Simulation system and operation method of simulation system

Abstract

According to some embodiments, a simulation system includes: an interface panel configured to receive a manipulation input from an operator; a main simulator configured to load training content for reproducing processes of manufacturing a cylindrical battery through electrode notching on the basis of the manipulation input and provide the training content to the operator through interaction with the operator; and a display configured to display a detailed image of the processes on the basis of the characteristics of the training content.

Description

Simulation system and method of operation of simulation system

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2024-0000746, filed January 3, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a simulation system and a method of operating the simulation system.

[0005] Recently, active research and development has been conducted on secondary batteries. The term "secondary battery" refers to a rechargeable battery, encompassing both conventional Ni / Cd and Ni / MH batteries, as well as recent lithium-ion batteries. Among secondary batteries, lithium-ion batteries can boast higher energy densities than conventional Ni / Cd and Ni / MH batteries. They can be manufactured in small and lightweight designs, making them highly versatile power sources for mobile devices. Recently, their use has expanded to include power sources for electric vehicles, attracting attention as a next-generation energy storage medium.

[0006] Because the secondary battery manufacturing process involves numerous detailed assembly steps and inspection stages, new workers can learn the manufacturing process with the assistance of experienced workers. However, if there is a shortage of skilled workers for a newly introduced process line or language barriers exist during worker training at an overseas factory, simulations that replicate the battery manufacturing process can be utilized for worker training. Meanwhile, with battery structures and manufacturing methods rapidly evolving, the development of training simulations may also be required.

[0007] One purpose of the embodiments disclosed in this document is to provide a simulation system and a method of operating the simulation system that can provide a simulation for training an operator in processes for manufacturing a cylindrical battery through electrode notching.

[0008] The technical objectives of the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the descriptions below.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the simulation system includes an interface panel configured to receive manipulation inputs from a worker; a main simulator configured to load training content reproducing processes for manufacturing a battery through electrode notching based on the manipulation inputs and to provide the training content to the worker through interaction with the worker; and a display configured to display detailed images of the processes based on characteristics of the training content.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the training content may be configured to reproduce processes for manufacturing a cylindrical battery through the electrode notching.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the processes include a laser notching process for forming electrode tabs on electrode sheets of the cylindrical battery, a separator forming process for forming separator sheets of the cylindrical battery between the electrode sheets, and a winding process for winding a stacking unit of the electrode sheets and the separator sheets.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the training content includes guide content for the processes, equipment operation content for the processes, quality assurance content for the processes, condition adjustment content for the processes, and test content for the processes.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the equipment operation content for the laser notching process is configured to perform laser notching on the electrode sheets according to the current setting values ​​of the notching pattern and notching parameters of the laser notching process, and to display to the operator the shape of the electrode tabs formed as a result of the laser notching process.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the condition adjustment content for the laser notching process is configured to receive from the operator a setting value before and a setting value after changing at least one of the notching pattern and the notching parameter, and to display to the operator a shape of the electrode tabs formed based on the setting value before and a shape of the electrode tabs formed based on the setting value after changing.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the notching pattern comprises a laser scanning pattern for removing the remaining portions of the electrode sheets except for the electrode tabs at the ends of the electrode sheets, and the notching parameters comprise a laser intensity, a number of scan repetitions, and a feed speed of the electrode sheets.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the quality verification content for the laser notching process is configured to generate a comparison image comparing the shape of the electrode tabs formed as a result of performing the laser notching process according to the current setting value and the shape of a reference electrode tab, and to provide a quality score of the electrode tabs based on the comparison image.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the quality assurance content for the laser notching process is configured to provide recommended settings of the notching pattern and the notching parameters required to reduce the difference between the shape of the electrode tabs and the shape of the reference electrode tab based on the comparison image.

[0018] According to some embodiments, a method of operating a simulation system includes: receiving an operation input from a worker through an interface panel; loading training content reproducing processes of manufacturing a battery through electrode notching based on the operation input through a main simulator; providing the training content to a worker through interaction with the worker through the main simulator; and displaying detailed images of the processes based on characteristics of the training content through a display.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the training content may be configured to reproduce processes for manufacturing a cylindrical battery through the electrode notching.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the processes include a laser notching process for forming electrode tabs on electrode sheets of the cylindrical battery, a separator forming process for forming separator sheets of the cylindrical battery between the electrode sheets, and a winding process for winding a stacking unit of the electrode sheets and the separator sheets.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the training content includes guide content for the processes, equipment operation content for the processes, quality assurance content for the processes, condition adjustment content for the processes, and test content for the processes.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the equipment operation content for the laser notching process is configured to perform laser notching on the electrode sheets according to the current setting values ​​of the notching pattern and notching parameters of the laser notching process, and to display to the operator the shape of the electrode tabs formed as a result of the laser notching process.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the condition adjustment content for the laser notching process is configured to receive from the operator a setting value before and a setting value after changing at least one of the notching pattern and the notching parameter, and to display to the operator a shape of the electrode tabs formed based on the setting value before and a shape of the electrode tabs formed based on the setting value after changing.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the notching pattern comprises a laser scanning pattern for removing the remaining portions of the electrode sheets except for the electrode tabs at the ends of the electrode sheets, and the notching parameters comprise a laser intensity, a number of scan repetitions, and a feed speed of the electrode sheets.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the quality verification content for the laser notching process is configured to generate a comparison image comparing the shape of the electrode tabs formed as a result of performing the laser notching process according to the current setting value and the shape of a reference electrode tab, and to provide a quality score of the electrode tabs based on the comparison image.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the quality assurance content for the laser notching process is configured to provide recommended settings of the notching pattern and the notching parameters required to reduce the difference between the shape of the electrode tabs and the shape of the reference electrode tab based on the comparison image.

