Method for generating roll map

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments, a method for generating a roll map is provided. The method comprises the steps of: coating, with electrode slurry, a first electrode sheet unwound from a first electrode roll so as to form, thereon, a first coated part lane, a second coated part lane, a first uncoated part, and a second uncoated part; forming a first reference point on the first uncoated part and forming a second reference point on the second uncoated part; winding the first electrode sheet into a second electrode roll; detecting the first reference point of the second electrode sheet unwound from the second electrode roll so as to collect first reference point data that indicate coordinates of the first reference point in the second electrode sheet; and generating, on the basis of the first reference point data, second reference point data that indicate coordinates of the second reference point in the second electrode sheet.

Description

How to create a roll map

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for generating a roll map. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2023-0092817, filed July 18, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. They are widely used as a power source for various wireless devices, including handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, improved energy density and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the per-unit manufacturing cost of secondary batteries. Furthermore, as the range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to match that of fuel-powered vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] Secondary batteries are manufactured through electrode processes, assembly processes, and activation processes. Among these, the electrode process is the most critical process in determining the yield and performance of the battery cell. The electrode process may include a coating process, a roll press process, and a slitting process. In the coating process, active and insulating materials may be applied to the surface of a current collector. In the roll press process, the electrode may be pressed by pressure rolls. The roll press process may determine the density, performance, and surface quality of the electrode. In the slitting process, the electrode may be cut into multiple electrodes depending on the design of the battery cell.

[0004] The technical idea of ​​the present invention is to provide a method for generating a roll map with reduced capital expenditure.

[0005] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a method for generating a roll map is provided. The method includes the steps of: coating an electrode slurry on a first electrode sheet unwound from a first electrode roll so as to form a first holding portion lane, a second holding portion lane, a first uncoated portion, and a second uncoated portion; forming a first reference point on the first uncoated portion and forming a second reference point on the second uncoated portion; winding the first electrode sheet onto a second electrode roll; detecting the first reference point of the second electrode sheet unwound from the second electrode roll to collect first reference point data representing coordinates of the first reference point within the second electrode sheet; and generating second reference point data representing coordinates of the second reference point within the second electrode sheet based on the first reference point data.

[0006] Each of the first and second reference points includes a first symbol indicating the orientation of the reference point, a second symbol indicating the corresponding one of the first and second maintenance lanes, and a third symbol indicating the order in which the first and second reference points are formed.

[0007] Each of the first and second reference points above includes four symbols.

[0008] In the step of forming a first reference point in the first unlined portion and forming a second reference point in the second unlined portion, offset data including an offset, which is a length in the progress direction of the first electrode sheet between the first reference point and the second reference point, is collected.

[0009] The second reference point data is generated based on the first reference point data and the offset data.

[0010] The coordinates of the second reference point within the second electrode sheet are calculated by calculating the coordinates of the first reference point within the second electrode sheet and the offset.

[0011] The above operation is either subtraction or addition.

[0012] The method further includes the steps of: winding the second electrode sheet onto a third electrode roll; detecting the first reference point of the third electrode sheet unwound from the third electrode roll to collect third reference point data representing the coordinates of the first reference point within the third electrode sheet; and generating fourth reference point data representing the coordinates of the third reference point within the third electrode sheet based on the third reference point data.

[0013] The fourth reference point data is generated based on the third reference point data and the offset data.

[0014] The coordinates within the third electrode sheet of the second reference point are calculated by calculating the coordinates within the third electrode sheet of the first reference point and the offset.

[0015] The method further comprises the steps of cutting the third electrode sheet into a first individualized electrode sheet including the first holding portion lane and the first uncoated portion and a second individualized electrode sheet including the second holding portion lane and the second uncoated portion; and the steps of winding the first individualized electrode sheet into a first individualized electrode roll and winding the second individualized electrode sheet into a second individualized electrode roll.

[0016] The method further includes the step of generating roll maps of the first and second individualized electrode rolls based on the third and fourth reference point data.

[0017] Each of the roll maps of the first and second individualized electrode rolls includes data for a corresponding one of the first maintenance lane and the second maintenance lane.

[0018] The first reference point and the second reference point are formed by the same marking machine.

[0019] The first reference point is formed by the first marking machine, and the second reference point is formed by the second marking machine.

[0020] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, by detecting reference points among a plurality of non-conductive regions, reference point data of the detected reference points can be generated, and based on this, reference point data including the coordinates of the reference points of each of the plurality of non-conductive regions can be generated. Accordingly, reference point data can be collected and generated based on a relatively small number of OCR (Optical Character Reader) units, thereby reducing the cost required to build a system for manufacturing secondary batteries.

[0021] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from practicing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments.

[0023] Figure 2 illustrates a coating device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] Fig. 3 shows a first electrode sheet processed by a coating device.

[0025] Figure 4 illustrates a roll pressing device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] Figures 5 and 6 are plan views showing the second electrode sheet.

[0027] Figure 7 illustrates a slitting device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] Figures 8 and 9 are plan views showing the third electrode sheet.

[0029] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to exemplary embodiments.

[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0031] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0032] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0033] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes or proportions.

[0034]

[0035] (Example 1)

[0036] Figure 1 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing system (10) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, a secondary battery manufacturing system (10) may include a coating device (100), a roll pressing device (200), a slitting device (300), an EIF (1010), a server (1020), and a display device (1030).

[0038] The secondary battery manufacturing system (10) may be configured to manufacture a battery cell (e.g., a cylindrical battery cell) by performing a series of roll-to-roll processes. An electrode sheet unwound from an input electrode roll may be processed by any one of a die coater (123, see FIG. 2) of a coating device (100), pressure rolls (219, see FIG. 4) of a roll pressing device (200), and a slitting knife (315, see FIG. 5) of a slitting device (300), and the processed electrode sheet may be wound onto an electrode roll. Accordingly, each of the processes of the coating device (100), the roll pressing device (200), and the slitting device (300) for producing an electrode of a secondary battery may be referred to as a roll-to-roll process.

[0039] The coating device (100) can perform a coating process on an electrode sheet. In the coating process, an electrode slurry can be coated on the electrode sheet. The electrode slurry can include an active material, a conductive agent, a binder, and a solvent. The electrode slurry can be provided by dissolving the active material, the conductive agent, the binder, and the like in a solvent.

[0040] A roll pressing device (200) can perform a roll pressing process on an electrode sheet. In the roll pressing process, an electrode sheet coated with electrode slurry can be passed between pressure rolls (219, see FIG. 4). The roll pressing process can flatten the surface of the electrode sheet and enhance the bonding strength between the active material of the electrode sheet and the current collector.

[0041] A slitting device (300) can perform a slitting process on an electrode sheet. Through the slitting process, the electrode sheet can be separated into a plurality of electrode sheets.

[0042] The electrode rolls completed in the slitting device (300) can be processed by a winding device or a notching device. Accordingly, a stack type electrode assembly or a cylindrical electrode assembly can be provided.

[0043] If the electrode sheet contains a defect, the defect in the electrode sheet may be discarded. The defect in the electrode sheet may be discarded in either the roll pressing device (200) or the rewinding stage (not shown).

[0044] The EIF (1010) may be a device for communication between process PLCs of a manufacturing facility and a server (1020). The process PLC (143, see FIG. 2) of the coating device (100), the process PLC (243, see FIG. 4) of the roll pressing device (200), and the process PLC (343, see FIG. 5) of the slitting device (300) may communicate with the server (1020) via the EIF (1010). Accordingly, data of process events occurring in the coating device (100), the roll pressing device (200), and the slitting device (300) may be transmitted to the server (1020).

[0045] The server (1020) may be configured to generate first to third roll maps containing data on process events. The process event data in the roll map may include values ​​representing the process events and coordinates matching the values. The coordinates may indicate locations on the electrode sheet. Accordingly, the roll map enables feedback, feedforward, and secondary battery manufacturing process tracking, as described below.

[0046] Roll maps can be generated on a lot-by-lot basis. A lot is a production unit of a roll-to-roll process. An electrode roll (or electrode assembly roll) separated after achieving the target winding length of each process is an example of a lot. Similarly, an electrode roll loaded into an unwinder of each process is also an example of a lot. The server (1020) can generate and store roll maps for each process (e.g., a coating process, a roll pressing process, or a slitting process).

[0047] Time series data organized over time (i.e., as the process progresses) in the roll map can be associated with coordinate data collected based on the amount of movement of the electrode sheet (i.e., either the amount consumed or the amount injected).

[0048] The manufacturing of secondary batteries involves a series of distinct processes, with leading processes influencing subsequent processes. However, if the time-series data from leading processes do not directly match real-world workpieces, intermediate products, and finished products, it can be difficult to reflect this data in subsequent processes. Hereinafter, the correction of subsequent processes based on data generated from the results of leading processes is referred to as feedforward.

[0049] Here, the workpiece refers to an article provided as a result of each process, such as an electrode sheet that has undergone a coating process, a roll pressing process, and a slitting process. The intermediate product may refer to one of separators, electrodes, and an assembly thereof (i.e., an electrode assembly) cut through a notching process. The intermediate product may also be a structure including a housing and an electrode assembly embedded in the housing (in some cases, the structure further includes an electrolyte). The product refers to an article that has been processed to be operable as a secondary battery through an activation process. The above-described definitions of the workpiece, intermediate product, and product are only for one aspect thereof and do not exclude conventional definitions thereof.

