Secondary battery manufacturing system and secondary battery manufacturing method

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments provide a secondary battery manufacturing system. The system includes: a positive electrode cutter configured to cut a positive electrode sheet unwound from a positive electrode roll to provide a plurality of positive electrodes; a negative electrode cutter configured to cut a negative electrode sheet unwound from a negative electrode roll to provide a plurality of negative electrodes; an electrode ID reader configured to detect an electrode ID of a negative electrode tab of each of the plurality of negative electrodes so as to generate an electrode ID detection signal; and a controller configured to collect coordinate-related electrode ID data on the basis of a first input amount of the positive electrode sheet, a second input amount of the negative electrode sheet, and the electrode ID detection signal.

Description

Secondary battery manufacturing system and method for manufacturing a secondary battery

[0001] The present invention relates to a secondary battery manufacturing system and a method for manufacturing a secondary battery. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2023-0119245, filed September 7, 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-pressing process, and a slitting process. In the coating process, active and insulating materials may be applied to the surface of the current collector. In the roll-pressing process, the electrode may be pressed by pressure rolls. The roll-pressing 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 battery cell design.

[0004] The technical idea of ​​the present invention aims to solve a problem by providing a secondary battery manufacturing system capable of searching for historical data of electrode manufacturing and a method for manufacturing a secondary battery.

[0005] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a secondary battery manufacturing system is provided. The system includes: a cathode cutter configured to cut a cathode sheet rolled from a cathode roll to provide a plurality of cathodes; a cathode cutter configured to cut a cathode sheet rolled from a cathode roll to provide a plurality of cathodes; an electrode ID reader configured to detect an electrode ID of a cathode tab of each of the plurality of cathodes to generate an electrode ID detection signal; and a controller configured to collect coordinate-related electrode ID data based on a first input amount of the cathode sheet, a second input amount of the cathode sheet, and the electrode ID detection signal.

[0006] The first input amount of the positive electrode sheet is determined based on the cut count of the positive electrode cutter, and the second input amount of the negative electrode sheet is determined based on the cut count of the negative electrode cutter.

[0007] The first input amount of the positive electrode sheet is calculated based on the pitch of the plurality of positive electrodes and the cut count of the positive electrode cutter, and the second input amount of the negative electrode sheet is calculated based on the pitch of the plurality of negative electrodes and the cut count of the negative electrode cutter.

[0008] The system further comprises a first encoder configured to generate a first input signal representing the first input amount of the positive electrode sheet; and a second encoder configured to generate a second input signal representing the second input amount of the negative electrode sheet.

[0009] The electrode ID data associated with the above coordinates includes the electrode ID and the coordinates of the anode matched to the electrode ID.

[0010] The electrode ID data associated with the above coordinates includes the electrode ID and the coordinates of the cathode matched to the electrode ID.

[0011] Further comprising a server configured to store electrode ID data associated with the above coordinates.

[0012] The server is configured to store a roll map of the positive roll for manufacturing the positive roll and a roll map of the negative roll for manufacturing the negative roll.

[0013] The server is configured to match the electrode ID with the roll map of the positive electrode roll and the roll map of the negative electrode roll.

[0014] According to exemplary embodiments, a method of manufacturing a secondary battery is provided. The method includes the steps of: cutting a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet to form a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes; combining the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes; and collecting coordinate-associated electrode ID data, wherein each of the plurality of negative electrodes includes a negative electrode tab including an electrode ID, and the coordinate-associated electrode ID data includes the electrode ID and coordinates of the positive electrode matched to the electrode ID.

[0015] The electrode ID data associated with the above coordinates includes the electrode ID and the coordinates of the cathode matched to the electrode ID.

[0016] The electrode ID data associated with the above coordinates is collected based on the first input amount of the positive electrode sheet, the second input amount of the negative electrode sheet, and the electrode ID detection signal, and the electrode ID detection signal is generated based on detection of the electrode ID.

[0017] A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, characterized in that the first input amount of the positive electrode sheet is determined based on a cut count of a positive electrode cutter configured to cut the positive electrode sheet, and the second input amount of the negative electrode sheet is determined based on a cut count of a negative electrode cutter configured to cut the negative electrode sheet.

[0018] The first input amount of the positive electrode sheet is calculated based on the pitch of the plurality of positive electrodes and the cut count of the positive electrode cutter, and the second input amount of the negative electrode sheet is calculated based on the pitch of the plurality of negative electrodes and the cut count of the negative electrode cutter.

[0019] The first input amount of the positive electrode sheet is determined by a first input amount signal generated by a first encoder configured to detect a rotation amount of the positive electrode unwinder configured to unwind the positive electrode sheet, and the second input amount of the negative electrode sheet is determined by a second input amount signal generated by a second encoder configured to detect a rotation amount of the negative electrode unwinder configured to unwind the negative electrode sheet.

[0020] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, traceability between the roll map generated in the electrode process and semi-finished products such as monocells can be improved. Accordingly, the reliability of secondary battery manufacturing can be enhanced.

[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 secondary battery manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] Figure 3 shows the relative positions of elements with respect to the positive electrode sheet (ESP).

[0025] Figure 4 shows the relative positions of elements with respect to the cathode sheet (ESN).

