coats the surface of the sheet 9 so that the calculated coating amount meets the standard value. Similarly, the management and control device 8 calculates the coating amount on the back surface of the sheet 9 by subtracting the dried basis weight measured by measurement M02 or the basis weight measured by measurement M03 from the dried basis weight measured by measurement M04. The management and control device 8 adjusts the coating parameters of the coating machine 7 that coats the back surface of the sheet 9 so that the calculated coating amount meets the standard value.

[0073] By performing feedback based on the measurement results of measurement M02 and measurement M04 as described above, feedback can be performed earlier than in the case of performing feedback based on the measurement results of measurement M03 and measurement M05.

[0074] As described above, measurement M03 and measurement M05 can be omitted. In that case, the number of measurements and the number of measuring devices used for measurement can be reduced from 5 to 3. The system configuration can be simplified, capital investment can be suppressed, and the space required for device arrangement, etc. can be suppressed.

[0075] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processes (measurement method, manufacturing management method) executed in the manufacturing management system. The process of step S1 and the processes of steps S11 to S15 are executed in parallel. Appropriate explanations for content that duplicates the above will be omitted as necessary.

[0076] In step S1, the coating machine 7 coats the sheet 9 with paint according to the coating parameters. In the coating machine 7, the process of this step S1 is repeatedly executed.

[0077] In step S11, the measuring device 1 measures the basis weight of the wet sheet 9 using the basis weight sensor 4. At the same time, in step S12, the measuring device 1 measures the basis weight of the volatile components contained in the paint of the wet sheet 9 using the volatile component amount sensor 5. In step S13, the measuring device 1 measures the basis weight (dry basis weight) of the sheet 9 when it is assumed to be in a dry state based on the measurement results in the previous steps S11 and S12.

[0078] In step S14, the management control device 8 determines whether the dry basis weight measured in the previous step S13 meets the standard value. If the dry basis weight meets the standard value (step S14: Yes), the process returns to step S11. If the dry weight does not meet the standard value (step S14: No), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0079] Note that in step S13 described above, based on the measurement results in the previous steps S11 and S12, the coating amount of the sheet 9 when it is assumed to be in a dry state is measured, and in step S14, it may be determined whether the coating amount meets the standard value instead of the dry basis weight.

[0080] In step S15, feedback is given to the coater 7. The management control device 8 adjusts the coating parameters of the coater 7 so that the dry basis weight (or the coating amount) meets the standard value. In response to this, in step S1, the coater 7 coats the sheet 9 with paint according to the adjusted coating parameters. After the completion of the process in step S15, the process returns to step S11.

[0081] Incidentally, when the measurement device 1E is used instead of the measurement device 1 in the prior art, the processes of step S12 and step S13 are eliminated. From the basis weight measured in step S11, the dry basis weight is estimated based on the operator's sense as described above, and the processes proceed to step S14 and step S15 based on the operator's sense. Since the accurate measurement of the dry basis weight cannot be performed by step S12 or step S13, appropriate feedback is difficult. According to the production management system 100 including the measurement device 1, appropriate feedback is possible.

[0082] <Management and control of the drying process> Feedback to the drying process based on the measurement result of the measurement device 1 is also possible. This will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0083] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a production management system related to the drying process. The measurement device 1 is also used for the measurements M03 and M05 after the drying process. The measurement device 1 measures the amount of volatile components (for example, the basis weight of volatile components) of the sheet 9 using the volatile component amount sensor 5. From the measured amount of volatile components, the drying state of the sheet 9 can be grasped. For example, the smaller the amount of volatile components, the greater the degree of drying, and the larger the amount of volatile components, the smaller the degree of drying. The management and control device 8 controls the drying process so as to obtain an appropriate drying state. For example, the temperature of the drying furnace is controlled. Feedback based on the shape of the coating edge (edge), such as flow, swelling, and linearity (presence or absence of pulsation), is also possible.

[0084] The measurement device 1 may also be used in various processes other than the above-described coating process and drying process. For example, when the sheet 9 is an electrode sheet of a battery, the residual moisture that may affect the battery life is strictly managed in the processes from coating to hermetic sealing. By measuring the amount of volatile components (in this example, the amount of moisture) of the sheet 9 even in the processes after the coating process and the drying process, process management such as moisture absorption in those processes can also be performed.

[0085] <Management and control of ventilation> As a further application, feedback to ventilation based on the measurement results of the measuring device 1 is also possible. This will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0086] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a production management system related to ventilation. Here, the volatile component is assumed to be moisture. Coating of the sheet 9 is not essential. As the sheet 9, in addition to the electrode sheet of the battery as described above, paper or the like may be used.

[0087] The production management system 100 further includes a ventilation device 10. The ventilation device 10 ventilates the environment of the manufacturing process of the sheet 9. For example, by increasing the ventilation volume by the ventilation device 10, the humidity in the environment becomes lower. By reducing the ventilation volume by the ventilation device 10, the humidity in the environment becomes higher.

