Secondary battery manufacturing system and secondary battery manufacturing method

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments, a secondary battery manufacturing system is provided. The system comprises a controller configured to collect cell ID sensing data on the basis of a cell ID sensing signal generated on the basis of reading a data matrix by a data matrix reader, wherein the cell ID sensing data includes a cell ID, which is a read value of the data matrix, and a device number matched to the cell ID, and the device number indicates a site where the data matrix reader has been installed.

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. 10-2023-0178213, filed December 11, 2023, and Korean Application No. 10-2024-0097709, filed July 24, 2024, which are incorporated herein by reference in their 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. To improve yield and reliability in the secondary battery manufacturing process, ensuring traceability is crucial. Accordingly, various studies are being conducted to ensure traceability in the secondary battery manufacturing process.

[0004] The technical idea of ​​the present invention aims to solve a problem by providing a secondary battery manufacturing system with improved traceability 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 controller configured to collect cell ID detection data based on a cell ID detection signal generated based on reading out a data matrix of a data matrix reader, wherein the cell ID detection data includes a cell ID which is a readout value of the data matrix and a device number matched to the cell ID, and the device number indicates a site where the data matrix reader is installed.

[0006] The above cell ID detection data further includes a serial number that matches the cell ID and indicates the detection sequence of the data matrix.

[0007] The above serial number is counted by the above controller.

[0008] The above device number further indicates the process performed by the equipment on which the above leader is installed.

[0009] The above equipment is configured to perform any one of a notching process, a lamination process, a stacking process, a folding process, and a packaging process.

[0010] The secondary battery manufacturing facility further includes a processor including a first API configured to receive the cell ID detection data.

[0011] The processor is configured to process an image of an electrode semi-finished product including the data matrix, and the device number indicates a processing method of the image of the electrode semi-finished product by the processor.

[0012] The processor is configured to determine the quality of the electrode semi-finished product based on an image of the electrode semi-finished product.

[0013] The processor further includes a second API configured to communicate with a server.

[0014] The second API is configured to transmit a log file of the processor to the server.

[0015] The transmission of the above log files is based on trigger events.

[0016] The above trigger event includes duplication of the cell ID in the cell ID detection data.

[0017] The above trigger event includes the omission of the cell ID in the cell ID detection data.

[0018] The above trigger event includes the omission of the device number in the above cell ID detection data.

[0019] The trigger event includes a missing serial number of the cell ID detection data, the serial number matches a cell ID, and the serial number of the cell ID detection data indicates a detection sequence of the data matrix.

[0020] The above trigger event is a collection command of the log file transmitted from the above server.

[0021] The above trigger event is the arrival of the preset collection time of the above log file.

[0022] The second API is configured to receive update data for updating the first API from the server.

[0023] The second API is configured to receive a command from the server to drive the first API.

[0024] According to exemplary embodiments, a secondary battery manufacturing system is provided. The system includes a data matrix reader configured to sense a data matrix to generate a cell ID detection signal; and a controller configured to collect cell ID detection data based on the cell ID detection signal, wherein the cell ID detection data includes a cell ID, which is a readout value of the data matrix, and a serial number that matches the cell ID and indicates a detection order of the data matrix.

[0025] The above cell ID detection data further includes a device number indicating where the data matrix reader is installed.

[0026] According to exemplary embodiments, a method of manufacturing a secondary battery is provided. The method comprises the steps of: transmitting a log file of a processor to a server; analyzing the log file, and wherein the log file includes a message transmission record of the processor, and the processor is configured to receive cell ID detection data.

[0027] The above cell ID detection data includes a cell ID, which is a readout value of a data matrix of any one of an electrode semi-finished product, an electrode, a mono cell and a stack cell, and a device number matching the cell ID, and the device number indicates a location where a data matrix reader configured to read the data matrix is ​​installed.

[0028] The above cell ID detection data further includes a serial number that matches the cell ID and indicates the detection sequence of the data matrix.

[0029] The above serial number is counted by a controller configured to communicate with the data matrix and the processor.

[0030] The above device number further indicates the process performed by the equipment on which the above leader is installed.

[0031] The above equipment is configured to perform any one of a notching process, a lamination process, a stacking process, a folding process, and a packaging process.

[0032] The processor comprises a first API configured to receive the cell ID detection data.