[0026] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031]

[0032] (Example 1)

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing system (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing system (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0035] Figure 3 shows the relative positions of elements with respect to the positive electrode sheet (ESP).

[0036] Figure 4 shows the relative positions of elements with respect to the cathode sheet (ESN).

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a secondary battery manufacturing system (100) may include a positive electrode unwinder (111P), a negative electrode unwinder (111N), and separator unwinders (111S1, 111S2), electrode cutters (113P, 113N), guide rolls (115), a separator cutter (117), encoders (121P, 121N), seam sensors (123P, 123N), an electrode gap sensor (125), an electrode ID reader (127), a controller (130), and servers (140, 150, 160).

[0038] The secondary battery manufacturing system (100) may be configured to perform, for example, a lamination and stacking process. As a result of the lamination process, mono cells (MC) may be provided. Each mono cell (MC) may include a positive electrode (EPP), a negative electrode (EPN), and separators. In the stacking process, the mono cells (MC) and additional half cells may be stacked vertically, thereby providing an electrode assembly.

[0039] Unwinders (111P, 111N, 111S1, 111S2) may be configured to input roll-shaped materials into the secondary battery manufacturing system (100). More specifically, the unwinder (111P) may be configured to unwind a positive electrode sheet (ESP) from a positive electrode roll (ERP), the unwinder (111N) may be configured to unwind a negative electrode sheet (ESN) from a negative electrode roll (ERN), and the unwinders (111S1, 111S2) may be configured to unwind separator sheets (SS1, SS2) from separator rolls (SR1, SR2).

[0040] The positive electrode roll (ERP) and the negative electrode roll (ERN) can be provided through a series of processes for manufacturing secondary batteries. For example, the positive electrode roll (ERP) and the negative electrode roll (ERN) can be provided through a coating process, a roll pressing process, a selective slitting process, and a notching process.

[0041] The coating process involves applying a coating material, such as electrode slurry, onto an electrode sheet. The electrode slurry may include an electrode active material, a conductive agent, a binder, and a solvent. The electrode slurry can be provided by dissolving the electrode active material, conductive agent, binder, etc. in a solvent.

[0042] The roll pressing process involves passing an electrode sheet coated with electrode slurry between opposing press rolls. The press rolls can smooth the electrode surface and enhance the bonding strength between the active material and the current collector.

[0043] To increase the production capacity per line (e.g., GWh) of secondary battery production facilities, wide electrode sheets undergo a coating process and a roll pressing process. Subsequently, in a slitting process, the wide electrode sheets can be cut to the specifications of the battery cell. Depending on the specifications of the battery cell, the slitting process may be omitted.

[0044] The notching process forms tabs in the electrode sheet and, if necessary, can form V-shaped grooves for cutting the electrode sheet. In the notching process, positive tabs (TP) and negative tabs (TN) can be formed. In the notching process, electrode IDs (CIDs) can be formed on the negative tabs (TN). The electrode IDs (CIDs) can be formed by methods such as laser printing and ink printing. Accordingly, each of the negative tabs (TN) can include the electrode IDs (CIDs). Unlike the negative tabs (TN), the positive tabs (TP) may not include the electrode IDs (CIDs) to prevent defects.

[0045] However, the electrode ID (CID) may not be limited thereto, and may also include symbols indicating the sequence number of the negative electrode tabs (TN). The symbols of the electrode ID (CID) may include, but are not limited to, Arabic numerals. The symbols of the electrode ID (CID) may include any characters that can provide information about the sequence number of the negative electrode tabs (TN).

[0046] The positive electrode cutter (113P) may be configured to cut the positive electrode sheet (ESP). A plurality of positive electrodes (EPP) may be provided by cutting the positive electrode sheet (ESP). The negative electrode cutter (113N) may be configured to cut the negative electrode sheet (ESN). A plurality of negative electrodes (EPN) may be provided by cutting the negative electrode sheet (ESN).

[0047] The controller (130) can control the operations of the positive cutter (113P) and the negative cutter (113N) as described below, and accordingly can be configured to count the cuts of the positive sheet (ESP) by the positive cutter (113P) and the cuts of the negative sheet (ESN) by the negative cutter (113N). For example, the controller (130) can be configured to receive a first cut count signal (CSSP) from the positive cutter (113P) and a second cut count signal (CSSN) from the negative cutter (113N).

[0048] The guide rolls (115) may be configured to define a path of the separator sheets (SS1, SS2). The separator sheets (SS1, SS2) may be aligned in parallel by the guide rolls (115). The positive electrodes (EPP) and the negative electrodes (EPN) may be placed on the separator sheets (SS1, SS2). For example, the negative electrodes (EPN) may be placed on the separator sheet (SS2), and the positive electrodes (EPP) may be placed on the separator sheet (SS1). The positive electrodes (EPP) and the negative electrodes (EPN) may be electrically and physically separated by the separator sheet (SS1).

[0049] The separator cutter (117) may be configured to cut the separator sheets (SS1, SS2). Before cutting the separator sheets (SS1, SS2) by the separator cutter (117), the laminated structure of the separator sheets (SS1, SS2), the positive electrodes (EPP), and the negative electrodes (EPN) may be pressed by a nip roll (not shown) or the like. By cutting the separator sheets (SS1, SS2), a mono cell (MC) including the positive electrodes (EPP), the negative electrodes (EPN), and the separators may be provided.