[0027] According to embodiments disclosed in this document, a simulation system and a method of operating the simulation system can be provided that can provide a simulation for training an operator in processes for manufacturing a cylindrical battery through electrode notching.

[0028] The technical effects according to the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art according to the disclosure of this document.

[0029] Figure 1 may illustrate an environment in which a simulation system operates according to some embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 2 may illustrate elements that constitute a simulation system according to some embodiments.

[0031] Figure 3 may illustrate the structure of a simulation system according to some embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates processes for manufacturing a cylindrical battery through electrode notching according to some embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates training content for processes for manufacturing cylindrical batteries through electrode notching according to some embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a process for forming an electrode tab through a laser notching process according to some embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 7 may illustrate steps that constitute a method of operating a simulation system according to some embodiments.

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments described in this document are described with reference to the attached drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the disclosure of this document to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments described in this document are included.

[0037] The embodiments and terminology used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to a specific embodiment, but should be understood to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the item, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0038] In this document, the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can each include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", "first", "second", "A", "B", "(a)", or "(b)" may be used merely to distinguish the corresponding component from other corresponding components, and do not limit the corresponding components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order) unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0039] In this document, when a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “connected,” “coupled,” or “connected,” with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” or “coupled” or “connected,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired or wirelessly), or indirectly (e.g., via a third component).

[0040] The methods according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory, CD-ROM), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store or directly between two user devices. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0041] According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0042] Figure 1 may illustrate an environment in which a simulation system operates according to some embodiments.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, a simulation system (120) can provide simulation content to a worker (110). A simulation management server (130) can manage the content of the simulation system (120).

[0044] The simulation system (120) can provide simulation training to the worker (110) regarding the manufacturing process of a cylindrical battery. In an embodiment, the manufacturing process may include a process of manufacturing a cylindrical battery through electrode notching. The simulator system (120) can provide the worker (110) with a simulation of the process of forming electrode tabs by laser notching an electrode plate and using the electrode tabs to manufacture a cylindrical battery.

[0045] The simulation management server (130) may be configured to manage training content provided by the simulator system (120). The simulation management server (130) may record the performance results of the training content, derive statistical data based thereon, add or change the content of the training content based on the statistical data, and transmit the added or changed information to the simulator system (120). According to an embodiment, the simulation management server (130) may install content management software in the simulator system (120) and provide update information of the content management software.

[0046] FIG. 2 may illustrate elements that constitute a simulation system according to some embodiments.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 2, the simulator system (120) may include an interface panel (121), a main simulator (122), and a display (123). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and some components may be omitted from the simulation system (120), or other general-purpose components may be further included in the simulation system (120).

[0048] According to an embodiment, the interface panel (121), the main simulator (122), and the display (123) may be electrically connected to each other through a device-to-device communication method such as a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), MIPI (mobile industry processor interface), etc.

[0049] The interface panel (121) can provide an interface function between the operator (110) and the simulation system (120). For example, the interface panel (121) can be configured in the form of an HMI (Human Machine Interface) panel. The interface panel (121) can receive an operation input for operating the simulation system (120) from the operator (110) in the form of a touch input, a button input, a mouse input, or the like. The interface panel (121) can provide a graphical interface, such as a screen that provides a selection of operation inputs.

[0050] The main simulator (122) may be configured to run a simulation related to the manufacturing of a cylindrical battery. The main simulator (122) may interact with the operator (110) to facilitate the simulation. For example, the main simulator (122) may receive touch or drag inputs from the operator (110), perform the process steps of the cylindrical battery accordingly, and display the results generated at each process step to the operator (110). The main simulator (122) may include a processor and memory for executing simulation software.

[0051] The processor of the main simulator (122) may have a structure for executing instructions for implementing the simulation. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates for processing various operations or as a general-purpose microprocessor, and may consist of a single processor or multiple processors. For example, the processor may be implemented in the form of at least one of a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, and an AP.