[0033] The processor is configured to process an image of an electrode semi-finished product including the data matrix, and the device number indicates a processing method of the image of the electrode semi-finished product by the processor.

[0034] The processor is configured to determine the quality of the electrode semi-finished product based on an image of the electrode semi-finished product.

[0035] The processor further includes a second API configured to communicate with a server.

[0036] The second API is configured to receive update data for updating the first API from the server.

[0037] The second API is configured to receive a command from the server to drive the first API.

[0038] The transmission of the above log files is based on trigger events.

[0039] The above trigger event includes duplication of the cell ID in the cell ID detection data.

[0040] The above trigger event includes the omission of the cell ID in the cell ID detection data.

[0041] The above trigger event includes the omission of the device number in the above cell ID detection data.

[0042] The trigger event includes a missing serial number of the cell ID detection data, the serial number matches a cell ID, and the serial number of the cell ID detection data indicates a detection sequence of the data matrix.

[0043] The above trigger event is a collection command of the log file transmitted from the above server.

[0044] The above trigger event is the arrival of the preset collection time of the above log file.

[0045] A secondary battery manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a controller configured to collect cell ID detection data including a device number and a serial number matched to a cell ID. Furthermore, the secondary battery manufacturing system may include a first API for communicating with the controller and a second API configured to transmit a log file of a processor to a server based on a trigger event. According to exemplary embodiments, the server may be configured to transmit a command for resolving a problematic trigger event or an update file of the first API to the processor based on an analysis of the log file. In particular, since the cell ID includes the device number and the serial number, determination of a secondary battery manufacturing facility and a facility network where a trigger event has occurred and resolving a problematic trigger event can be facilitated, and the reliability of secondary battery manufacturing can be improved.

[0046] 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.

[0047] FIGS. 1 and 2 are block diagrams showing a secondary battery manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments.

[0048] Figures 3 to 6 illustrate examples of electrode semi-finished products according to exemplary embodiments.

[0049] Figure 7 is a flowchart for explaining a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to exemplary embodiments.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to exemplary embodiments.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055]

[0056] (Example 1)

[0057] Figures 1 and 2 are block diagrams showing a secondary battery manufacturing system (10) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the secondary battery manufacturing system (10) may include a plurality of secondary battery manufacturing facilities (100), a plurality of facility networks (200), and a server (300).

[0059] Secondary battery manufacturing facilities (100) may be configured to perform, for example, a secondary battery assembly process. The secondary battery manufacturing facilities (100) may include a transport device (110), a data matrix reader (120), a processing device (130), and an inspection device (140).

[0060] The transport device (110) may be configured to transport an electrode semi-finished product (EP). According to exemplary embodiments, the transport device (110) may be a linear motion system (LMS). The transport device (110) may also include a conveyor device or a roll-to-roll transport device.

[0061] A data matrix reader (120) may be configured to detect a data matrix (DM) of an electrode semi-finished product (EP) to generate a cell identification (CIS) detection signal. As a non-limiting example, the data matrix (DM) may be a two-dimensional barcode. The data matrix (DM) may include information about an electrode ID for identifying the electrode semi-finished product (EP). That is, the cell identification (CIS) generated based on the reading of the data matrix (DM) may include a plurality of symbols for distinguishing and / or identifying the electrode semi-finished product (EP). Here, the symbols may collectively refer to signs, letters, and marks that represent a certain meaning.

[0062] According to exemplary embodiments, the data matrix (DM) may be on the negative tab of the electrode semi-finished product (EP). According to other exemplary embodiments, the data matrix (DM) may be on the positive tab of the electrode semi-finished product (EP). According to other exemplary embodiments, the data matrix (DM) may be on each of the negative tab and the positive tab of the electrode semi-finished product (EP).

[0063] The processing device (130) may be configured to process electrode semi-finished products (EP). The secondary battery manufacturing facilities (100) may be configured to perform different processes. For example, some of the secondary battery manufacturing facilities (100) may be configured to perform a notching process, other of the secondary battery manufacturing facilities (100) may be configured to perform a lamination process, other of the secondary battery manufacturing facilities (100) may be configured to perform a stacking process, other of the secondary battery manufacturing facilities (100) may be configured to perform a folding process, and other of the secondary battery manufacturing facilities (100) may be configured to perform a packaging process.