[0050] The encoder (121P) may be configured to detect the rotational amount of the unwinder (111P). The encoder (121P) may be configured to detect the amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) unwound from the positive electrode roll (ERP) by the unwinder (111P). Accordingly, the encoder (121P) may be configured to generate a first input amount signal (UWSP) indicating the length of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) unwound by the unwinder (111P) (i.e., the input amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP)). The encoder (121P) may be configured to transmit the first input amount signal (UWSP) to the controller (130).

[0051] The encoder (121N) may be configured to detect the rotation amount of the unwinder (111N). The encoder (121N) may be configured to detect the amount of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) unwound from the negative electrode roll (ERN) by the unwinder (111N). Accordingly, the encoder (121N) may be configured to generate a second input amount signal (UWSN) indicating the length of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) unwound by the unwinder (111N) (i.e., the input amount of the negative electrode sheet (ESN)). The encoder (121N) may be configured to transmit the second input amount signal (UWSN) to the controller (130).

[0052] The first seam detection sensor (123P) may be configured to detect a seam of the positive electrode sheet (ESP). Here, the positive electrode sheet (ESP) may include a seam when the positive electrode roll (ERP) is replaced (i.e., when a subsequent positive electrode roll (ERP) is loaded onto the unwinder (111P), when a breakage of the electrode occurs during the self-process (i.e., processing of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) by the secondary battery manufacturing system (100)), and when a breakage of the electrode occurs during the pre-process (i.e., processing of the positive electrode roll (ERP) before being loaded onto the unwinder (111P).

[0053] The first seam detection sensor (123P) may be, for example, a color sensor, but is not limited thereto. The first seam detection sensor (123P) may be configured to generate a first seam detection signal (JSSP). The first seam detection signal (JSSP) may be transmitted to the controller (130).

[0054] The second seam detection sensor (123N) may be configured to detect a seam of the negative electrode sheet (ESN). Here, the negative electrode sheet (ESN) may include a seam when the negative electrode roll (ERN) is replaced (i.e., when a subsequent negative electrode roll (ERN) is loaded into the unwinder (111N), when a breakage of the electrode occurs in the self-process (i.e., processing of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) by the secondary battery manufacturing system (100), and when a breakage of the electrode occurs in the pre-process (i.e., processing of the negative electrode roll (ERN) before being loaded into the unwinder (111N).

[0055] The second seam detection sensor (123N) may be, for example, a color sensor, but is not limited thereto. The second seam detection sensor (123N) may be configured to generate a second seam detection signal (JSSN). The second seam detection signal (JSSN) may be transmitted to the controller (130).

[0056] The electrode gap sensor (125) may be configured to detect the gap between the anodes (EPP) and the cathodes (EPN). For example, the electrode gap sensor (125) may be configured to detect the gaps between the anodes (EPP). For another example, the electrode gap sensor (125) may be configured to detect the gaps between the cathodes (EPN). For another example, the electrode gap sensor (125) may be configured to detect each of the gaps between the anodes (EPP) and the gaps between the cathodes (EPN).

[0057] The electrode gap sensor (125) may be configured to generate a gap detection signal (ISS). The electrode gap sensor (125) may be configured to transmit the gap detection signal (ISS) to the controller (130).

[0058] The electrode ID reader (127) may be configured to detect the electrode ID (CID). The electrode ID reader (127) may be configured to read out a sequence number indicated by the electrode ID (CID). The electrode ID reader (127) may be, for example, a Bar Code Reader (BCR), but is not limited thereto. The electrode ID reader (127) may also be an Optical Character Reader (OCR). The electrode ID reader (127) may be configured to generate an electrode ID detection signal (CIDS) based on detection of the electrode ID (CID). The electrode ID reader (127) may be configured to transmit the electrode ID detection signal (CIDS) to the controller (130).

[0059] The controller (130) may be configured to control elements of the secondary battery manufacturing system (100), such as, for example, unwinders (111P, 111N, 111S1, 111S2), a cathode cutter (113P), a cathode cutter (113N), and a separator cutter (117).

[0060] The controller (130) may be in operative communication with the encoders (121P, 121N), the seam detection sensors (123P, 123N), the electrode gap sensor (125), and the electrode ID reader (127) via a wired or wireless data network. The data network may be unidirectional or bidirectional. The data network may be implemented by a public network and / or a specialized network using a physical channel, WiFi, Bluetooth, and / or other frequency bands. The encoders (121P, 121N), the seam detection sensors (123P, 123N), the electrode gap sensor (125), and the electrode ID reader (127) may be configured to collect data from equipment, workpieces, semi-finished products, and finished products within the secondary battery manufacturing system (100), or to generate signals for collecting data.

[0061] As a non-limiting example, the controller (130) may be a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). A PLC is a specialized type of microprocessor-based controller that uses programmable memory to store commands and implement functions such as logic, sequencing, timing, counting, and arithmetic to control machines and processes. PLCs are easy to operate and program.