[0050] Process events typically occur as the process progresses, making them time-series data. Accordingly, process event data may include values ​​representing the event and corresponding time values.

[0051] For feedforward, time-series data needs to be associated with the positions of real-world workpieces, parts, semi-finished products, and finished products. Feedforward may involve controlling processing of electrode sheets based on a roll map generated in a previous process. The roll map may associate the time-series data with coordinate data, which includes coordinates representing the positions of real-world workpieces, parts, semi-finished products, and finished products. Based on the coordinate data, the roll map can provide a match between the time-series data and real-world workpieces, parts, semi-finished products, and finished products. Accordingly, the generation of the roll map and feedforward based on the roll map can quantify and objectify aspects of the process previously dependent on the operator's discretion, thereby improving the productivity and quality of the secondary battery manufacturing process.

[0052] Additionally, the roll map of a preceding lot can be used to improve the process for subsequent lots, an action that may be referred to as process feedback. Process feedback using a roll map may include identifying process conditions and process parameters that caused problems and defects based on the data contained in the roll map.

[0053] Furthermore, the roll map, as described below, is cumulatively generated for work-pieces, parts, semi-finished products, and finished products of unit processes, thereby enabling tracking of the process history of shipped products (e.g., battery cells, battery modules, or battery packs). For example, a battery cell may include a cell ID formed on an electrode assembly or a case. The cell ID may include lot numbers and coordinate information of electrodes and separators included in the battery cell. In other words, the cell ID may be associated with a roll map of the electrodes and separators included in the battery cell. Accordingly, when an event such as a quality issue occurs in a battery cell that has already been shipped, historical data on the manufacturing of the corresponding battery cell can be retrieved based on the cell ID.

[0054] According to exemplary embodiments, the server (1020) may be a data processing system that supports various activities necessary for managing the manufacturing of secondary batteries, such as work schedule management, work instructions, quality control, and work performance aggregation. The server (1020) may be, for example, a Manufacturing Execution System (MES). The server (1020) may be configured to input, process, output, and communicate data necessary for electrode manufacturing, such as a coating process, a press process, and a manufacturing process.

[0055] According to other exemplary embodiments, the server (1020) may be configured to store and process raw measurement data. The server (1020) may continuously monitor the processing of the electrode sheets based on the measurement data, thereby managing the quality of the processing of the electrode sheets. According to exemplary embodiments, the server (1020) may be a Statistical Process Controller (SPC). By collecting and analyzing manufacturing data in near real-time, the server (1020) may promptly identify problem conditions and provide alerts to operators before potential problems occur.

[0056] According to other exemplary embodiments, the server (1020) may be, for example, a data warehouse and may store the roll map for a long period of time based on the quality assurance period of the product, etc.

[0057] According to other exemplary embodiments, the server (1020) may perform all of the functions of MES, SPC, and data warehouse, or may be provided separately from MES, SPC, and data warehouse for role map creation.

[0058]

[0059] Figure 2 illustrates a coating device (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0060] Figure 3 shows a first electrode sheet (ES1) processed by a coating device (100).

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the coating device (100) may include an unwinder (111), a rewinder (113), a die coater (115), marking machines (117a, 117b), a controller (119), a first rotary encoder (121), a second rotary encoder (123), an inspector (131), a roll map PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) (141), and a process PLC (143).

[0062] A first electrode roll (ER1) can be loaded onto an unwinder (111). The unwinder (111) can be configured to unwind a first electrode sheet (ES1) from the first electrode roll (ER1). The rewinder (113) can be configured to wind the first electrode sheet (ES1) onto a second electrode roll (ER2). Accordingly, the first electrode sheet (ES1) can move between the unwinder (111) and the rewinder (113).

[0063] The first electrode sheet (ES1) is wound onto a second electrode roll (ER2), and after reaching a predetermined winding length, it can be cut transversely (TD) and separated. The separated second electrode roll (ER2) can be managed as a lot, which is a unit of the production process, as a product for which the coating process has been completed.

[0064] The first rotary encoder (121) may be configured to detect the amount of the first electrode sheet (ES1) unwound from the first electrode roll (ER1) by the unwinder (111). Accordingly, the first rotary encoder (121) may be configured to generate an input amount signal (UWAS1) indicating the length of the first electrode sheet (ES1) unwound by the unwinder (111). The first rotary encoder (121) may be configured to transmit the input amount signal (UWAS1) to the roll map PLC (141).

[0065] The second rotary encoder (123) may be configured to detect the amount of the first electrode sheet (ES1) wound onto the second electrode roll (ER2) by the rewinder (113). Accordingly, the second rotary encoder (123) may be configured to generate a consumption amount signal (WAS1) indicating the length of the first electrode sheet (ES1) wound by the rewinder (113). The second rotary encoder (123) may be configured to transmit the consumption amount signal (WAS1) to the roll map PLC (141).

[0066] The die coater (115) may be configured to coat an electrode slurry containing an active material on a first electrode sheet (ES1). When the first electrode sheet (ES1) is a positive electrode current collector, an electrode slurry containing a positive electrode active material may be provided on the first electrode sheet (ES1), and when the first electrode sheet (ES1) is a negative electrode current collector, an electrode slurry containing a negative electrode active material may be provided on the first electrode sheet (ES1).

[0067] The die coater (115) can form first to fourth holding portion lanes (L1, L2, L3, L4, hereinafter referred to as L1 to L4) on the first electrode sheet (ES1). The first to fourth holding portion lanes (L1 to L4) are portions of the first electrode sheet (ES1) coated with an active material.

[0068] The first and second maintenance lanes (L1, L2) may be formed from the same slit of the die coater (115) and may be connected to each other. The third and fourth maintenance lanes (L3, L4) may be formed from the same slit of the die coater (115) and may be connected to each other.

[0069] The first and second maintenance lanes (L1, L2) and the third and fourth maintenance lanes (L3, L4) can be separated by a slitting device (300, see FIG. 7). That is, a first electrode sheet (ES1) including four maintenance lanes (L1 to L4) can be cut into a plurality of individualized electrode sheets (ES3a, ES3b, see FIG. 7) each including only one of the first to fourth maintenance lanes (L1 to L4) by the slitting device (300, see FIG. 7).

[0070] Each of the plurality of maintenance lanes (L1 to L4) can extend in the direction of travel (MD) of the first electrode sheet (ES1). The plurality of maintenance lanes (L1 to L16) can be spaced apart in the transverse direction (TD) of the first electrode sheet (ES1).

[0071] Each of the first to fourth uncoated portions (U1, U2, U3, U4, hereinafter referred to as U1 to U4) is a portion of the first electrode sheet (ES1) that is not coated with an active material. The first and fourth uncoated portions (U1, U4) may be at opposite ends of the first electrode sheet (ES1) in the transverse direction (TD). The first and fourth uncoated portions (U1, U4) may be spaced apart from each other with the first to fourth holding portion lanes (L1 to L4) interposed therebetween. The second and third uncoated portions (U2, U3) may be interposed between the second and third holding portion lanes (L2, L3).

[0072] The first uncoated portion (U1) corresponds to the first maintenance portion lane (L1), and the first uncoated portion (U1) and the first maintenance portion lane (L1) can be included in the same electrode roll after the slitting process is completed. The second uncoated portion (U2) corresponds to the second maintenance portion lane (L2), and the second uncoated portion (U2) and the second maintenance portion lane (L2) can be included in the same electrode roll after the slitting process is completed. The third uncoated portion (U3) corresponds to the third maintenance portion lane (L3), and the third uncoated portion (U3) and the third maintenance portion lane (L3) can be included in the same electrode roll after the slitting process is completed. The fourth uncoated portion (U4) corresponds to the fourth maintenance portion lane (L4), and the fourth uncoated portion (U4) and the fourth maintenance portion lane (L4) can be included in the same electrode roll after the slitting process is completed.

[0073] Hereinafter, the technical idea of ​​the present invention will be described based on a first electrode sheet (ES1) including four maintenance lanes (L1 to L4) and four uncoated regions (U1 to U4). A person skilled in the art will be able to easily arrive at a method for generating a process-specific roll map of an electrode sheet including two, three, or five or more maintenance lanes and uncoated regions based on the description herein.

[0074] The roll map PLC (141) may be configured to collect coordinate data (CD1) of the first electrode sheet (ES1) based on the exhaustion amount signal (WAS1) and / or the input amount signal (UWAS1) of the first electrode sheet (ES1). For example, the roll map PLC (141) may determine the movement distance of the first electrode sheet (ES1) based on the exhaustion amount signal (WAS1) of the first electrode sheet (ES1). Accordingly, the roll map PLC (141) may be configured to determine the position of a portion of the first electrode sheet (ES1) that is wound by the rewinder (113) within the first electrode sheet (ES1) at each point in time when an event occurs in the first electrode sheet (ES1).