[0064] Figures 3 to 6 are drawings illustrating electrode semi-finished products (EP) according to exemplary embodiments. That is, the electrode semi-finished products (EP) may be an electrode sheet (ES) of Figure 3, a half cell (HC) of Figure 4, a mono cell (MC) of Figure 5, or an electrode assembly (EA) of Figure 6. The electrode semi-finished products (EP) are intermediate products for providing a completed battery cell and may include an electrode.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 3, a notching process may be performed on an electrode sheet (ES) unwound from an electrode roll (ER) by a rewinder. In the notching process, an electrode tab (ETN) may be formed on a non-coated portion of the electrode sheet (ES). A V-groove may further be formed on the electrode sheet (ES) in the notching process. A data matrix (DM) may be formed on the electrode tab (ETN). The data matrix (DM) may be formed by a method such as inkjet printing or laser printing. According to exemplary embodiments, the electrode sheet (ES) on which the data matrix (DM) is formed may include, but is not limited to, a negative electrode. The electrode sheet (ES) may also include a positive electrode. After the electrode notching process, the electrode sheet (ES) may be individualized into unit electrodes including electrode tabs (ETN). The positive electrode may include a positive electrode collector and a positive electrode active material. The negative electrode may include a negative electrode collector and a negative electrode active material.

[0066] The thickness of the positive electrode current collector may range from about 3 μm to about 500 μm. The positive electrode current collector may not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery to be ultimately manufactured and may have high conductivity. The positive electrode current collector may include, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, and aluminum. The positive electrode current collector may also include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, or the like. The surface of the positive electrode current collector may include a micro-roughened structure to increase the adhesion of the active material. The positive electrode current collector may have a shape such as a film, a sheet, a foil, a net, a porous material, a foam, or a non-woven fabric.

[0067] The thickness of the negative electrode current collector may be in the range of about 3 μm to about 500 μm. The negative electrode current collector may not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery ultimately manufactured and may have high conductivity. The negative electrode current collector may include copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, sintered carbon, and an aluminum-cadmium alloy. The negative electrode current collector may also include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. The surface of the negative electrode current collector may include a micro-roughened structure to increase the adhesion of the active material. The negative electrode current collector may have a shape such as a film, a sheet, a foil, a net, a porous material, a foam, or a non-woven fabric.

[0068] A cathode active material is a material that can cause an electrochemical reaction. The cathode active material may be a lithium transition metal oxide. The cathode active material may be, for example, a layered compound such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2) substituted with one or more transition metals, lithium manganese oxide substituted with one or more transition metals, or a lithium manganese oxide having the chemical formula LiNi. 1-y M yLithium nickel oxide, Li, expressed as O2 (wherein, M is any one of Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, Cr, Zn, and Ga, and 0.01≤y≤0.7) 1+z Ni 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O2, Li 1+zN i 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 Li like O2 1+z Ni b Mn c Co 1-(b+c+d) M d O (2-e) A e (wherein, -0.5≤z≤0.5, 0.1≤b≤0.8, 0.1≤c≤0.8, 0≤d≤0.2, 0≤e≤0.2, b+c+d<1, M is any one of Al, Mg, Cr, Ti, Si, and Y, and A is any one of F, P, and Cl) Lithium nickel cobalt manganese composite oxide, chemical formula Li 1+x M 1-y M' y PO 4-z X z (wherein, M is a transition metal, more specifically, one of Fe, Mn, Co, and Ni, M' is one of Al, Mg, and Ti, X is one of F, S, and N, -0.5≤x≤+0.5, 0≤y≤0.5, and 0≤z≤0.1) and may include an olivine-based lithium metal phosphate.