[0052] The memory or storage of the main simulator (122) may be configured to temporarily store data or instructions, and may be configured separately from or integral with the processor. The processor may execute instructions stored in the memory and / or storage to process various operations. The memory and / or storage may store various data, instructions, software, mobile applications, computer programs, etc. For example, the memory and / or storage may be implemented as a non-volatile device such as ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, PRAM, MRAM, RRAM, FRAM, etc., or a volatile device such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, PRAM, etc., and may be implemented in the form of an HDD, SSD, SD, Micro-SD, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0053] The display (123) may include a display panel that provides various visual information to the operator (110). The display (123) may display detailed images of a simulation being executed in the main simulator (122). For example, when a manufacturing process of a cylindrical battery is in progress in the main simulator (122), external images recognizable to the naked eye in each process may be displayed through the main simulator (122), and images of invisible areas that cannot be recognized to the naked eye may be displayed through the display (123).

[0054] The interface panel (121) may be configured to receive an operation input from the operator (110). The interface panel (121) may be implemented in the same form as a panel installed in an actual process line, and may receive an operation input from the operator (110) in the same manner as a panel installed in an actual process line. For example, the operation input of the operator (110) may include equipment operation, equipment stop, equipment automatic operation, equipment manual operation, equipment one-time operation, equipment operation preparation, equipment reset, emergency stop, etc. In addition, the operation input of the operator (110) may include various input values ​​or setting values ​​of the battery manufacturing process.

[0055] The main simulator (122) may be configured to load training content that reproduces processes for manufacturing a cylindrical battery through electrode notching based on an operator input. For example, when an operator (110) inputs a facility operation button on the interface panel (121), the main simulator (122) may load a virtual battery manufacturing facility. The training content may reproduce processes for manufacturing a cylindrical battery through electrode notching. The cylindrical battery may include a jelly roll inside a battery can, and the jelly roll may be formed by winding a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. The positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate may each have a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab. Typically, the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab may be formed by an attachment method. However, the manufacturing process reproduced by the simulation system (120) may form the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate through an electrode notching method rather than a tab attachment method. In an embodiment, the notching for forming the electrode tabs of the cylindrical battery may include laser notching. Electrode notching can form positive tabs and negative tabs by removing portions of the positive plate and negative plate except for the positive tab and negative tab.

[0056] The main simulator (122) may be configured to provide training content to the worker (110) through interaction with the worker (110). For example, the training content may require input from the worker (110) to provide content such as process / equipment guides, equipment operation, and quality assurance to the worker (110). The input from the worker (110) may include mouse input, keyboard input, touch input, etc. to the main simulator (122). The input from the worker (110) may be configured in a form similar to the actions performed on an actual process line. The main simulator (122) may express a response to the input from the worker (110) if it is appropriate. For example, in the equipment operation content, if the worker (110) inputs an appropriate operation, the main simulator (122) may display an image of the virtual equipment in operation.

[0057] The display (123) may be configured to display detailed images of processes based on the characteristics of the training content. For example, the characteristics of the training content may include the type of training content, detailed steps of the battery manufacturing process, etc. The types of training content may include guides, equipment operation, quality assurance, etc. The detailed steps of the battery manufacturing process may include electrode plate formation, electrode tab formation, separator formation, jelly roll winding, etc. Depending on the characteristics of the training content, parts that are difficult to see with the naked eye or parts that require more detailed inspection may be displayed as detailed images.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the processes may include a laser notching process for forming electrode tabs on electrode sheets of a cylindrical battery, a separator forming process for forming separator sheets of the cylindrical battery between the electrode sheets, and a winding process for winding a stacked unit of electrode sheets and separator sheets. Unlike conventional electrode tab attachment methods, the simulation system (120) may form electrode tabs on electrode sheets by a laser notching process. For this purpose, the simulation processes of the training content may include a laser notching process. After the electrode tabs are formed, a separator forming process and a winding process for manufacturing a cylindrical battery may follow.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the training content may include guide content for processes, equipment operation content for processes, quality check content for processes, condition adjustment content for processes, and test content for processes. In the case of guide content, the main simulator (122) may provide the worker (110) with a guide explaining the progress or equipment of the laser notching process, the membrane forming process, and the winding process. In the case of equipment operation content, the main simulator (122) may receive input from the worker (110) for operating the virtual 3D equipment of each process, and display the process of the virtual 3D equipment operating accordingly to the worker (110). In the case of quality check content, the main simulator (122) may enable the worker (110) to check the shape or dimensions of the results of each process. In the case of condition adjustment content, the main simulator (122) may adjust process conditions, process requirements, process parameters, etc. for each process based on the input of the worker (110). For test content, the worker (110) can perform tests configured similarly to work on an actual line for each process through the main simulator (122).