[0075] As another example, the roll map PLC (141) may determine the movement distance of the first electrode sheet (ES1) based on the input amount signal (UWAS1) of the first electrode sheet (ES1), or may determine the movement distance of the first electrode sheet (ES1) based on each of the exhaustion amount signal (WAS1) and the input amount signal (UWAS1). Hereinafter, as a non-limiting example, the technical idea of ​​the present invention is described with reference to an embodiment in which the roll map PLC (141) collects coordinate data (CD1) based on the exhaustion amount signal (WAS1) of the first electrode sheet (ES1).

[0076] The coordinate data (CD1) may include coordinates matching each portion of the first electrode sheet (ES1). That is, each arbitrary point on the first electrode sheet (ES1) may be matched with a corresponding coordinate. The coordinate may be a one-dimensional quantity in the machine direction (MD) of the first electrode sheet (ES1) (or, the longitudinal direction of the first electrode sheet (ES1)), but is not limited thereto. The coordinate may also be a two-dimensional quantity in the Y direction of the machine direction (MD) of the first electrode sheet (ES1) and the transverse direction (TD) of the first electrode sheet (ES1).

[0077] According to exemplary embodiments, the controller (119) may be configured to control the markers (117a, 117b) based on the coordinate data (CD1). According to exemplary embodiments, the controller (119) may be configured to calibrate the coordinates of the coordinate data (CD1) based on the offset lengths of the markers (117a, 117b), generate a command (MCD) for controlling the markers (117a, 117b) based on the calibrated coordinates, and transmit the command (MCD) to the markers (117a, 117b).

[0078] Here, the offset length of the markers (117a, 117b) may be the length of the first electrode sheet (ES1) between the portion of the first electrode sheet (ES1) detected by the second rotary encoder (123) and the portion of the first electrode sheet (ES1) processed by the markers (117a, 117b). The controller (119) may be configured to transmit data of the operation of the markers (117a, 117b) (i.e., data of the formation of the first to fourth reference points (DP1, DP2, DP3, DP4, hereinafter referred to as DP1 to DP4)) to the process PLC (143).

[0079] The marking devices (117a, 117b) may be, for example, printing devices. The marking devices (117a, 117b) may be configured to form first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) on the first electrode sheet (ES1) based on a body including product ID and manufacturing recipe details transmitted from the MES. The marking devices (117a, 117b) may be configured to form first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) on the first to fourth uncoated portions (U1 to U4).

[0080] The first reference points (DP1) may be formed on the first uncoated portion (U1), the second reference points (DP2) may be formed on the second uncoated portion (U2), the third reference points (DP3) may be formed on the third uncoated portion (U3), and the fourth reference points (DP4) may be formed on the fourth uncoated portion (U4). The first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may be formed at preset intervals on the first electrode sheet (ES1).

[0081] Based on the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4), the positions of other elements on the first electrode sheet (ES1) may be located. The first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may be used to correct coordinate data of elements on the roll map. For example, the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may be used to correct coordinates of a discarded portion of the second electrode sheet (ES2) in the roll press device (200) of FIG. 4 (i.e., the start coordinate and the end coordinate of the discarded portion of the electrode sheet (ES2)) and the coordinate of a seam of the second electrode sheet (ES2). As another example, the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may be used to correct coordinates according to the combination of two or more second electrode rolls (ER2).

[0082] The marking device (117a) may be fixed, and the marking device (117b) may be movable. The marking device (117a) may be configured to form first reference points (DP1) on the first uncoated portion (U1) of the electrode sheet (ES1) moving in the traveling direction (TD) from a fixed position. The marking device (117b) may be configured to move in the transverse direction (TD). The marking device (117b) may be configured to form second to fourth reference points (DP2, DP3, DP4) on the second to fourth uncoated portions (U2, U3, U4).

[0083] The first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may be formed repeatedly. As a non-limiting example, each of the same first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may be repeated, for example, three times. The first reference points (DP1) including symbols of 'A101' may be repeated three times in the first unlined portion (U1), the second reference points (DP2) including symbols of 'A201' may be repeated three times in the second unlined portion (U2), the third reference points (DP3) including symbols of 'A301' may be repeated three times in the third unlined portion (U3), and the fourth reference points (DP4) including symbols of 'A401' may be repeated three times in the fourth unlined portion (U4). According to exemplary embodiments, by repeatedly forming the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4), partial disposal of the electrode sheet or removal of the entire reference point during the notching process can be prevented. The number of repetitions of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may be 1, 2, 4, 5, or more.

[0084] The first reference points (DP1) and the second reference points (DP2) are formed substantially simultaneously, but due to the tolerance of the marking process, there may be an offset (OF1) between the first reference points (DP1) and the second reference points (DP2). Since the third reference points (DP3) are formed after the formation of the second reference points (DP2) is completed, there may be an offset (OF2) between the first reference points (DP1) and the third reference points (DP3). The offset (OF2) may be greater than the offset (OF1). Since the fourth reference points (DP4) are formed after the formation of the third reference points (DP3) is completed, there may be an offset (OF3) between the first reference points (DP1) and the fourth reference points (DP4). The offset (OF3) may be greater than the offset (OF2).

[0085] Accordingly, collecting data on the formation of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) by the marking devices (117a, 117b) may include collecting offset data (OFD) including offsets (OF1, OF2, OF3). The offset data (OFD) may be collected by the controller (119). The controller (119) may be configured to transmit the offset data (OFD) to the process PLC (143). The offset data (OFD) may also be transmitted to the process PLC (143) via the roll map PLC (141).

[0086] According to exemplary embodiments, each of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may include a plurality of symbols. Here, the symbols may collectively refer to signs, letters, and marks that represent a certain meaning. For example, each of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may include a first symbol indicating the orientation of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) and the input direction of the electrode rolls (e.g., the input direction of the fourth second electrode roll (ER2) of FIG. 2 and the input direction of the seventh third electrode roll (ER3)), a second symbol indicating that one of the first to fourth maintenance lanes (L1 to L4) corresponds to the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4), and third and fourth symbols indicating the order of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4).

[0087] As a non-limiting example, the first symbol of each of the first to fourth reference points (DP1) may be 'A'. The first symbol is not limited to the alphabet, and the first symbol of each of the first to fourth reference points (DP1) may include any sign, letter, or symbol that can distinguish the orientation of the first symbol. The first symbol may be included in a different set from the second to fourth symbols. For example, if the second to fourth symbols include Arabic numerals, the first symbol may include Greek letters, Latin letters, Mongolian letters, Armenian letters, Ngozi letters, or Georgian letters. Any character that can provide information about orientation, such as an alphabet including Braille, Cyrillic, Tifinag and Thana, a character such as Hangul, an Abjad such as Syriac, Arabic, Hebrew, Gujarati, Nevanagari, Lao, Malayalam, Burmese, Sinhala, Geez, Oriya, Canadian Aboriginal, Kannada, Khmer, Tamil, Thai, Telugu and Tibetan, an Abu Gidda such as Cherokee and a syllabary such as Kana, etc. The first symbol may be included in the same set as the second through fourth symbols. For example, the first symbol may include two or more consecutive Arabic numerals such as 00, 11, 22 and 33.

[0088] The outer part of the first electrode roll (ER1) introduced into the coating device (100) can be wound inwardly on the second electrode roll (ER2). Similarly, the inner part of the first electrode roll (ER1) introduced into the coating device (100) can be wound outwardly on the second electrode roll (ER2). The outer part of the second electrode roll (ER2) introduced into the roll pressing device (200) of FIG. 4 can be wound inwardly on the third electrode roll (ER3, see FIG. 4). Similarly, the inner part of the second electrode roll (ER2) introduced into the roll pressing device (200) of FIG. 4 can be wound outwardly on the third electrode roll (ER3, see FIG. 4). Additionally, depending on the loading and unloading method of the second electrode roll (ER2) and the third electrode roll (ER3), the left and right of the second electrode sheet (ES2, see Fig. 4) and the third electrode sheet (ES3, see Fig. 7) may be reversed. Here, the driving direction (MD) may be the axis of the left and right reversal.

[0089] For example, in the second electrode sheet (ES2) of FIG. 6 and the electrode sheet (ES3) of FIG. 9, the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may include an inverted first symbol 'A'. Based on the inverted orientation of the first symbol 'A', the subsequent second to fourth symbols may be determined to be inverted, and accordingly, the first to fourth symbols of each of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may be accurately read.

[0090] As another example, in the second electrode sheet (ES2) of FIG. 5 and the electrode sheet (ES3) of FIG. 8, the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may include a non-inverted (i.e., upright) first symbol 'A'. Based on the non-inverted orientation of the first symbol 'A', the subsequent second to fourth symbols may be determined to be non-inverted, and accordingly, the first to fourth symbols of each of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may be accurately read.

[0091] In addition, when the first symbol is recognized, the one following the first symbol can be determined as a second symbol (i.e., a symbol designating a corresponding one of the first to fourth maintenance lanes (L1 to L4), the one following the second symbol can be determined as a third symbol (i.e., a symbol indicating the tens digit of the sequence number), and the one following the third symbol can be determined as a fourth symbol (i.e., a symbol indicating the ones digit of the sequence number). Accordingly, the second to fourth symbols of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) can be determined by recognition of the first symbol by the reference point sensor (231, see FIG. 4) and the reference point sensor (331, see FIG. 7).