[0069] The negative active material may include carbon, such as non-graphitizable carbon, graphitic carbon, etc. The negative active material may include, for example, Li x Fe2O3(0≤x≤1), LixWO2(0≤x≤1), Sn x Me 1-x Me' y O z(Here, Me is any one of Mn, Fe, Pb, and Ge, and Me' is any one of Al, B, P, Si, elements of group 1, 2, and 3 of the periodic table, and halogens, and 0 <x≤1 이고, 1≤y≤3 이며, 1≤z≤8) 등의 금속 복합 산화물을 포함할 수 있다. 음극 활물질은, 예컨대, 리튬 금속, 리튬 합금, 규소계 합금, 주석계 합금을 포함할 수 있다. 음극 활물질은, 예컨대, SnO, SnO2, PbO, PbO2, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, Sb2O3, Sb2O4, Sb2O5, GeO, GeO2, Bi2O3, Bi2O4, Bi2O5등의 금속 산화물을 포함할 수 있다. 음극 활물질은, 예컨대, 폴리아세틸렌 등의 도전성 고분자, Li-Co-Ni 계 재료 등을 포함할 수 있다.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in a lamination process, individualized unit electrodes may be bonded to a separator. In the lamination process, the separator and the unit electrode may be heat-treated to enhance the bonding strength between the separator and the unit electrode. A half-cell (HC) or a mono-cell (MC) may be provided by the lamination process. A bi-cell, etc. may also be provided by the lamination process. The half-cell (HC) may include a separator and an anode, or a separator and a cathode. The half-cell (HC) may include an electrode tab (ETN) including a data matrix (DM). The mono-cell (MC) may include an anode, a first separator, a cathode, and a second separator, which are sequentially stacked. The mono-cell (MC) may include an electrode tab (ETN) including a data matrix (DM) and an electrode tab (ETP) having an opposite polarity to the electrode tab (ETN). Unlike in FIG. 5, the data matrix (DM) may be formed on each of the electrode tabs (ETP, ETN) or may be formed only on the electrode tab (ETP).

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, in a stacking process, at least one of a half cell (HC), a mono cell (MC), and a bi-cell may be repeatedly stacked. An electrode assembly (EA) may be provided by the stacking process. The electrode assembly (EA) may include a tape for fixing positive and negative electrodes. The electrode assembly (EA) may include an electrode tab (ETN) including a data matrix (DM) and an electrode tab (ETP) having an opposite polarity to the electrode tab (ETN). Unlike FIG. 6, the data matrix (DM) may be formed on each of the electrode tabs (ETP, ETN) or may be formed only on the electrode tab (ETP).

[0072] In the folding process, half-cells, mono-cells, and bi-cells may be wrapped by a separator. The packaging process may include inserting the electrode assembly into a case, injecting an electrolyte, and sealing the case.

[0073] The tester (140) may be configured to test an electrode semi-finished product (EP). The tester (140) may include, for example, a Time Delay and Integration (TDI) camera, a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, etc. The tester (140) may include a Time of Flight (TOF) sensor, etc. The tester may also include an emitter and a receiver configured to perform measurements using non-destructive signals, such as ultrasound, microwaves, terahertz waves, and infrared waves. The tester 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 measuring instruments may include pressure sensors, temperature sensors, ultrasonic sensors, proximity sensors, door status sensors, motion tracking sensors, humidity sensors, visible and infrared sensors, and cameras, etc. An inspection signal (IS) may be generated by the inspection device (140), and the inspection device (140) may be configured to transmit the inspection signal (IS) to the processor (220).

[0074] Secondary battery manufacturing facilities (100) may be configured to perform an electrode process and an activation process. The electrode process may include a coating process, a roll pressing process, and a slitting process. In the coating process, an electrode slurry may be coated on an electrode sheet. The electrode slurry may include an active material, a conductive agent, a binder, and a solvent. The electrode slurry may be provided by dissolving the active material, the conductive agent, the binder, etc. in a solvent. In the roll pressing process, an electrode sheet coated with the electrode slurry may be passed between pressurized rolls. The roll pressing process may flatten the surface of the electrode sheet and enhance the bonding strength between the active material of the electrode sheet and the current collector. The electrode sheet may be separated into a plurality of electrode sheets by the slitting process. The slitting process may be an optional process. Depending on the specifications of the electrode assembly of the battery cell to be ultimately manufactured, the slitting process of the slitting device may be omitted. The electrode rolls completed in the slitting device 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.