[0062] The controller (130) may include a power supply, a central processing unit (CPU), an input interface, an output interface, a communication interface, and memory devices. For the operation of the controller (130), the controller (130) may be configured to supply power to other elements of the controller (130), such as the CPU, the input interface, the output interface, the communication interface, and the memory devices. The memory devices may include a read-only memory (ROM) configured to store a system program, such as an operating system, and a random access memory (RAM) configured to store data, such as user programs and status information of input and output devices, timers, counters, and values ​​of other internal devices. The CPU may be configured to control communication between modules that implement logic and convert input signals into output operation signals. The CPU may operate based on the system program and the user program stored in the memory devices. The CPU may be configured to write or read inspection data and measurement data to the data area of ​​the memory devices based on the system program and the user program. Conditions or data of industrial devices and production processes may be transmitted to the CPU through the input module. The results processed by the CPU can be transmitted to the actuator via the output module. The communication interface can be configured to transmit and receive data between the controller (130) and the server (140).

[0063] However, the controller (130) is not limited thereto, and 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 (130) 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).

[0064] The cutting of the positive cutter (113P) and the negative cutter (113N) can be performed based on a pitch, which is a constant repeating unit. The pitch can be the minimum unit length in which the same shape and structure are repeated, such as the length in the running direction between the positive tabs (TP) of adjacent positive electrodes (EEP). The positive electrode sheet (ESP) is cut to substantially the same target length, and the amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) input can be proportional to the cut count (e.g., the cut count signal (CCSP)) of the positive electrode cutter (113P). Similarly, the negative electrode sheet (ESN) is cut to substantially the same target length, and the amount of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) input can be proportional to the cut count (e.g., the cut count signal (CCSN)) of the negative electrode cutter (113N).

[0065] More specifically, the input amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) may be the sum of the product of the cut count Cutcount_P and the pitch Pitch_P and the offset length (OLP1), as in Equation 1. Here, the offset length (OLP2) may be the length of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) between the unwinder (111P) and the positive electrode cutter (113P).

[0066] [Formula 1]

[0067] Input_P=OLP2+(Pitch_P)×(Cutcount_P)

[0068] Similarly, the input amount of the negative sheet (ESN) may be the sum of the product of the cut count Cutcount_N and the pitch Pitch_N and the offset length (OLN2), as in Equation 2. Here, the offset length (OLN2) may be the length of the negative sheet (ESN) between the unwinder (111N) and the negative cutter (113N).

[0069] [Formula 2]

[0070] Input_N=OLN2+(Pitch_N)×(Cutcount_N)

[0071] In another example, the amount of input of the positive sheet (ESP) can be determined from the first input signal (UWSP) of the encoder (121P), and the amount of input of the negative sheet (ESN) can be determined from the second input signal (UWSN) of the encoder (121N).

[0072] The amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) input may indicate the relative position of a portion of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) unwound by the unwinder (111P) within the positive electrode sheet (ESP). The controller may be configured to determine the coordinates of an event occurring in the positive electrode sheet (ESP) based on the amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) input and the offset lengths (OLP1, OLP2, OLP3). The controller may be configured to determine the coordinates of an event occurring in the negative electrode sheet (ESN) based on the amount of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) input and the offset lengths (OLN1, OLN2, OLN3).

[0073] For example, the coordinates of a portion of the positive sheet (ESP) detected by the seam sensor (121P) (i.e., the coordinates of the positive sheet (ESP) from which the seam detection signal (JSSP) originates) can be determined by calculating (e.g., adding or subtracting) the input amount of the positive sheet (ESP) and the offset length (OLP1). The offset length (OLP1) can be the length of the positive sheet (ESP) between the unwinder (111P) and the portion of the positive sheet (ESP) detected by the seam sensor (121P).

[0074] For example, the coordinates of a portion of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) cut by the positive electrode cutter (113P) can be determined by calculating (e.g., adding or subtracting) the input amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) and the offset length (OLP2). The offset length (OLP2) can be the length of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) between the portion of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) cut by the unwinder (111P) and the positive electrode cutter (133P).

[0075] For example, the coordinates (e.g., converted coordinates or equivalent coordinates) of the positive electrode (EPP) coupled with the negative electrode (EPN) detected by the electrode ID reader (127) can be determined by calculating (e.g., adding or subtracting) the input amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) and the offset length (OLP3). The offset length (OLP3) can be the length (e.g., converted length or equivalent length) of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) between the unwinder (111P) and the positive electrode (EPP) coupled with the negative electrode (EPN) detected by the electrode ID reader (127).

[0076] At this time, there are anodes (EPP) rather than anode sheets (ESP) between the anode cutter (113P) and the electrode ID reader (127). Therefore, the offset length (OLP3) is not the length of the actual anode sheet (ESP), but may be calculated based on the cut count of the anode cutter (113P) or may be an equivalent length determined from the first input amount signal (UWSP).

[0077] The amount of input of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) can indicate the relative position of a portion of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) unwound by the unwinder (111N) within the negative electrode sheet (ESN). The coordinates of an event occurring in the negative electrode sheet (ESN) can be determined based on the amount of input of the negative electrode sheet (ESN).