[0092] Here, the precedence and succession of symbols are based on horizontal writing from left to right, and may be opposite to the precedence and succession based on the direction of progression (MD). That is, at the first reference points (DP1), the first symbol 'A' precedes the second to fourth symbols '101', but the part of the first unlined portion (U1) where the second to fourth symbols '101' are formed may be wound earlier by the rewinder (113) than the part of the first unlined portion (U1) where the first symbol 'A' is formed.

[0093] As a non-limiting example, the second symbol of each of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may indicate a corresponding one of the first to fourth maintenance lanes (L1 to L4). For example, the second symbol of the first reference point (DP1) may be '1' indicating the first maintenance lane (L1), the second symbol of the second reference point (DP2) may be '2' indicating the second maintenance lane (L2), the second symbol of the third reference point (DP3) may be '3' indicating the third maintenance lane (L3), and the second symbol of the fourth reference point (DP4) may be '4' indicating the fourth maintenance lane (L4). However, it is not limited thereto, and the second symbol of each of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may include any symbol for indicating a corresponding one of the first to fourth maintenance lanes (L1 to L4).

[0094] The third symbol of each of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may represent the tens place in the sequence, and the fourth symbol of each of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may represent the ones place in the sequence. In FIG. 3, the third and fourth symbols of each of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may be '01', which indicates that the first reference point (DP1) is a reference point formed first on the first unlined portion (U1), the second reference points (DP2) are reference points formed first on the second unlined portion (U2), the third reference points (DP3) are reference points formed first on the third unlined portion (U3), and the fourth reference points (DP4) are reference points formed first on the fourth unlined portion (U4).

[0095] However, this is a non-limiting example, and a person skilled in the art will easily arrive at embodiments in which the first to fourth symbols of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) are arranged in any permutation. In any permutation, for example, the first symbol may follow the second symbol, the fourth symbol may follow the first symbol, and the third symbol may follow the fourth symbol. Any permutation of the first to fourth symbols includes a total of 24 arrangements, and a person skilled in the art will easily arrive at the remaining 23 arrangements based on what is described herein.

[0096] Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will readily be able to arrive at embodiments in which each of the first to fourth reference points includes an additional symbol for designating a lane, embodiments in which each of the first to fourth reference points includes three or more symbols for designating the order in which each of the first to fourth reference points is formed, and embodiments in which a single symbol designates a lane while simultaneously indicating the orientation of each of the first to fourth reference points. In addition, although only one side of the first electrode sheet (ES1) is illustrated in FIG. 3, the coating process may be performed on each of both sides of the first electrode sheet (ES1), and the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may be formed on each of both sides of the first electrode sheet (ES1).

[0097] The process PLC (143) may be configured to transmit data of the operation of the markers (117a, 117b) including offset data (OD) to the server (1020, see FIG. 1) via the EIF (1010, see FIG. 1). The server (1020, see FIG. 1) may be configured to generate a first roll map of the second electrode roll (ER2) processed by the coating device (100) based on the data of the operation of the markers (117a, 117b) and data of additional process events.

[0098] Here, the data of the additional process event may include inspection data and measurement data of the first electrode sheet (ES1). The measurement data may include a plurality of measurement values ​​expressed in numbers. For example, the measurement data may include dimensional data of the first electrode sheet (ES1) such as thickness and width, loading amount data of the coating material on the first electrode sheet (ES1), dimensional data such as the width of the insulating material provided on the coating material and the overlapping width between the coating material and the insulating material, mismatch data between the maintenance lanes on the upper surface of the first electrode sheet (ES1) and the maintenance lanes on the lower surface of the first electrode sheet (ES1), etc. The loading amount here represents the amount of the coating material loaded per unit area of ​​the first electrode sheet (ES1) and may be the areal density of the coating material.

[0099] The measurement data can be processed in a set manner to determine whether the measured portion of the first electrode sheet (ES1) is good or bad. If the measured amount of the coating material on the first electrode sheet (ES1) (e.g., the loading amount on the first electrode sheet (ES1) or the thickness of the first electrode sheet (ES1)) is within a set range including an upper limit and a lower limit, the corresponding portion of the first electrode sheet (ES1) can be determined as good. If the measured amount of the coating material on the first electrode sheet (ES1) (e.g., the loading amount on the first electrode sheet (ES1) or the thickness of the first electrode sheet (ES1)) is less than the lower limit or greater than the upper limit, the corresponding portion of the first electrode sheet (ES1) can be determined as bad.

[0100] Measurement data can be collected by an instrument. The instrument may include, for example, a Time Delay and Integration (TDI) camera, a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, and a Time of Flight (TOF) sensor. The instrument may also include an emitter and a receiver configured to perform measurements using non-destructive signals, such as ultrasound, microwaves, terahertz waves, and infrared. The instrument may include analog and / or digital sensors, such as biosensors, chemical sensors, composition sensors, current and / or power meters, air quality sensors, gas sensors, Hall effect sensors, brightness level sensors, and light sensors. The instrument may also include pressure sensors, temperature sensors, ultrasonic sensors, proximity sensors, door status sensors, motion tracking sensors, humidity sensors, visible and infrared sensors, and cameras.

[0101] The measuring device may include a processor configured to generate evaluation data based on measurement data. The evaluation data may be collected based on a comparison of measurement values ​​of a plurality of sections within the first electrode sheet (ES1) with a set range.

[0102] For example, a measurement value (or an average of measurement values) within a first range may be determined as normal, a measurement value (or an average of measurement values) within a second range that is greater than the first range may be determined as excessive, a measurement value (or an average of measurement values) within a third range that is greater than the second range may be determined as very excessive, a measurement value (or an average of measurement values) within a fourth range that is smaller than the first range may be determined as insufficient, and a measurement value (or an average of measurement values) within a fifth range that is smaller than the fourth range may be determined as very insufficient.

[0103] Here, if the lower limit of the second range is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the first range, the second range is greater than the first range. Similarly, if the upper limit of the fourth range is less than or equal to the lower limit of the first range, the fourth range is less than the first range.

[0104] The evaluation values ​​of the above evaluation data may be associated with coordinates. For example, each of the evaluation values ​​may be matched with the start coordinate and the end coordinate of the portion of the first electrode sheet (ES1) from which the evaluation value was calculated.

[0105] Inspection data can be collected by an inspector. The inspector can be configured to inspect the first electrode sheet (ES1) to collect inspection data of the first electrode sheet (ES1). The inspector can be configured to detect defects, such as surface defects, of the first electrode sheet (ES1) based on changes in color and changes in reflectivity on the surface of the first electrode sheet (ES1). The inspector can be configured to collect inspection data of a portion corresponding to (e.g., overlapping with) a sensing unit.

[0106] Inspection data collected by the inspector may include judgments on the quality of a portion of the first electrode sheet (ES1) and process events. For example, the inspection data may include data on the appearance of the first electrode sheet (ES1) collected by an image-based inspection device such as a vision machine, data on disconnections and seams of the first electrode sheet (ES1), data on a portion of the first electrode sheet (ES1) on which sampling inspection has been performed, data on a portion of the first electrode sheet (ES1) scheduled to be scrapped, data on a scrapped portion of the first electrode sheet (ES1), data on the quality of coating materials and insulating materials on the first electrode sheet (ES1), data on reference points indicating the position of the first electrode sheet (ES1), and defect data such as pinhole defects, crater defects, line defects, crack defects, side ring defects, island defects, fold defects, wrinkle defects, dent defects, and imprint defects. The inspector may be any one of a color sensor, a seam sensor, a reference point sensor, and a vision machine.

[0107] The measurement data and inspection data described above may be time-series data. The measurement data and inspection data may be temporally ordered. Temporal ordering is a key characteristic of time-series data, organizing events in the order in which they occur and arrive for processing. That is, the measurement data and inspection data may be stored based on the time at which the measurement and inspection were performed, and the measurement data and inspection data may be temporally associated. Accordingly, each measurement value of the measurement data may be matched to a time, and each inspection value of the inspection data may be matched to a time.

[0108] For example, data of a measurement quantity (e.g., a loading quantity on the first electrode sheet (ES1) or a thickness of the first electrode sheet (ES1)) may have a series of values ​​of a measurement quantity (e.g., a loading quantity on the first electrode sheet (ES1) or a thickness of the first electrode sheet (ES1)) and time values ​​associated with the series of values ​​of the measurement quantity. The values ​​of the measurement quantity and the time values ​​may be matched one-to-one, but are not limited thereto. As another example, data of a defect may have a value indicating a defect and a time value associated with the value indicating the defect. Here, indicating a defect means including information on at least one of the presence or absence of a defect and the type of the defect.

[0109] A roll map can include coordinate-related measurement data and coordinate-related inspection data, which are generated by associating time-series data, such as measurement data and inspection data, with coordinate data. Accordingly, the roll map can provide traceability for the entire process, whether during subsequent processes or after product shipment.

[0110]

[0111] Figure 4 illustrates a roll pressing device (200) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0112] Figures 5 and 6 are plan views showing the second electrode sheet (ES2).

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the roll pressing device (200) may include an unwinder (211), a rewinder (213), a splicing table (215), a scrap port (217), pressure rolls (219), a first rotary encoder (221), a second rotary encoder (223), a reference point sensor (231), a roll map PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) (241), and a process PLC (243).