[0075] The activation process may include charge / discharge, aging, degassing, performance testing, and Open Circuit Voltage (OCV)-based testing. During the activation process, a SEI film may form on the surface of the anode during the initial charge. The SEI film is a thin film that forms on the surface of the anode material when the battery cell is first charged after manufacturing. When the battery cell is charged, lithium ions within the battery cell migrate to the anode, and during this process, substances in the electrolyte undergo electrolysis for the first time, resulting in a chemical reaction that may form a Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) film on the surface of the anode material. The SEI may be a type of separator. The SEI can prevent further decomposition reactions of the electrolyte during the migration of lithium ions from the anode to the anode for battery charging. During the aging process, the charged or discharged battery cell may be stored at room temperature for a predetermined period of time (for non-limiting examples, 30 minutes to 3 hours) to stabilize. The purpose of the aging process is to evenly distribute the electrolyte within the pouch cell, allowing it to permeate both the positive and negative electrodes. The aging process can improve lithium ion mobility. Gases may be generated within the battery cell during the charge / discharge and aging processes. The degassing process can remove these gases. Performance testing can include capacity testing and screening for defects. OCV-based testing can identify defective battery cells. Low-voltage defects in battery cells can be caused by metallic foreign matter located within the battery cell. For example, if the positive electrode of a battery cell contains metallic foreign matter, such as iron or copper, these foreign matters can grow into dendrites on the negative electrode. Dendrites can cause unwanted short circuits within the battery cell, which can lead to battery cell failure and fire.

[0076] The facility networks (200) can bring corresponding secondary battery manufacturing facilities (100) online. The facility networks (200) can be configured to collect data on events occurring in the secondary battery manufacturing facilities (100). The facility networks (200) can be configured to transmit data on events occurring in the secondary battery manufacturing facilities (100) to a server (300).

[0077] Event data collected by the equipment networks (200) can be matched to cell IDs. Accordingly, events occurring in the secondary battery manufacturing process can be matched to electrode semi-finished products (EPs), and traceability of the process of problematic electrode semi-finished products (EPs) after shipment can be provided.

[0078] The equipment networks (200) may include a controller (210) and a processor (220). The controller (210) may be configured to collect cell ID detection data (CID) based on a cell ID detection signal (CIS). The cell ID detection data (CID) may include a cell ID, which is a readout value of the data matrix (DM), a device number matched to the cell ID, and a serial number matched to the cell ID.

[0079] According to exemplary embodiments, the device number may indicate the location where the data matrix reader (120) is installed (i.e., the location where the secondary battery manufacturing facility (100) is installed). The location where the secondary battery manufacturing facility (100) is installed may include a region name, a building number, etc.

[0080] According to exemplary embodiments, the device number may indicate a group of facilities to which the secondary battery manufacturing facility (100) including the data matrix reader (120) belongs. Here, the group of facilities may include an electrode process group, an assembly process group, and an activation process group. That is, each of the secondary battery manufacturing facilities (100) may be configured to perform a sub-process of any one of the electrode process, the assembly process, and the activation process, and the cell ID detection data (CID) may indicate which of the electrode process, the assembly process, and the activation process the secondary battery manufacturing facilities (100) belong to.

[0081] According to exemplary embodiments, the device number may further indicate a process performed by the secondary battery manufacturing facilities (100) in which the data matrix reader (120) is installed. For example, the device number may indicate any one of the notching, lamination, stacking, folding, and packaging processes.

[0082] According to exemplary embodiments, the device number may be indicated for the processor (220). More specifically, the device number may indicate a processing method of an image of an electrode semi-finished product (EP) by the processor (220). The processor (220) may configure a vision machine together with the inspector (140), and the processor (220) may include an algorithm for processing an image of the electrode semi-finished product (EP). The algorithm of the processor (220) may include various algorithms for determining the quality of the electrode semi-finished product (EP) (i.e., whether it is defective or normal) based on the image of the electrode semi-finished product (EP), including an artificial neural network that is pre-learned or learned in real time. For example, the processor (220) may be configured to determine a defect in any one of a match, a seal, a dimension, a short, an NG marking, a gap, a tab appearance, a separator appearance, an alignment between elements, and a welding quality.

[0083] The serial number of the cell ID detection data (CID) can be counted by the controller (210). The serial number of the cell ID detection data (CID) can indicate the detection order of the cell ID matched with the serial number. The secondary battery manufacturing system includes a plurality of secondary battery manufacturing facilities (100), and some secondary battery manufacturing facilities may include two or more data matrix readers (120). The serial number can be initialized based on a set refreshing cycle (e.g., 1 day, 1 week, etc.).

[0084] The controller (210) 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.