[0078] For example, the coordinates of a portion of the negative sheet (ESN) detected by the seam sensor (121N) (i.e., the coordinates of the negative sheet (ESN) from which the seam detection signal (JSSN) originates) can be determined by calculating (e.g., adding or subtracting) the input amount of the negative sheet (ESN) and the offset length (OLN1). The offset length (OLN1) can be the length of the negative sheet (ESN) between the unwinder (111N) and the portion of the negative sheet (ESN) detected by the seam sensor (121N).

[0079] For example, the coordinates of a portion of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) cut by the negative electrode cutter (113N) can be determined by calculating (e.g., adding or subtracting) the input amount of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) and the offset length (OLN2). The offset length (OLN2) can be the length of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) between the portion of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) cut by the unwinder (111N) and the negative electrode cutter (133N).

[0080] For example, the coordinates (e.g., converted coordinates or equivalent coordinates) of the negative electrode (EPN) detected by the electrode ID reader (127) can be determined by calculating (e.g., adding or subtracting) the input amount of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) and the offset length (OLN3). The offset length (OLN3) can be the length (e.g., converted length or equivalent length) of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) between the unwinder (111N) and the negative electrode (EPN) detected by the electrode ID reader (127).

[0081] At this time, there are cathodes (EPN) rather than cathode sheets (ESN) between the cathode cutter (113N) and the electrode ID reader (127). Therefore, the offset length (OLN3) is not the length of the actual cathode sheet (ESP), but may be calculated based on the cut count of the cathode cutter (113N) or may be an equivalent length determined from the second input signal (UWSN).

[0082] The coordinates of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) can be matched to each part of the positive electrode sheet (ESP). That is, each arbitrary point on the positive electrode sheet (ESP) can have a coordinate. The coordinate may be a one-dimensional quantity in the running direction (MD) (or longitudinal direction) of the sheet material (SM), but is not limited thereto. The coordinate may also be a two-dimensional quantity in the running direction (MD) and the transverse direction (or width direction) of the positive electrode sheet (ESP).

[0083] The coordinates of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) can be matched to each part of the negative electrode sheet (ESN). That is, each arbitrary point on the negative electrode sheet (ESN) can have a coordinate. The coordinate may be a one-dimensional quantity in the running direction (MD) (or longitudinal direction) of the sheet material (SM), but is not limited thereto. The coordinate may also be a two-dimensional quantity in the running direction (MD) and the transverse direction (or width direction) of the negative electrode sheet (ESN).

[0084] The controller (130) may be configured to collect coordinate-related electrode ID data (CIDD) based on an electrode ID detection signal (CIDS), a dosage amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP), and a dosage amount of the negative electrode sheet (ESN). The dosage amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) may be calculated based on the cut count of the positive electrode cutter (113P), as described above, or may be determined by the first dosage signal (UWSP). The dosage amount of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) may be calculated based on the cut count of the negative electrode cutter (113N), as described above, or may be determined by the second dosage signal (UWSN).

[0085] According to exemplary embodiments, the controller (130) may be configured to determine the coordinates of the positive electrode (EPP) coupled with the negative electrode (EPN) detected by the electrode ID reader (127) through calculation of the amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) input and the offset length (OLP3). The controller (130) may be configured to match the coordinates of the positive electrode (EPP) coupled with the negative electrode (EPN) detected by the electrode ID reader (127) with an electrode ID detection signal (CIDS).

[0086] According to exemplary embodiments, the controller (130) can determine the coordinates of the cathode (EPN) detected by the electrode ID reader (127) through calculation of the amount of the cathode sheet (ESN) injected and the offset length (OLN3). The controller (130) can be configured to match the coordinates of the cathode (EPN) detected by the electrode ID reader (127) with the electrode ID detection signal (CIDS).

[0087] Here, the coordinates of the cathode (EPN) may be any one of the start coordinates, the end coordinates of the cathode (EPN), and the coordinates of the cathode tab (TN). The coordinates of the cathode (EPN) may include two or more of the start coordinates, the end coordinates of the cathode (EPN), and the coordinates of the cathode tab (TN). In addition, the coordinates of the anode (EPP) may be any one of the start coordinates, the end coordinates of the anode (EPP), and the coordinates of a portion of the anode (EPP) that overlaps the cathode tab (TN). In addition, the coordinates of the anode (EPP) may include two or more of the start coordinates, the end coordinates of the anode (EPP), and the coordinates of a portion of the anode (EPP) that overlaps the cathode tab (TN).

[0088] In order to match the electrode ID (CID) and the coordinates of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) and the negative electrode sheet (ESN), the lot number of the positive electrode roll (ERP) from which the positive electrode sheet (ESP) is unwound and the lot number of the positive electrode roll (ERN) from which the negative electrode sheet (ESN) is unwound must be determined. The seam detection signal (JSSP) and the seam detection signal (JSSN) can be used to distinguish the lots. According to exemplary embodiments, the controller (130) can update the lot numbers of the positive electrode roll (ERP) and the negative electrode roll (ERN) based on the seam detection signal (JSSP) and the seam detection signal (JSSN). Accordingly, the coordinates of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) and the coordinates of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) can be reset based on the seam detection signal (JSSP) and the seam detection signal (JSSN).