[0114] The second electrode roll (ER2) can be loaded onto the unwinder (211). After the second electrode roll (ER2) is completed in the coating device (100), it can be transported to the roll pressing device (200) by a transport device. The unwinder (211) can be configured to unwind the second electrode sheet (ES2) from the second electrode roll (ER2). The rewinder (213) can be configured to wind the second electrode sheet (ES2) onto the third electrode roll (ER3). The second electrode sheet (ES2) is wound onto the third electrode roll (ER3), and after reaching the winding amount target, the third electrode roll (ER3) can be cut and separated in the transverse direction (TD). Accordingly, the second electrode sheet (ES2) can be moved between the unwinder (211) and the rewinder (213).

[0115] The first rotary encoder (221) may be configured to detect the amount of the second electrode sheet (ES2) unwound from the second electrode roll (ER2) by the unwinder (211). Accordingly, the first rotary encoder (221) may be configured to generate an input amount signal (UWAS2) indicating the length of the second electrode sheet (ES2) unwound by the unwinder (211). The first rotary encoder (221) may be configured to transmit the input amount signal (UWAS2) to the roll map PLC (241).

[0116] The second rotary encoder (223) may be configured to detect the amount of the second electrode sheet (ES2) wound onto the third electrode roll (ER3) by the rewinder (213). Accordingly, the second rotary encoder (223) may be configured to generate a consumption amount signal (WAS2) indicating the length of the second electrode sheet (ES2) wound by the rewinder (213). The second rotary encoder (223) may be configured to transmit the consumption amount signal (WAS2) to the roll map PLC (241).

[0117] The roll map PLC (241) may be configured to collect coordinate data (CD2) of the second electrode sheet (ES2) based on the exhaustion amount signal (WAS2) and / or the input amount signal (UWAS2) of the second electrode sheet (ES2). For example, the roll map PLC (241) may determine the movement distance of the second electrode sheet (ES2) based on the exhaustion amount signal (WAS2) of the second electrode sheet (ES2). Accordingly, the roll map PLC (241) may be configured to determine the position of a portion of the second electrode sheet (ES2) wound by the rewinder (213) within the second electrode sheet (ES2) at each point in time when an event occurs in the second electrode sheet (ES2). Here, the event may include detection of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) by the reference point sensor (231) and processing of the second electrode sheet (ES2) by the pressure rolls (219).

[0118] As another example, the roll map PLC (241) may determine the movement distance of the second electrode sheet (ES2) based on the input amount signal (UWAS2) of the second electrode sheet (ES2), or may determine the movement distance of the second electrode sheet (ES2) based on each of the exhaustion amount signal (WAS2) and the input amount signal (UWAS2). Hereinafter, as a non-limiting example, the technical idea of ​​the present invention is described with reference to an embodiment in which the roll map PLC (241) collects coordinate data (CD2) based on the exhaustion amount signal (WAS2) of the second electrode sheet (ES2).

[0119] The coordinate data (CD2) may include coordinates matching each portion of the second electrode sheet (ES2). That is, each arbitrary point on the second electrode sheet (ES2) may be matched with a coordinate. The coordinate may be a one-dimensional quantity in the progress direction (MD) of the second electrode sheet (ES2), but is not limited thereto. The coordinate may also be a two-dimensional quantity in the Y direction of the progress direction (MD) of the second electrode sheet (ES2) and the transverse direction (TD) of the second electrode sheet (ES2).

[0120] The reference point sensor (231) may be configured to detect first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) on the second electrode sheet (ES2). The reference point sensor (231) may include a sensing unit (231S) and a processing unit (231P). The sensing unit (231S) and the processing unit (231P) may be connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0121] According to exemplary embodiments, the sensing unit (231S) may include an Optical Character Reader (OCR). The sensing unit (231S) may be configured to detect the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) to generate a reference point detection signal (DSS1). The sensing unit (231S) may be configured to transmit the reference point detection signal (DSS1) to the processing unit (231P).

[0122] According to exemplary embodiments, the number of sensing units (231S) may be less than the number of the first to fourth non-conducting units (U1 to U4). For example, one sensing unit (231S) may cover four non-conducting units (U1 to U4). Accordingly, the cost of constructing the reference point sensor (231) may be reduced.

[0123] The sensing unit (231S) may be configured to detect one of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) at a fixed position. Depending on the direction in which the second electrode roll (ER2) is loaded and the direction in which the second electrode sheet (ES2) is unwound, the sensing unit (231S) may be configured to detect the first reference points (DP1) on the first uncoated portion (U1), as in FIG. 5, or to detect the fourth reference points (DP4) on the fourth uncoated portion (U4), as in FIG. 6.

[0124] The sensing unit (231S) may be positioned to detect the second reference points (DP2) on the second unlined portion (U2) of FIG. 5 or to detect the third reference points (DP3) on the third unlined portion (U3) of FIG. 6. The sensing unit (231S) may be positioned to detect the third reference points (DP3) on the third unlined portion (U3) of FIG. 5 or to detect the second reference points (DP2) on the second unlined portion (U2) of FIG. 6. The sensing unit (231S) may be positioned to detect the fourth reference points (DP4) on the fourth unlined portion (U4) of FIG. 5 or to detect the first reference points (DP1) on the first unlined portion (U1) of FIG. 6.

[0125] The first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may be formed at the same positions on the upper and lower surfaces of the second electrode sheet (ES2) in the driving direction (MD). Accordingly, by detecting the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) on either the upper or lower surface of the second electrode sheet (ES2), the positions of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) on the upper and lower surfaces of the second electrode sheet (ES2) may be determined.

[0126] The processing unit (231P) may be configured to collect reference point data (DSD1) based on the reference point detection signal (DSS1) and the coordinate data (CD2). The processing unit (231P) may be configured to collect reference point data (DSD1) by matching the coordinates of the reference point detection signal (DSS1) generated by reading out any one of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) with the coordinates of the coordinate data (CD2). Accordingly, the reference point data (DSD1) may include a value indicating one of the first to fourth coated lanes L1 to L4 corresponding to the detected one among the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) among the first to fourth retaining parts (L1 to L4), a value indicating the order of the detected one among the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4), and coordinates of the detected one among the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4).

[0127] In order to match the coordinates of the coordinate data (CD2) with the reference point detection signal (DSS1) of any one of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4), the processing unit (231P) may be configured to correct the coordinates of the coordinate data (CD2). The processing unit (231P) may be configured to correct the coordinates of the coordinate data (CD2) based on the length of the second electrode sheet (ES2) between the portion of the second electrode sheet (ES2) wound by the rewinder (213) and the portion of the second electrode sheet (ES2) detected by the sensing unit (231S), and to match the corrected coordinates to the reference point detection signal (DSS1).

[0128] The processing unit (231P) may be configured to transmit the reference point data (DSD1) to the roll map PLC (241). The roll map PLC (241) may be configured to transmit the reference point data (DSD1) to the process PLC (243). The process PLC (243) may be configured to transmit the reference point data (DSD1) and additional process event data to the server (1020, see FIG. 1) via the EIF (1010, see FIG. 1). The server (1020, see FIG. 1) may be configured to generate a second roll map of the third electrode roll (ER3) processed by the roll pressing device (200) based on the reference point data (DSD1) and the additional process event data.

[0129] The process PLC (243) may be configured to control the operation of the unwinder (211), the rewinder (213), the scrap port (217), and the pressure rolls (219) based on the reference point data (DSD1). The process PLC (243) may be configured to generate signals for operation and stop of the unwinder (211), the rewinder (213), the scrap port (217), and the pressure rolls (219). The signals for operation and stop of the unwinder (211), the rewinder (213), the scrap port (217), and the pressure rolls (219) may be generated based on the body and reference point data (DSD1) including details of the product ID and manufacturing recipe.

[0130] The roll pressing device (200) may include additional inspection devices and measuring devices, similar to the coating device (100) of FIG. 2. When defect data of the roll map of the second electrode roll (ER2) or a defect on the second electrode sheet (ES2) identified by the inspection devices and measuring devices in the roll pressing device (200) approaches the splicing table (215), the process PLC (243) may be configured to generate a signal to slow down the moving speed of the second electrode sheet (ES2) or to stop the winding and unwinding of the unwinder (211) and the rewinder (213).

[0131] After cutting the starting position of the defect (or, considering the process margin, a position adjacent to the starting position of the defect) on the splicing table (215), the scrap port (217) can be configured to wind up the defective portion (DES) of the second electrode sheet (ES2), as indicated by the dashed line. After the defective portion (DES) of the second electrode sheet (ES2) is sufficiently wound by the scrap port (217), the second electrode sheet (ES2) connected to the scrap port (217) and the second electrode sheet (ES2) connected to the unwinder (211) can be separated. Subsequently, the current process can be continued by connecting the portion of the second electrode sheet (ES2) connected to the unwinder (211) and the portion of the second electrode sheet (ES2) connected to the rewinder (213). A portion of the second electrode sheet (ES2) connected to the unwinder (211) and a portion of the second electrode sheet (ES2) connected to the rewinder (213) can be connected on a splicing table (215).

[0132] The portion of the second electrode sheet (ES2) that passes the splicing table (215) can be wound onto the third electrode roll (ER3) by the rewinder (213) after being pressed by the pressurizing rolls (219).