[0088] The measuring device 1 measures the moisture absorption amount of the sheet 9. Specifically, the measuring device 1 measures the basis weight of the sheet 9 using the basis weight sensor 4, and measures the basis weight of the moisture contained in the sheet 9 using the volatile component amount sensor 5. The measuring device 1 calculates the moisture absorption amount of the sheet 9 from those measurement results. For example, the moisture absorption amount of the sheet 9 is calculated from the ratio of the basis weight of the sheet 9 and the basis weight of the moisture contained in the sheet 9.

[0089] The management control device 8 manages and controls the manufacturing process so that the ventilation device 10 ventilates the environment of the manufacturing process based on the measurement results of the measuring device 1. The management control device 8 controls the ventilation device 10 based on the moisture absorption amount measured by the measuring device 1. The management control device 8 controls the ventilation device 10 so that a desired moisture absorption amount of the sheet 9 can be obtained. By such feedback control, a sheet 9 having an appropriate moisture absorption amount can be manufactured.

[0090] The technology described above is specified as follows, for example. One of the disclosed technologies is the measuring device 1. As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and the like, the measuring device 1 includes a basis weight sensor 4 for measuring the basis weight of the wet sheet 9 coated with the paint containing the volatile component, and a volatile component amount sensor 5 for measuring the basis weight of the volatile component contained in the sheet 9. Based on the measurement result using the basis weight sensor 4 and the measurement result using the volatile component amount sensor 5, the basis weight (dry basis weight) or the coating amount of the sheet 9 is measured when it is assumed that the volatile component has volatilized and disappeared and is in a dry state.

[0091] According to the above-described measuring device 1, not only is the basis weight of the sheet 9 measured using the basis weight sensor 4, but also the basis weight of the volatile component contained in the wet sheet 9 is measured using the volatile component amount sensor 5. Thereby, the amount of the volatile component in the sheet 9 can be grasped. Further, based on those measurement results, the dry basis weight or the coating amount of the sheet 9 is measured. Thereby, for example, feedback to the coating process can be accelerated compared to the case of detecting the dry basis weight of the sheet 9 at the dry state stage after drying.

[0092] As described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 and the like, the volatile component amount sensor 5 may output light toward the sheet 9 and detect the light that has not been absorbed by the sheet 9 among the light. For example, in this way, the basis weight of the volatile component contained in the paint of the sheet 9 can be measured.

[0093] As described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 and the like, the sheet 9 is a sheet in which paint is applied to at least one of the front and back surfaces of the conductive sheet, and the volatile component amount sensor 5 may detect the light reflected by the sheet. The volatile component includes at least one of MNP and moisture, and the light output by the volatile component amount sensor 5 toward the sheet 9 may include at least one of near-infrared light and mid-infrared light. Thereby, the basis weight of the volatile component contained in the paint of the sheet 9 that is difficult to transmit light (for example, infrared light) can be measured.

[0094] As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and the like, the measuring device 1 includes a measuring head 3 that is arranged with a basis weight sensor 4 and a volatile component amount sensor 5 and scans the sheet 9 by moving in a direction (for example, the X-axis direction) intersecting the conveyance direction (for example, the Y-axis direction) of the sheet 9 being conveyed. The moving speed of the measuring head 3 is smaller than the conveyance speed of the sheet 9, and the basis weight sensor 4 and the volatile component amount sensor 5 may be arranged side by side in the conveyance direction of the sheet 9. Thereby, the basis weight of the sheet 9 and the basis weight of the volatile component at substantially the same time and the same location can be measured.

[0095] As described with reference to FIG. 4 and the like, the measuring head 3 may have a measurement window 311 provided in common for the basis weight sensor 4 and the volatile component amount sensor 5. The displacement between the measurement location using the basis weight sensor 4 and the measurement location using the volatile component amount sensor 5 can be further reduced.

[0096] As described with reference to FIG. 5 and the like, the measuring device 1 includes a measuring head 3 that scans the sheet 9 by moving in a direction (for example, the X-axis direction) intersecting the conveyance direction (Y-axis direction) of the sheet 9 being conveyed. The measuring head 3 includes a pair of measuring heads (lower measuring head 31 and upper measuring head 32) where the basis weight sensor 4 is arranged and which are located on opposite sides of the sheet 9, and a single measuring head 33 where the volatile component amount sensor 5 is arranged and which is located on one side of the sheet 9. For example, in this way, the volatile component amount sensor 5 can also be arranged on a measuring head different from the measuring head where the basis weight sensor 4 is arranged.

[0097] The manufacturing management system 100 described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9 and the like is also one of the disclosed technologies. The manufacturing management system 100 includes a measuring device 1 that measures a wet sheet 9 coated with a paint containing a volatile component, and a coating machine 7 that coats the paint on the sheet 9 based on the measurement result of the measuring device 1. The measuring device 1 includes a basis weight sensor 4 for measuring the basis weight of the wet sheet 9 and a volatile component amount sensor 5 for measuring the basis weight of the volatile component contained in the sheet 9. Also, with such a manufacturing management system 100, as described above, it is possible to grasp the amount of volatile component in the sheet 9 and to accelerate the feedback to the coating process.