[0089] The offset length (OLP1) and the offset length (OLN1) may be used to update the lot number and reset the coordinates of the negative sheet (ESN) and the positive sheet (ESP). Here, the offset length (OLP1) may be the length of the positive sheet (ESP) between the unwinder (111P) and the seam sensor (121P). Here, the offset length (OLN1) may be the length of the negative sheet (ESN) between the unwinder (111N) and the seam sensor (121N).

[0090] More specifically, when a new anode roll (ERP) is loaded into the unwinder (111P), in order to continue the roll-to-roll process, the anode roll (ERP) must be connected to the anode sheet (ESP) of the remaining previous lot using a seam. For example, after loading the anode roll (ERP) of a new lot into the unwinder (111P), the portion of the anode sheet (ESP) subsequent to the seam of the anode sheet (ESP) that is sensed for the first time can be determined to be unwound from the newly loaded anode roll (ERP). Accordingly, when a seam detection signal (JSSP) is generated after loading a new anode roll (ERP), the controller (130) can be configured to match the electrode ID (CID) to the coordinates of the anode sheet (ESP) of the subsequent lot. The electrode ID (CID) of each of the cathodes (EPN) combined with the anodes (EPP) can be assigned to different lots based on the loading of the anode roll (ERP) and the detection of the seam.

[0091] Similarly, when a new negative roll (ERN) is loaded into the unwinder (111N), the negative roll (ERN) must be connected to the negative sheet (ESN) of the remaining previous lot using a seam to continue the roll-to-roll process. For example, after loading the negative roll (ERN) of the new lot into the unwinder (111N), the portion of the negative sheet (ESN) subsequent to the seam of the negative sheet (ESN) that is sensed for the first time can be determined to be unwound from the newly loaded negative roll (ERN). Accordingly, when a seam detection signal (JSSN) is generated after loading the new negative roll (ERN), the controller (130) can be configured to match the electrode ID (CID) to the coordinates of the negative sheet (ESN) of the subsequent lot. The electrode ID (CID) of each cathode (EPN) can be assigned to a different lot based on the loading of the cathode roll (ERN) and the detection of the seam.

[0092] The coordinate-associated electrode identification data (CIDD) may include the electrode identification (CID) of the cathode (EPN), the coordinates of the anode sheet (ESP) matched to the electrode identification (CID) of the cathode (EPN), and the coordinates of the cathode sheet (ESN).

[0093] The server (140) may be configured to relay communication between the controller (130) and the server (150). The server (140) may be, for example, a communication server. The language and protocol of the server (150) may be different from the language and protocol of the controller (130). For example, the language of the server (150) may be SQL, and the language of the controller (130) may be ladder diagram. In addition, the server (140) may be configured to convert data collected by the controller (130), such as coordinate-associated electrode identification data (CIDD), into the language of the server (150) and record the converted data in the database of the server (150).

[0094] The server (150) may be configured to store coordinate-associated electrode identification data (CIDD). It may be configured to process the coordinate-associated electrode identification data (CIDD). The server (150) may be configured to transmit the coordinate-associated electrode identification data (CIDD) to the server (160). The server (160) may be, for example, a data warehouse, and may store the coordinate-associated electrode identification data (CIDD) for a long period of time based on the quality assurance period of the product, etc. Accordingly, tracking of the manufacturing process according to the product life cycle may be provided.

[0095] Furthermore, the server (160) may provide a match between the roll maps of the preceding process of the anode roll (ERP) and the roll maps of the preceding process (e.g., electrode process) of the cathode roll (ERN) and the electrode ID (CID). Since the server (160) is a data warehouse, it may include historical data (i.e., roll maps) for the manufacturing of the anode roll (ERP) and may include historical data (i.e., roll maps) for the manufacturing of the cathode roll (ERN).

[0096] Here, the roll map can represent the process events of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) and the negative electrode sheet (ESN) based on coordinates indicating the positions on the positive electrode sheet (ESP) and the negative electrode sheet (ESN). As described above, a process for manufacturing a secondary battery can be performed on the positive electrode sheet (ESP) and the negative electrode sheet (ESN).

[0097] A roll map may include event data representing events in a roll-to-roll process of electrode sheets (ESP, ESN). Event data typically occurs as the process progresses, and thus is time-series data. Accordingly, data on process events may include values ​​representing the events and time values ​​associated with them. Time-series data may be temporally ordered. Temporal ordering is a key characteristic of time-series data, which organizes events in the order in which they occur and arrive for processing. In other words, time-series data may be stored based on the time at which an event occurs (i.e., when inspection and measurement are performed, or when process actions are performed), and events may be associated with time values.

[0098] The roll map represents the history of processes performed on the positive electrode sheet (ESP) and negative electrode sheet (ESN) and may include coordinate-related data. Accordingly, the roll map enables feedback, feedforward, and tracking of the secondary battery manufacturing process.

[0099] The manufacturing of secondary batteries involves a series of different processes, with the leading process influencing the following process. Feedforward refers to the correction of subsequent processes based on data generated from the results of the preceding process. However, if the time-series data of the preceding process does not directly match the real-world workpieces, semi-finished products, and finished products, it is difficult to reflect the time-series data of the preceding process in subsequent processes. Here, the workpiece refers to the product provided as a result of each process, such as an anode sheet (ESP) and a cathode sheet (ESN) that have undergone a coating process, a roll press process, and a slitting process. The semi-finished product may refer to one of cut separators, electrodes, and an assembly thereof. The semi-finished product may also be a structure comprising a housing and an electrode assembly embedded in the housing (in some cases, the structure further includes an electrolyte). The product refers to a product that has been processed to be operable as a secondary battery through an activation process. The definitions of work-pieces, semi-finished products and finished products set forth above are only one aspect of these and do not exclude the usual definitions of these.