[0133]

[0134] Figure 7 illustrates a slitting device (300) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0135] Figures 8 and 9 are plan views showing the third electrode sheet (ES3).

[0136] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the slitting device (300) may include an unwinder (311), rewinders (313a, 313b), a slitting knife (315), a guide roll (316), a first rotary encoder (321), second rotary encoders (323a, 323b), a reference point sensor (331), a roll map PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) (341), and a process PLC (343).

[0137] A third electrode roll (ER3) may be loaded onto an unwinder (311). After being completed in the roll pressing device (200), the third electrode roll (ER3) may be transported to a slitting device (300) by a transport device. The unwinder (311) may be configured to unwind a third electrode sheet (ES3) from the third electrode roll (ER3). The third electrode sheet (ES3) may be cut by a slitting knife (315) to form individualized electrode sheets (ES3a, ES3b). The individualized electrode sheet (ES3a) may be referred to as a first individualized electrode sheet, and the individualized electrode sheet (ES3b) may be referred to as a second individualized electrode sheet. Each of the individualized electrode sheet (ES3a) and the individualized electrode sheet (ES3b) may include a maintenance lane. For example, the individualized electrode sheet (ES3a) may include a first maintenance lane (L1), and the individualized electrode sheet (ES3b) may include a second maintenance lane (L2). The guide roll (316) may be positioned on the movement path of the individualized electrode sheet (ES3b) to separate the movement paths of the individualized electrode sheet (ES3a) and the individualized electrode sheet (ES3b).

[0138] In Fig. 7, only two individual electrode sheets (ES3a, ES3b) are shown for convenience of illustration, but the separation of the electrode sheets may be determined based on the number of electrode lanes on the electrode sheets. For example, the third electrode sheet (ES3) includes the first to fourth maintenance lanes (L1 to L4), and thus the third electrode sheet (ES3) may be cut into four individual electrode sheets.

[0139] The rewinders (313a, 313b) may be configured to wind the individualized electrode sheets (ES3a, ES3b) onto individualized electrode rolls (ER4a, ER4b). The individualized electrode sheets (ES3a, ES3b) are wound onto the individualized electrode rolls (ER4a, ER4b), and after reaching the winding amount target, the individualized electrode rolls (ER4a, ER4b) may be cut and separated in the transverse direction (TD). The individualized electrode roll (ER4a) may be referred to as a first individualized electrode roll, and the individualized electrode roll (ER4b) may be referred to as a second individualized electrode roll.

[0140] The first rotary encoder (321) may be configured to detect the amount of the third electrode sheet (ES3) unwound from the third electrode roll (ER3) by the unwinder (311). Accordingly, the first rotary encoder (321) may be configured to generate an input amount signal (UWAS3) indicating the length of the third electrode sheet (ES3) unwound by the unwinder (311). The first rotary encoder (321) may be configured to transmit the input amount signal (UWAS3) to the roll map PLC (341).

[0141] The second rotary encoders (323a, 323b) may be configured to detect the amount of the third electrode sheets (ES3) wound onto the individualized electrode rolls (ER4a, ER4b) by the rewinders (313a, 313b). Accordingly, the second rotary encoders (323a, 323b) may be configured to generate exhaustion amount signals (WAS3a, WAS3b) representing the lengths of the individualized electrode sheets (ES3a, ES3b) wound by the rewinders (313a, 313b). The second rotary encoders (323a, 323b) may be configured to transmit the exhaustion amount signals (WAS3a, WAS3b) to the roll map PLC (341).

[0142] The roll map PLC (341) can be configured to collect coordinate data (CD3a) of the electrode sheet (ES3a) and coordinate data (CD3b) of the electrode sheet (ES3a) based on the input amount signal (UWAS3) of the third electrode sheet (ES3) and / or the exhaustion amount signals (WAS3a, WAS3b) of the individualized electrode sheets (ES3a, ES3b).

[0143] For example, the roll map PLC (341) can determine the movement distance of the individualized electrode sheets (ES3a, ES3b) based on the exhaustion amount signals (WAS3a, WAS3b) of the third electrode sheet (ES3). Accordingly, the roll map PLC (341) can be configured to determine the position of a portion of the individualized electrode sheets (ES3a, ES3b) that is wound by the rewinders (313a, 313b) within the individualized electrode sheets (ES3a, ES3b) at each point in time when an event occurs in the individualized electrode sheets (ES3a, ES3b). Here, the event within the slitting device (300) can include the detection of any one of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4).

[0144] As another example, the roll map PLC (341) may determine the movement distance of the individualized electrode sheets (ES3a, ES3b) based on the input amount signals (UWAS3) of the third electrode sheet (ES3), or may determine the movement distance of the individualized electrode sheets (ES3a, ES3b) based on the exhaustion amount signals (WAS3a, WAS3b) and the input amount signal (UWAS3), respectively. Hereinafter, as a non-limiting example, the technical idea of ​​the present invention is described with reference to an embodiment in which the roll map PLC (341) collects coordinate data (CD3a, CD3b) based on the exhaustion amount signals (WAS3a, WAS3b) of the individualized electrode sheets (ES3a, ES3b).

[0145] The coordinate data (CD3a, CD3b) may include coordinates matching each portion of the individualized electrode sheets (ES3a, ES3b). That is, each of arbitrary points on the individualized electrode sheets (ES3a, ES3b) may be matched with a coordinate. The coordinate may be a one-dimensional quantity in the progress direction (MD) of the individualized electrode sheets (ES3a, ES3b), but is not limited thereto. The coordinate may also be a two-dimensional quantity in the Y direction of the progress direction (MD) of the electrode sheets (ES3a, ES3b) and the transverse direction (TD) of the individualized electrode sheets (ES3a, ES3b).

[0146] The reference point sensor (331) may be configured to detect any one of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) on the third electrode sheet (ES3). The reference point sensor (331) may include a sensing unit (331S) and a processing unit (331P). The sensing unit (331S) and the processing unit (331P) may be connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0147] According to exemplary embodiments, the sensing unit (331S) may include an OCR. The sensing unit (331S) may be configured to detect the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) to generate a reference point detection signal (DSS2). The sensing unit (331S) may be configured to transmit the reference point detection signal (DSS2) to the processing unit (331P).

[0148] According to exemplary embodiments, the number of sensing units (331S) may be less than the number of the first to fourth non-conducting units (U1 to U4). For example, one sensing unit (331S) may cover four non-conducting units (U1 to U4). Accordingly, the cost of constructing the reference point sensor (331) may be reduced.

[0149] The sensing unit (331S) may be configured to detect one of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) at a fixed position. Depending on the direction in which the third electrode roll (ER3) is loaded and the direction in which the third electrode sheet (ES3) is unwound, the sensing unit (331S) may be configured to detect the first reference points (DP1) on the first uncoated portion (U1), as in FIG. 8, or to detect the fourth reference points (DP4) on the fourth uncoated portion (U4), as in FIG. 9.

[0150] The sensing unit (331S) may be positioned to detect the second reference points (DP2) on the second unlined portion (U2) of FIG. 8 or to detect the third reference points (DP3) on the third unlined portion (U3) of FIG. 9. The sensing unit (331S) may be positioned to detect the third reference points (DP3) on the third unlined portion (U3) of FIG. 8 or to detect the second reference points (DP2) on the second unlined portion (U2) of FIG. 9. The sensing unit (331S) may be positioned to detect the fourth reference points (DP4) on the fourth unlined portion (U4) of FIG. 8 or to detect the first reference points (DP1) on the first unlined portion (U1) of FIG. 9.

[0151] As described above, the reference point sensor (331) can determine the positions of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) on the upper and lower surfaces of the third electrode sheet (ES3), respectively, by detecting the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) on either the upper and lower surfaces of the third electrode sheet (ES3).

[0152] The processing unit (331P) may be configured to collect reference point data (DSD2) based on the reference point detection signal (DSS2) and the coordinate data (CD3). The processing unit (331P) may be configured to collect reference point data (DSD2) by matching the coordinates of the reference point detection signal (DSS2) and the coordinate data (CD3) generated by reading out any one of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4). Accordingly, the reference point data (DSD2) may include a value indicating which of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) among the first to fourth holding units (L1 to L4) corresponds to the one detected, a value indicating the order of the one detected among the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4), and coordinates of the one detected among the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4).

[0153] In order to match the coordinates of the coordinate data (CD3) with the reference point detection signal (DSS2) of any one of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4), the processing unit (331P) may be configured to correct the coordinates of the coordinate data (CD3). The processing unit (331P) may be configured to correct the coordinates of the coordinate data (CD3) based on the length of the third electrode sheet (ES3) between the portion of the third electrode sheet (ES3) wound by the rewinder (313) and the portion of the third electrode sheet (ES3) detected by the sensing unit (331S), and to match the corrected coordinates to the reference point detection signal (DSS2).

[0154] The processing unit (331P) may be configured to transmit the reference point data (DSD2) to the roll map PLC (341). The roll map PLC (341) may be configured to transmit the reference point data (DSD2) to the process PLC (343). The process PLC (343) may be configured to transmit the reference point data (DSD2) and additional process event data to the server (1020, see FIG. 1) via the EIF (1010, see FIG. 1). The server (1020, see FIG. 1) may be configured to generate third roll maps of the individualized electrode rolls (ER4a, ER4b) processed by the slitting device (300) based on the reference point data (DSD2) and the additional process event data.