[0085] The controller (210) may include a power supply, a central processing unit (CPU), an input interface, an output interface, a communication interface, and memory devices. The power supply may be configured to supply power to other elements of the controller (210), such as the CPU, the input interface, the output interface, the communication interface, and the memory devices, for the operation of the controller (210). 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 other internal device values. 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 relay the transmission and reception of data between the controller (210) and the processor (220).

[0086] However, the controller (210) 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 (210) 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).

[0087] The processor (220) may be configured to receive an inspection signal (IS) of the inspector (140). The processor (220) may include a first API (221) for communication with the controller (210). The first API (221) may be configured to receive cell ID detection data (CID) from the controller (210). The first API (221) may be configured to convert the cell ID detection data (CID) transmitted from the controller (210) into the language of the processor (220). The first API (221) may be software designed for communication with the controller (210).

[0088] The processor (220) may include a second API (223) for communicating with the server (300). The second API (223) may be configured to transmit cell ID-associated inspection data (CIID) to the server (300). The cell ID-associated inspection data (CIID) may be generated based on an inspection signal (IS) and cell ID detection data (CID). The processor (220) may be configured to determine a value indicating the quality (e.g., defective or normal) of the electrode semi-finished product (EP) by processing the inspection signal (IS) (e.g., an image of the electrode semi-finished product (EP)) as described above. The cell ID-associated inspection data (CIID) may further include values ​​indicating the quality of the electrode semi-finished product (EP) in addition to the cell ID detection data (CID). The cell ID-associated inspection data (CIID) may include values ​​indicating the quality of the electrode semi-finished product (EP) and a cell ID, a device number, and a serial number matched thereto.

[0089] The second API (223) may be configured to transmit the log file (LF) of the processor (220) to the server (300). Here, the log file (LF) is a file that records events occurring while the operating system or other software of the processor (220) is running, or messages between different software of the processor (e.g., communication software).

[0090] According to exemplary embodiments, the server (300) may be configured to store and process raw measurement data. The server (300) can continuously monitor secondary battery manufacturing based on the measurement data, thereby managing the quality of secondary battery manufacturing. By collecting and analyzing manufacturing data and log files (LF) in near real-time, the server (300) can promptly identify and resolve problem conditions, or provide alerts to operators before potential problems occur.

[0091] The server (300) may be configured to transmit an update file (UF) for updating the first API (221) to the second API (223). The server (300) may be configured to transmit an operating command (OC) for operating the first API (221) to the second API (223).

[0092] According to exemplary embodiments, the server (300) may be, but is not limited to, a Statistical Process Controller (SPC). The server (300) may also be provided separately from the Statistical Process Controller (SPC).

[0093] The server (300) may include a physical server or a cloud server. The server (300) may be implemented as a virtual server, but is not limited thereto. The server (300) may provide data and analysis results to workers through various frameworks. The framework may include a protocol supporting data transmission, allowing client devices to visualize data through a user interface and provide updated visualizations when new data is calculated by the server (300). The protocol supporting the data transmission may use HTML, JavaScript, and / or JSON.

[0094] The server (300) 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.

[0095] More specifically, the server (300) may be configured to store cell ID-associated inspection data (CIID) and log files (LF). The server (300) may be configured to transmit, to the client device, a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) (or schema) including source code for displaying the collection and error status of cell ID data (CID) on the client device in response to an API request from the client device. The collection and error status of cell ID data (CID) may be visualized using a table and graph. The client device may access the source code for visualizing and displaying the collection and error status of cell ID data (CID) through the URL (or schema).

[0096] The processor (220) and the server (300) may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the processor (220) and the server (300) may include computing devices such as workstation computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, and tablet computers. The processor (220) and the server (300) may also include any of simple controllers, complex processors such as microprocessors, CPUs, and GPUs, processors configured by software, dedicated hardware, and firmware. The processor (220) and the server (300) may be implemented by, 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).

[0097] The operations of the processor (220) and the server (300) 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.

[0098] The processor (220) and server (300) 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 processor (220) and server (300) may be instantiated within memory.

[0099] A client device may be any device capable of communicating with the server (300), such as a workstation computer, a laptop, a desktop computer, a tablet, a mobile device such as a smartphone, or a wearable device. The client device may include input tools for entering API requests and a display device for collecting and displaying error status of identity data (CID).