[0100] For feedforward, time-series data must be associated with the actual locations of workpieces, parts, semi-finished products, and finished products in the real world. In a roll map, time-series data, such as measurement data, can be associated with coordinate data based on the movement of the anode sheet (ESP) and cathode sheet (ESN) (i.e., either the input or output). The roll map can associate time-series data with coordinate data, which includes coordinates representing the actual locations of workpieces, parts, semi-finished products, and finished products in the real world. Accordingly, the creation of a 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 production efficiency and quality.

[0101] 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 for shipped products (e.g., battery cells, battery modules, or battery packs). Mono cells (MC) include electrode IDs (CIDs) formed on negative tabs (TN), and the server (150) may include lot numbers and coordinates of the positive and negative electrodes included in the mono cells matched to the electrode IDs (CIDs). In other words, the positive and negative electrodes (EPP) and negative electrodes (EPN) included in the battery cell may be associated with the roll map by the electrode IDs (CIDs). Accordingly, when an event such as a quality issue occurs in mono cells (MC) (or battery cells including mono cells (MC)) that have already been shipped, the history of collective data of the manufacturing of the corresponding mono cells (MC) may be retrieved based on the electrode IDs.

[0102] Roll maps can be generated on a lot-by-lot basis. A lot is a production unit of a roll-to-roll process, and the positive roll (ERP) and negative roll (ERN) loaded onto the unwinders (111P, 111N) are examples of lots. Accordingly, the server (160) can be configured to store roll maps of the positive roll (ERP) and negative roll (ERN).

[0103] The servers (140, 150, 160) may be implemented using hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the servers (140, 150, 160) may include computing devices such as workstation computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, etc. The servers (140, 150, 160) may also include any of simple controllers, complex processors such as microprocessors, CPUs, GPUs, processors configured by software, dedicated hardware, and firmware. The servers (140, 150, 160) may be implemented using, for example, general-purpose computers or application-specific hardware such as digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and application specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0104] The servers (140, 150, 160) may include physical servers or cloud servers. The servers (140, 150, 160) may provide data and analysis results to workers via various frameworks. The frameworks may include protocols that support data transfer, allowing client devices to visualize data through a user interface and provide updated visualizations when new data is calculated by the servers (220, 230). The protocols that support the data transfer may use HTML, JavaScript, and / or JSON.

[0105] The servers (140, 150, 160) 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.

[0106] According to some embodiments, the operations of the servers (140, 150, 160) 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 Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory, electrical, optical, acoustical or other forms of radio signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.), and any other signals.

[0107] The servers (140, 150, 160) may be configured with firmware, software, routines, and instructions for performing the operations described above or any of the processes described below. For example, the servers (140, 150, 160) may be instantiated in memory.

[0108] However, this is for convenience of explanation, and the operations of the above-described servers (140, 150, 160) may also be caused by other devices executing computing devices, distributed computing devices, processors, firmware, software, routines, and instructions.

[0109] The secondary battery manufacturing system (10) may implement a plug-in architecture with an API for data acquisition to provide plug-and-play connection of encoders (121P, 121N), seam detection sensors (123P, 123N), electrode gap sensors (125), and electrode ID readers (127). Accordingly, resources at a specific process step and site can be easily transferred to other processes and other sites, or new resources can be easily introduced to each process step and site.

[0110] The data network between the elements of the secondary battery manufacturing system (10) may include various types of communication channels, including unidirectional, bidirectional wired, and wireless communications. For example, the data network may include an industrial protocol network such as OPC, Modbus, ProfiNet, etc. The communication channel may be a dedicated conduit communication such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), IEEE 802 (Ethernet), IEEE 1394 (FireWire), or other high-speed data communication standards. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will readily be able to access the secondary battery manufacturing system (100) including an integrated server that performs the functions of the server (150) and the server (160), based on the description herein.

[0111]

[0112] (Example 2: Method)

[0113] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to exemplary embodiments.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, at P110, a positive electrode sheet (EPS) and a negative electrode sheet (EPS) can be cut to form a plurality of positive electrodes (EPP) and a plurality of negative electrodes (EPN). The plurality of positive electrodes (EPP) can be cut at a substantially constant pitch by a positive electrode cutter (113P). And the plurality of negative electrodes (EPN) can be cut at a substantially constant pitch by a negative electrode cutter (113N). Each of the plurality of positive electrodes (EPP) can include a positive electrode tab (TP), and each of the plurality of negative electrodes (EPN) can include a negative electrode tab (TN).

[0115] Next, at P120, a plurality of positive electrodes (EPP) and a plurality of negative electrodes (EPN) can be combined. The plurality of positive electrodes (EPP) and the plurality of negative electrodes (EPN) can be combined with separator sheets (SS1, SS2) to prevent short circuits. The plurality of positive electrodes (EPP) and the plurality of negative electrodes (EPN) and the separator sheets (SS1, SS2) can be pressed by a nip roll. By cutting the separator sheets (SS1, SS2) with a separator cutter (117), a mono cell (MC) can be provided.