[0155] The process PLC (343) may be configured to transmit the reference point detection data (DSD2) and additional process event data to the server (1020, see FIG. 1) via the EIF (1010, see FIG. 1). The server (1020, see FIG. 1) may be configured to generate third roll maps of the electrode rolls (ER4a, ER4b) processed by the slitting device (300) based on the reference point detection data (DSD2) and the additional process event data.

[0156]

[0157] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 7, the controller (119), processing units (231P, 331P), roll map PLCs (141, 241, 341), process PLCs (143, 243, 343), EIF (1010), and server (1020) may be implemented using hardware, firmware, software, and combinations thereof. For example, the controller (119), processing units (231P, 331P), roll map PLCs (141, 241, 341), process PLCs (143, 243, 343), EIF (1010), and server (1020) may include computing devices such as workstation computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, and tablet computers. The controller (119), processing units (231P, 331P), roll map PLCs (141, 241, 341), process PLCs (143, 243, 343), EIF (1010) and server (1020) may include any one of a simple controller, a complex processor such as a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, a processor configured by software, dedicated hardware and firmware. The controller (119), processing units (231P, 331P), roll map PLCs (141, 241, 341), process PLCs (143, 243, 343), EIF (1010) and server (1020) may be implemented by, for example, a general-purpose computer or application-specific hardware such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0158] The server (1020) may include a physical server or a cloud server. The server (1020) may provide data and analysis results to the operator via various frameworks. The framework may include a protocol supporting data transmission, allowing the display device (1030) to visualize data through a user interface and provide updated visualizations when new data is calculated by the server (1020). The protocol supporting the data transmission may use HTML, JavaScript, and / or JSON.

[0159] The server (1020) may include various Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for storing data in databases and other data management tools. The APIs may also be used to retrieve data from databases in various data management systems. The data management systems may provide access to the databases, pull data from the databases, retrieve data, and generate metrics. Metrics are tools for visualizing data. Metrics include time-series measurements and can be used for monitoring applications and generating status alerts.

[0160] The server (1020) may be configured to generate a first roll map of a second electrode roll (ER2) completed in a coating device (100), a second roll map of a third electrode roll (ER3) completed in a roll pressing device (200), and a third roll map of individualized electrode rolls (ER4a, ER4b) completed in a slitting device (300). The first roll map may include offset data (OFD), and the second and third roll maps may be generated based on the offset data (OFD).

[0161] The server (1020) can transmit a visualization command (VC) to the display device (1030), and the display device (1030) can visualize the first to third roll maps and display the visualized roll map. The first to third roll maps described above can be displayed by the display device (1030). The first to third roll maps described above can be aligned in one direction, thereby facilitating tracking of the process history.

[0162] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4 to 6, the reference point data (DSD1) may be generated by detection of one of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) (e.g., the first reference points (DP1)). The server (1020) may be configured to generate reference point data indicating coordinates of the second to fourth reference points (DP2, DP3, DP4) based on the reference point data (DSD1) and offset data (OFD, see FIG. 2). The reference point data of the second to fourth reference points (DP2, DP3, DP4) may include a value indicating the order of each of the second to fourth reference points (DP2, DP3, DP4) and a coordinate matching the value indicating the order.

[0163] According to exemplary embodiments, the coordinates of undetected reference points (e.g., the second to fourth reference points DP2, DP3, DP4) can be calculated by calculating the offset data (OFD, see FIG. 2) with the detected reference points (e.g., the first reference points DP1). The calculation can include subtraction and addition.

[0164] As in FIG. 5, when the first reference points (DP1) are detected, the coordinates of the second reference points (DP2) can be calculated by subtracting the offset (OF1) from the coordinates of the first reference points (DP1), the coordinates of the third reference points (DP3) can be calculated by subtracting the offset (OF2) from the coordinates of the first reference points (DP1), and the coordinates of the fourth reference points (DP4) can be calculated by subtracting the offset (OF3) from the coordinates of the first reference points (DP1).

[0165] As in FIG. 6, when the fourth reference points (DP4) are detected, the coordinates of the first reference points (DP1) can be calculated by adding an offset (OF3) to the coordinates of the first reference points (DP1), the coordinates of the second reference points (DP3) can be calculated by subtracting an offset (OF1) from the coordinates of the first reference points (DP1), and the coordinates of the third reference points (DP3) can be calculated by subtracting an offset (OF2) from the coordinates of the first reference points (DP1).

[0166] In this way, the server (1020) may be configured to generate reference point data of non-detected ones among the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) based on reference point data (DSD1) and offset data (OFD, see FIG. 2) of detected ones among the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4). The reference point data (DSD1) may be referred to as first reference point data, and the reference point data of non-detected ones among the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may be referred to as second reference point data. The server (1020) may be configured to generate third roll maps of the third electrode roll (ER3) completed by the roll pressing process based on the first reference point data and the second reference point data.

[0167] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7 to 9, the reference point data (DSD2) may be generated by detection of one of the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) (e.g., the first reference points (DP1)). The server (1020) may be configured to generate reference point data indicating coordinates of the second to fourth reference points (DP2, DP3, DP4) based on the reference point data (DSD2) and offset data (OFD, see FIG. 2). The reference point data of the second to fourth reference points (DP2, DP3, DP4) may include a value indicating the order of each of the second to fourth reference points (DP2, DP3, DP4) and a coordinate matching the value indicating the order.

[0168] As in FIG. 8, when the first reference points (DP1) are detected, the coordinates of the second reference points (DP2) can be calculated by adding an offset (OF1) to the coordinates of the first reference points (DP1), the coordinates of the third reference points (DP3) can be calculated by adding an offset (OF2) to the coordinates of the first reference points (DP1), and the coordinates of the fourth reference points (DP4) can be calculated by adding an offset (OF3) to the coordinates of the first reference points (DP1).

[0169] As in Fig. 9, when the fourth reference points (DP4) are detected, the coordinates of the first reference points (DP1) can be calculated by subtracting the offset (OF3) from the coordinates of the first reference points (DP1), the coordinates of the second reference points (DP3) can be calculated by adding the offset (OF1) to the coordinates of the first reference points (DP1), and the coordinates of the third reference points (DP3) can be calculated by subtracting the offset (OF2) from the coordinates of the first reference points (DP1).

[0170] In this way, the server (1020) may be configured to generate reference point data of undetected ones among the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) based on reference point data (DSD2) and offset data (OFD) of detected ones among the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4). The reference point data (DSD2) may be referred to as third reference point data, and the reference point data of undetected ones among the first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) may be referred to as fourth reference point data. The server (1020) may be configured to generate third roll maps of the individualized electrode rolls (ER4a, ER4b) completed in the slitting device (300) based on the third reference point data and the fourth reference point data.

[0171] The third roll maps may include data for corresponding ones of the first to fourth maintenance lanes (L1 to L4). For example, the third roll map of the individualized electrode roll (ER4a) may include data indicating the first maintenance lane (L1), and the third roll map of the individualized electrode roll (ER4b) may include data indicating the second maintenance lane (L2). After individualization by the slitting device (300), each of the individualized electrode rolls (ER4a, ER4b) includes only a single maintenance lane. However, since the third roll maps include data indicating the corresponding maintenance lane, the traceability of the secondary battery manufacturing process may be improved.

[0172] When the reference point data (DSD2) is generated by detection of the first reference points (DP1), a third roll map of an individualized electrode roll including a first uncoated portion (U1) and a first maintenance portion lane (L1) can be generated based on the reference point data (DSD2) of the first reference points (DP1), a third roll map of an individualized electrode roll including a second uncoated portion (U2) and a second maintenance portion lane (L2) can be generated based on the reference point data of the second reference points (DP2) generated based on the reference point data (DSD2) and offset data (OFD), a third roll map of an individualized electrode roll including a third uncoated portion (U3) and a third maintenance portion lane (L3) can be generated based on the reference point data of the third reference points (DP3) generated based on the reference point data (DSD2) and offset data (OFD), and an individualized electrode including a fourth uncoated portion (U4) and a fourth maintenance portion lane (L4) The third roll map of the roll can be generated based on the reference point data of the fourth reference points (DP4) generated based on the reference point data (DSD2) and offset data (OFD).

[0173] Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 7, the secondary battery manufacturing system (10) may implement a plug-in architecture with an API for data acquisition to provide plug-and-play connectivity for sensors, measuring instruments, and testers. Accordingly, resources from a specific process step and site can be easily transferred to other processes and sites, or new resources can be easily introduced to each process step and site.

[0174] In some embodiments, the secondary battery manufacturing system (10) may further include a manual input system that allows an operator to input manufacturing data. The secondary battery manufacturing system (10) may allow for data entry by an operator using an input tool and computer-based input of manufacturing data, such as scraping an Excel file. The manual input system may be, for example, a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) of a Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. SCADA may typically include a combination of software and hardware, such as a PLC and a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU). The HMI is a key element of the SCADA system, serving as a screen that supports communication between the operator and the SCADA system. For example, manual input by the HMI may include selecting a defect type and reflecting performance upon completion.