[0098] The manufacturing management system 100 described with reference to FIGS. 10 and the like is also one of the disclosed technologies. The manufacturing management system 100 includes a measuring device 1 that measures the moisture absorption amount of the sheet 9 in the manufacturing process, and a ventilation device 10 that ventilates the environment of the manufacturing process based on the measurement result of the measuring device 1. The measuring device 1 includes a basis weight sensor 4 for measuring the basis weight of the sheet 9 and a volatile component amount sensor 5 for measuring the basis weight of the moisture contained in the sheet 9. Thereby, it is possible to manufacture the sheet 9 having an appropriate moisture absorption amount.

[0099] The measuring method described with reference to FIGS. 8 and the like is also one of the disclosed technologies. The measuring method includes measuring the basis weight of a wet sheet 9 coated with a paint containing a volatile component using a basis weight sensor 4 (step S11), measuring the basis weight of the volatile component contained in the sheet 9 using a volatile component amount sensor 5 (step S12), and measuring the basis weight (dry basis weight) or coating amount of the sheet 9 when it is assumed that the volatile component has volatilized and disappeared and it has become dry based on the measurement result using the basis weight sensor 4 and the measurement result using the volatile component amount sensor 5 (step S13). Also, with such a manufacturing management system 100, as described above, it is possible to grasp the amount of volatile component in the sheet 9 and to accelerate the feedback to the coating process.

Explanation of Signs

[0100] 1 Measuring device 1E Measuring Device 2 Frame 21 Bottom 22 Ceiling Part 23 Side Wall Part 24 Side Wall Part 3 Measuring Head 31 Lower Measuring Head 311 Measuring Window 312 Measuring Window 32 Upper Measuring Head 321 Measuring Window 33 Measuring Head 4 Tsubo Quantity Sensor 41 Radiation Source 42 Radiation Detector 5 Volatile Component Quantity Sensor 51 Light Source 52 Light Detector 6 Standard Sample 7 Coater 8 Management and Control Device 9 Sheet 10 Ventilation Device 100 Manufacturing Management System

Claims

1. A basis weight sensor for measuring the basis weight of a wet sheet coated with a paint containing a volatile component, a volatile component amount sensor for measuring the basis weight of the volatile component contained in the sheet, a measurement head in which the basis weight sensor and the volatile component amount sensor are arranged and which scans the sheet by moving in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the sheet during conveyance, comprising: Based on the measurement result using the basis weight sensor and the measurement result using the volatile component amount sensor, measuring the basis weight or coating amount of the sheet when it is assumed that the volatile component has volatilized and disappeared and the sheet has become dry, The measurement head has a measurement window provided in common for the basis weight sensor and the volatile component amount sensor, A measuring device.

2. The volatile component amount sensor outputs light toward the sheet and detects the light that has not been absorbed by the sheet among the light, The measuring device according to claim 1.

3. The sheet is a sheet in which the paint is applied to at least one of the front and back surfaces of a conductive sheet, The volatile component amount sensor detects the light reflected by the sheet, The measuring device according to claim 2.

4. The volatile component contains at least one of MNP and moisture, The light output by the volatile component amount sensor toward the sheet contains at least one of near-infrared light and mid-infrared light, The measuring device according to claim 3.

5. The moving speed of the measurement head is smaller than the conveyance speed of the sheet, The basis weight sensor and the volatile component amount sensor are arranged side by side in the conveyance direction of the sheet, The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The measurement head is a pair of measurement heads in which the basis weight sensor is arranged and which are located on opposite sides of each other with the sheet interposed therebetween, a single measurement head in which the volatile component amount sensor is arranged and which is located on one side of the sheet, including: The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A measuring device for measuring a wet sheet coated with a paint containing a volatile component, a coating machine for coating the sheet with the paint based on the measurement result of the measuring device, comprising: The measuring device is a basis weight sensor for measuring the basis weight of the wet sheet, a volatile component amount sensor for measuring the basis weight of the volatile component contained in the sheet, A measuring head in which the basis weight sensor and the volatile component amount sensor are arranged and which scans the sheet by moving in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the sheet during conveyance, comprising, wherein the measuring head has a measurement window provided in common for the basis weight sensor and the volatile component amount sensor, a production management system.

8. Moving a basis weight sensor provided in a measuring head in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction of a sheet to measure the basis weight of the wet sheet coated with a paint containing a volatile component; Moving a volatile component amount sensor provided in the measuring head in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the sheet to measure the basis weight of the volatile component contained in the sheet; Measuring the basis weight or coating amount of the sheet when it is assumed that the volatile component has volatilized and disappeared and is in a dry state based on the measurement result using the basis weight sensor and the measurement result using the volatile component amount sensor; comprising, wherein the measurement of the basis weight of the sheet and the measurement of the basis weight of the volatile component are performed through a measurement window provided in common in the measuring head for the basis weight sensor and the volatile component amount sensor, a measurement method.

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