[0116] Next, at P130, coordinate-associated electrode identification data (CIDD) can be collected. By matching the coordinates of multiple anodes (EPP) and the coordinates of multiple cathodes (EPN) to the electrode ID (CID), coordinate-associated electrode identification data (CIDD) can be collected. The coordinate-associated electrode identification data (CIDD) can be collected by the controller (130) and stored in the server (150) and the server (160).

[0117] Next, in P140, roll maps can be associated with electrode IDs of cathodes. Roll maps can be generated in electrode processes (i.e., coating, roll pressing, optional slitting) and notching processes for manufacturing positive electrode rolls (ERP) and negative electrode rolls (ERN). The electrode ID (CID) can be matched with the coordinates of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) and can be matched with the coordinates of the negative electrode sheet (ESN). Roll maps allow for coordinate-based retrieving, so that tracking of the electrode process and assembly process based on the electrode ID (CID) can be provided for the subsequent battery cell assembly process, activation process, and shipped battery cells using the mono cell (MC).

[0118]

[0119] The present invention has been described in more detail through 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. An anode cutter configured to cut an anode sheet drawn from an anode roll to provide a plurality of anodes; A cathode cutter configured to cut a cathode sheet drawn from a cathode roll to provide a plurality of cathodes; An electrode ID reader configured to detect the electrode ID of each cathode tab of the plurality of cathodes to generate an electrode ID detection signal; and A secondary battery manufacturing system comprising a controller configured to collect coordinate-related electrode ID data based on a first input amount of the positive electrode sheet, a second input amount of the negative electrode sheet, and an electrode ID detection signal.

2. In paragraph 1, The first input amount of the positive electrode sheet is determined based on the cut count of the positive electrode cutter, and A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the second input amount of the negative electrode sheet is determined based on the cut count of the negative electrode cutter.

3. In paragraph 2, The first input amount of the anode sheet is calculated based on the pitch of the plurality of anodes and the cut count of the anode cutter, and A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the second input amount of the negative electrode sheet is calculated based on the pitch of the plurality of negative electrodes and the cut count of the negative electrode cutter.

4. In paragraph 1, a first encoder configured to generate a first input signal representing the first input amount of the positive electrode sheet; and A secondary battery manufacturing system further comprising a second encoder configured to generate a second input amount signal representing the second input amount of the negative electrode sheet.

5. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the electrode ID data associated with the above coordinates includes the electrode ID and the coordinates of the positive electrode matched to the electrode ID.

6. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the electrode ID data associated with the above coordinates includes the electrode ID and the coordinates of the negative electrode matched to the electrode ID.

7. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system further comprising a server configured to store electrode ID data associated with the above coordinates.

8. In paragraph 7, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the server is configured to store a roll map of the positive electrode roll for manufacturing the positive electrode roll and a roll map of the negative electrode roll for manufacturing the negative electrode roll.

9. In paragraph 8, A secondary battery manufacturing system characterized in that the server is configured to match the electrode ID with the roll map of the positive electrode roll and the roll map of the negative electrode roll.

10. A step of cutting the anode sheet and the cathode sheet to form a plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes; a step of combining the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes; and Including a step of collecting coordinate-related electrode ID data, Each of the plurality of cathodes includes a cathode tab including an electrode ID, and A secondary battery manufacturing method, characterized in that the electrode ID data associated with the above coordinates includes the electrode ID and the coordinates of the positive electrode matched to the electrode ID.

11. In paragraph 10, A secondary battery manufacturing method, characterized in that the electrode ID data associated with the above coordinates includes the electrode ID and the coordinates of the negative electrode matched to the electrode ID.

12. In paragraph 10, The above coordinate-related electrode ID data is collected based on the first input amount of the positive electrode sheet, the second input amount of the negative electrode sheet, and the electrode ID detection signal, and A secondary battery manufacturing method, characterized in that the electrode ID detection signal is generated based on detection of the electrode ID.

13. In paragraph 12, The first input amount of the positive electrode sheet is determined based on a cut count of a positive electrode cutter configured to cut the positive electrode sheet, and A secondary battery manufacturing method, characterized in that the second input amount of the negative electrode sheet is determined based on the cut count of the negative electrode cutter to cut the negative electrode sheet.

14. In paragraph 13, The first input amount of the anode sheet is calculated based on the pitch of the plurality of anodes and the cut count of the anode cutter, and A secondary battery manufacturing method, characterized in that the second input amount of the negative electrode sheet is calculated based on the pitch of the plurality of negative electrodes and the cut count of the negative electrode cutter.

15. In paragraph 12, The first input amount of the positive electrode sheet is determined by a first input amount signal generated by a first encoder configured to detect the rotation amount of the positive electrode unwinder configured to discharge the positive electrode sheet, and A secondary battery manufacturing method, characterized in that the second input amount of the negative electrode sheet is determined by a second input amount signal generated by a second encoder configured to detect a rotation amount of a negative electrode unwinder configured to unwind the negative electrode sheet.

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