[0175] According to some embodiments, the operations of the controller (119), the processing units (231P, 331P), the roll map PLCs (141, 241, 341), the process PLCs (143, 243, 343), the EIF (1010), and the server (1020) may be implemented as instructions stored on a machine-readable medium that can be read and executed by one or more processors. Here, the machine-readable medium may include any mechanism for storing and / or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computing device). For example, the machine-readable medium may include a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a magnetic disk storage medium, an optical storage medium, a flash memory, an electrical, optical, acoustical, or other form of radio signal (e.g., a carrier wave, an infrared signal, a digital signal, etc.), and any other signal.

[0176] The controller (119), processing units (231P, 331P), roll map PLCs (141, 241, 341), process PLCs (143, 243, 343), EIF (1010), and server (1020) may be configured with firmware, software, routines, and instructions for performing the operations described above, or any process described below. For example, the controller (119), processing units (231P, 331P), roll map PLCs (141, 241, 341), process PLCs (143, 243, 343), EIF (1010), and server (1020) may be instantiated in memory.

[0177]

[0178] (Example 2)

[0179] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to exemplary embodiments.

[0180] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 10, electrode slurry can be coated on a first electrode sheet (ES1) drawn from a first electrode roll (ER1) at P110 so that first to fourth holding portion lanes (L1 to L4) are formed. Coating of the electrode slurry on the first electrode sheet (ES1) can be performed by a die coater (115) in a coating device (100).

[0181] Next, first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) can be formed on the first electrode sheet (ES1) at P120. The first to fourth reference points (DP1 to DP4) can be formed by marking devices (117a, 117b).

[0182] Next, the first electrode sheet (ES1) can be wound onto a second electrode roll (ER2) at P130. The second electrode roll (ER2) can be wound by a rewinder (113).

[0183] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6 and 10, reference points (e.g., first reference points (DP1)) of a second electrode sheet (ES2) unwound from a second electrode roll (ER2) can be detected to collect reference point data (DSD1) at P140. To unwound the second electrode sheet (ES2) from the second electrode roll (ER2), the second electrode roll (ER2) completed in the coating device (100, see FIG. 2) can be transferred to a roll pressing device (200) and loaded onto an unwinder (211). The second electrode sheet (ES2) can be unwound from the second electrode roll (ER2) by the unwinder (211).

[0184] Collecting the reference point data (DSD1) may include detecting reference points (e.g., first reference points (DP1)) of the second electrode sheet (ES2) to generate a reference point detection signal (DSS1), correcting coordinates of the coordinate data (CD2), and matching the corrected coordinates to the reference point detection signal (DSS1). The collection of the reference point data (DSD1) may be performed by the reference point sensor (231). In P140, instead of the first reference points (DP1), the second to fourth reference points (DP2, DP3, DP4) may be detected for collecting the reference point data (DSD1).

[0185] Referring to FIGS. 1, 4 to 6 and 10, in P150, reference point data of each of the non-detected reference points (e.g., the second to fourth reference points (DP2, DP3, DP4)) can be generated based on reference point data (DSD1) and offset data (OFD, see FIG. 2) of the detected reference points (e.g., the first reference points (DP1)). The reference point data of each of the second to fourth reference points (DP2, DP3, DP4) can be generated by the server (1020). Next, a roll map of the third electrode roll (ER3) completed by the roll pressing device (200) can be generated based on the reference point data (DSD1) of the detected reference points (e.g., the first reference points (DP1)) and the reference point data of each of the non-detected reference points (e.g., the second to fourth reference points (DP2, DP3, DP4)).

[0186] Next, the second electrode sheet (ES2) can be wound onto the third electrode roll (ER3) at P160. The third electrode roll (ER3) can be wound by the rewinder (213).

[0187] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7 to 10, at P170, reference points (e.g., first reference points (DP1)) of a third electrode sheet (ES3) unwound from a third electrode roll (ER3) can be detected to collect reference point data (DSD2). To unwound the third electrode sheet (ES3) from the third electrode roll (ER3), the third electrode roll (ER3) completed in the roll pressing device (200, see FIG. 4) can be transferred to a slitting device (300) and loaded onto an unwinder (311). The third electrode sheet (ES3) can be unwound from the third electrode roll (ER3) by the unwinder (311).

[0188] Collecting the reference point data (DSD2) may include detecting reference points (e.g., first reference points (DP1)) of the third electrode sheet (ES3) to generate a reference point detection signal (DSS2), correcting coordinates of the coordinate data (CD2), and matching the corrected coordinates to the reference point detection signal (DSS2). The collection of the reference point data (DSD2) may be performed by the reference point sensor (331). In P170, instead of the first reference points (DP1), the second to fourth reference points (DP2, DP3, DP4) may be detected for collecting the reference point data (DSD1).

[0189] Referring to FIGS. 1, 4 to 6 and 10, at P180, reference point data of each of the non-detected reference points (e.g., the second to fourth reference points (DP2, DP3, DP4)) can be generated based on reference point data (DSD2) and offset data (OFD, see FIG. 2) of the detected reference points (e.g., the first reference points (DP1)). The reference point data of each of the second to fourth reference points (DP2, DP3, DP4) can be generated by the server (1020). Next, third roll maps of the individualized electrode rolls (ER4a, ER4b) completed by the roll pressing device (300) can be generated based on the reference point data (DSD2) of the detected reference points (e.g., the first reference points (DP1)) and the reference point data of each of the non-detected reference points (e.g., the second to fourth reference points (DP2, DP3, DP4)). One of the third roll maps may include reference point data (DSD2) of the first reference points (DP1), another of the third roll maps may include reference point data of the second reference points (DP2), another of the third roll maps may include reference point data of the third reference points (DP3), and another of the third roll maps may include reference point data of the fourth reference points (DP4).

[0190]

[0191] The present invention has been described in more detail through the drawings and examples. However, the configurations described in the drawings or examples described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

Claims

1. A step of coating electrode slurry so that a first maintenance lane, a second maintenance lane, a first uncoated portion, and a second uncoated portion are formed on a first electrode sheet drawn from a first electrode roll; A step of forming a first reference point in the first unlined portion and forming a second reference point in the second unlined portion; A step of winding the first electrode sheet onto a second electrode roll; A step of detecting the first reference point of the second electrode sheet released from the second electrode roll to collect first reference point data representing the coordinates of the first reference point within the second electrode sheet; and A method for generating a roll map, comprising the step of generating second reference point data representing coordinates of the second reference point within the second electrode sheet based on the first reference point data.

2. In paragraph 1, A method for generating a roll map, wherein each of the first and second reference points includes a first symbol indicating an orientation of the reference point, a second symbol indicating a corresponding one of the first and second maintenance lanes, and a third symbol indicating the order in which the first and second reference points are formed.

3. In paragraph 1, A method for generating a roll map, wherein each of the first and second reference points comprises four symbols.

4. In paragraph 1, A method for generating a roll map, characterized in that, in the step of forming a first reference point in the first unlined portion and forming a second reference point in the second unlined portion, offset data including an offset, which is a length in the direction of travel of the first electrode sheet between the first reference point and the second reference point, is collected.

5. In paragraph 4, A method for generating a roll map, characterized in that the second reference point data is generated based on the first reference point data and the offset data.

6. In paragraph 5, A method for generating a roll map, characterized in that the coordinates within the second electrode sheet of the second reference point are calculated by calculating the coordinates within the second electrode sheet of the first reference point and the offset.

7. In paragraph 6, A method for generating a roll map, wherein the above operation is one of subtraction and addition.

8. In paragraph 4, A step of winding the second electrode sheet onto a third electrode roll; A step of detecting the first reference point of the third electrode sheet released from the third electrode roll to collect third reference point data representing the coordinates within the third electrode sheet of the first reference point; and A method for generating a roll map further comprising the step of generating fourth reference point data representing coordinates of the third reference point within the third electrode sheet based on the third reference point data.

9. In paragraph 8, A method for generating a roll map, characterized in that the fourth reference point data is generated based on the third reference point data and the offset data.

10. In paragraph 8, A method for generating a roll map, characterized in that the coordinates within the third electrode sheet of the second reference point are calculated by calculating the coordinates within the third electrode sheet of the first reference point and the offset.

11. In paragraph 8, A step of cutting the third electrode sheet into a first individualized electrode sheet including the first maintenance lane and the first uncoated portion and a second individualized electrode sheet including the second maintenance lane and the second uncoated portion; and A method for generating a roll map further comprising the steps of winding the first individualized electrode sheet into a first individualized electrode roll and winding the second individualized electrode sheet into a second individualized electrode roll.

12. In paragraph 11, A method for generating a roll map further comprising the step of generating roll maps of the first and second individualized electrode rolls based on the third and fourth reference point data.

13. In paragraph 12, A method for generating a roll map, wherein each of the roll maps of the first and second individualized electrode rolls includes data for a corresponding one of the first maintenance lane and the second maintenance lane.

14. In paragraph 1, A method for generating a roll map, characterized in that the first reference point and the second reference point are formed by the same marking device.

15. In paragraph 1, A method for generating a roll map, characterized in that the first reference point is formed by a first marking device and the second reference point is formed by a second marking device.

Images