[0100] The secondary battery manufacturing system (10) can implement a plug-in architecture with an API for data acquisition to provide plug-and-play connectivity for sensors, measuring instruments, and testers (140). 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102]

[0103] (Example 2: Method)

[0104] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to exemplary embodiments.

[0105] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to exemplary embodiments.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 2, 7, and 8, a log file (LF) of a processor (220) can be transmitted to a server (300). The log file (LF) can be transmitted to the server (300) by a second API (223). The transmission of the log file (LF) can be performed based on a trigger event (TEV). That is, when a trigger event (TEV) occurs, the second API (223) can be configured to transmit the log file (LF) to the server (300).

[0107] According to exemplary embodiments, the trigger event (TEV) may include duplication of the cell ID of the cell ID detection data (CID), omission of any one of the cell ID, serial number and device number of the cell ID detection data (CID), abnormality of the first API (221) (e.g., termination or version mismatch, etc.). According to exemplary embodiments, the trigger event (TEV) may further include a collection command for the log file (LF) of the processor (220) transmitted from the server (300). According to exemplary embodiments, the log file (LF) may be collected based on a set reliability test cycle. That is, the trigger event (TEV) of the transmission of the log file (LF) may include the arrival of a collection date and time of the log file (LF) preset by an engineer or an operator.

[0108] The second API (223) may be configured to transmit a log file (LF) including logs temporally adjacent to a corresponding log of a trigger event (TEV) (i.e., logs recorded at adjacent times) to the server (300). The log file (LF) transmitted to the server (330) may include a set number of preceding logs from the log corresponding to the trigger event (TEV). The log file (LF) transmitted to the server (330) may further include a set number of subsequent logs from the log corresponding to the trigger event (TEV). According to exemplary embodiments, transmitting the log file (LF) to the server (300) based on the trigger event (TEV) can minimize the resources of the server (300) allocated to receiving, storing, and analyzing the log file (LF), and can improve the reliability of the secondary battery system.

[0109] Next, at P120, the log file (LF) can be analyzed. The analysis of the log file (LF) can be performed by the server (300). The analysis of the log file (LF) can also be performed by a worker. Through the analysis of the log file (LF), the server (300) and / or the worker can determine a trigger event (TEV).

[0110] Next, in P130, a problematic trigger event (TEV) can be resolved. The problematic trigger event (TEV) may include, for example, duplication of a cell ID in the cell ID detection data (CID), omission of any one of the cell ID, serial number, and device number in the cell ID detection data (CID), or an abnormality in the first API (221) (e.g., termination or version mismatch).

[0111] According to exemplary embodiments, the cell ID detection data (CID) may include a device number and a serial number matched to the cell ID. Accordingly, the server (300) and / or the operator may determine, when analyzing the log file (LF), which of the secondary battery manufacturing facilities (100) and the facility networks (200) are associated with the trigger event (TEV). Accordingly, the server (300) and / or the operator may transmit an update file (UF) and / or an operation command (OC) to an appropriate one of the secondary battery manufacturing facilities (100) and the facility networks (200) to resolve the trigger event (TEV).

[0112] For example, if a trigger event (TEV) is caused by an old version of the first API (221), the server (300) and / or the operator can transmit an update file (UF) to update the first API (221) to the second API (223) of the processor (220) of the corresponding equipment network (200).

[0113] For example, if the trigger event (TEV) is an abnormal termination or non-operation of the first API (221), the server (300) and / or the operator can transmit an operation command (OC) to the second API (223) of the processor (220) of the corresponding equipment network (200) to operate the first API (221).

[0114] 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. A controller configured to collect cell ID detection data based on a cell ID detection signal generated based on reading out a data matrix of a data matrix reader, The above cell ID detection data includes a cell ID, which is a readout value of the data matrix, and a device number matching the cell ID, and A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the above device number indicates the site where the data matrix reader is installed.

2. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the cell ID detection data further includes a serial number that matches the cell ID and indicates the detection order of the data matrix.

3. In paragraph 2, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the above serial number is counted by the controller.

4. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system, wherein the above device number further indicates a process performed by the equipment in which the leader is installed.

5. In paragraph 4, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the above equipment is configured to perform any one of a notching process, a lamination process, a stacking process, a folding process, and a packaging process.

6. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system further comprising a processor including a first API configured to receive the cell ID detection data.

7. In paragraph 6, The above processor is configured to process an image of an electrode semi-finished product including the data matrix, and A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the above device number indicates a processing method of the image of the electrode semi-finished product by the above processor.

8. In paragraph 7, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the processor is configured to determine the quality of the electrode semi-finished product based on an image of the electrode semi-finished product.

9. In paragraph 7, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the above processor further includes a second API configured to communicate with a server.

10. In paragraph 9, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the second API is configured to transmit a log file of the processor to the server.

11. In paragraph 10, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the transmission of the above log file is based on a trigger event.

12. In paragraph 12, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the above trigger event includes duplication of the cell ID of the cell ID detection data.

13. In paragraph 11, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the above trigger event includes an omission of the cell ID of the cell ID detection data.

14. In paragraph 11, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the above trigger event includes an omission of the device number of the cell ID detection data.

15. In paragraph 11, The above trigger event includes the omission of a serial number of the above cell ID detection data, The above serial number matches the cell ID, and A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the above serial number indicates the detection order of the cell ID detection data of the data matrix.

16. In paragraph 11, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the above trigger event is a collection command of the log file transmitted from the server.

17. In paragraph 11, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the above trigger event is the arrival of a preset collection time of the above log file.

18. In paragraph 9, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the second API is configured to receive update data for updating the first API from a server.

19. In paragraph 9, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the second API is configured to receive a command for driving the first API from a server.

20. A data matrix reader configured to detect a data matrix to generate a cell ID detection signal; and A controller configured to collect cell ID detection data based on the above cell ID detection signal, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the cell ID detection data includes a cell ID, which is a readout value of the data matrix, and a serial number that matches the cell ID and indicates a detection order of the data matrix.

21. In paragraph 20, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the cell ID detection data further includes a device number indicating a location where the data matrix reader is installed.

22. Step of transmitting the log file of the processor to the server; Comprising the step of analyzing the above log file, and The above log file contains a record of message transmission of the above processor, The above processor is configured to receive cell ID detection data. The above cell ID detection data includes a cell ID, which is a readout value of a data matrix of any one of an electrode semi-finished product, an electrode, a mono cell and a stack cell, and a device number matching the cell ID, and A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the device number indicates a site where a data matrix reader configured to read the data matrix is ​​installed.

23. In paragraph 22, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the cell ID detection data further includes a serial number that matches the cell ID and indicates a detection order of the data matrix.

24. In paragraph 23, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, characterized in that the serial number is counted by a controller configured to communicate with the data matrix and the processor.

25. In paragraph 22, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the above device number further indicates a process performed by a facility in which the leader is installed.

26. In paragraph 25, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the above equipment is configured to perform any one of a notching process, a lamination process, a stacking process, a folding process, and a packaging process.

27. In paragraph 22, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the processor comprises a first API configured to receive the cell ID detection data.

28. In paragraph 27, The above processor is configured to process an image of an electrode semi-finished product including the data matrix, and A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the device number indicates a processing method of the image of the electrode semi-finished product by the processor.

29. In paragraph 28, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the processor is configured to determine the quality of the electrode semi-finished product based on an image of the electrode semi-finished product.

30. In paragraph 28, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the processor further comprises a second API configured to communicate with a server.

31. In paragraph 30, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, characterized in that the second API is configured to receive update data for updating the first API from a server.

32. In paragraph 30, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, characterized in that the second API is configured to receive a command for driving the first API from a server.

33. In paragraph 22, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, characterized in that the transmission of the above log file is based on a trigger event.

34. In paragraph 33, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the trigger event comprises duplication of the cell ID of the cell ID detection data.

35. In paragraph 33, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the trigger event comprises an omission of the cell ID of the cell ID detection data.

36. In paragraph 33, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the trigger event comprises an omission of the device number of the cell ID detection data.

37. In paragraph 33, The above trigger event includes the omission of a serial number of the above cell ID detection data, The above serial number matches the cell ID, and A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the above serial number indicates the detection order of the cell ID detection data of the data matrix.

38. In paragraph 33, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, characterized in that the trigger event is a collection command of the log file transmitted from the server.

39. In paragraph 33, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the trigger event is characterized by the arrival of a preset collection time of the log file.

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