[0060] According to an embodiment, the equipment operation content for the laser notching process may be configured to display to the operator (110) a process of performing laser notching on electrode sheets according to the notching pattern and the current setting values ​​of the notching parameters of the laser notching process, and the shapes of electrode tabs formed as a result of the laser notching process. The main simulator (122) may display a virtual 3D laser notching equipment to the operator (110) to provide the equipment operation content. The operator (110) may input the current setting values ​​of the notching pattern and the notching parameters through the interface panel (121). The main simulator (122) may display to the operator (110) a process of performing laser notching according to the current setting values. The main simulator (122) may display to the operator (110) the shapes of electrode tabs formed on the electrode sheets as a result of the laser notching. Meanwhile, the display (123) can enlarge and display a part selected by the operator (110) for the process or result electrode tab of laser notching, and can render and display the inside of the equipment or the inside of the electrode tab that cannot be confirmed with the naked eye.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the condition adjustment content for the laser notching process may be configured to receive from the operator (110) a setting value before and a setting value after changing at least one of the notching pattern and the notching parameter, and display to the operator (110) the shapes of the electrode tabs formed based on the setting value before and the shapes of the electrode tabs formed based on the setting value after changing. For the condition adjustment content, the operator (110) may change the setting values ​​of the notching pattern and the notching parameter. Once the setting values ​​before and after changing are determined, the main simulator (122) may display the shapes of the electrode tabs before and after changing together. Through this, the operator (110) may check how the shape of the electrode tab changes due to the change in the setting value.

[0062] In an embodiment, the notching pattern may include a laser scanning pattern for removing a portion of the electrode sheets other than the electrode tabs from the distal portions of the electrode sheets, and the notching parameters may include a laser intensity, a number of scan repetitions, and a feed speed of the electrode sheets. The laser scanning pattern may include an area of ​​the electrode sheet to be laser scanned, a direction of the laser scan, and the like. The laser scan area may be determined by an area of ​​the target electrode tab and a buffer area. The direction of the laser scan may include a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, a diagonal direction, and the like. The laser notching may be performed while the electrode sheets are being fed. A faster feed speed may shorten the duration of the laser notching. The amount of laser notching may be determined by the laser intensity and the number of scan repetitions.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the quality assurance content for the laser notching process may be configured to generate a comparison image comparing the shapes of electrode tabs formed as a result of performing the laser notching process according to current settings with the shape of a reference electrode tab, and to provide a quality score of the electrode tabs based on the comparison image. For example, the main simulator (122) may display the electrode tab shape and the reference electrode tab shape according to the current settings together to the operator (110). Additionally, the main simulator (122) may calculate a quality score of the electrode tab according to the current settings based on the difference between the electrode tab shape and the reference electrode tab shape. The smaller the difference from the reference electrode tab, the higher the quality score. The shape difference may be derived through a CNN model for image processing, etc. Meanwhile, the reference electrode tab shape may change depending on changes in the quality requirements.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the quality assurance content for the laser notching process may be configured to provide a notching pattern required to reduce the difference between the shape of the electrode tabs and the shape of the reference electrode tab based on the comparison image and recommended settings of the notching parameters. For example, the main simulator (122) may determine whether the amount of laser notching is appropriate based on the comparison image, and if the amount of laser notching is insufficient, may provide recommended settings such as a decrease in the electrode sheet feed speed, an increase in the laser intensity, and an increase in the number of scan repetitions.

[0065] Figure 3 may illustrate the structure of a simulation system according to some embodiments.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 3, in the simulation system (120), an interface panel (121) may be placed on the left side of the main simulator (122), and a display (123) may be placed on the right side of the main simulator (122). However, this is not limited thereto, and a different arrangement structure may be applied depending on the physical structure or movement path of the worker (110).

[0067] The worker (110) can create operation inputs for operating virtual facilities of the main simulator (122) in the interface panel (121) on the left, train simulation contents through touch and drag inputs on the main simulator (122) in the center, and check detailed images of the battery manufacturing process through the display (123) on the right.

[0068] FIG. 4 illustrates processes for manufacturing a cylindrical battery through electrode notching according to some embodiments.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 4, a simulator image (400) illustrating processes for manufacturing a cylindrical battery through electrode notching may be illustrated. For example, the simulator image (400) may be displayed through the main simulator (122).

[0070] As illustrated in the simulator image (400), the processes for manufacturing a cylindrical battery through electrode notching may include processes (402) to (424). In processes (402 and 404), a positive electrode sheet may be supplied, and laser notching may be performed on the positive electrode sheet. In processes (406 and 408), a negative electrode sheet may be supplied, and laser notching may be performed on the negative electrode sheet. In processes (410 and 412), a first separator and a second separator may be supplied. The positive electrode sheet, the first separator, the negative electrode sheet, and the second separator may be sequentially stacked.

[0071] In processes (414, 416), a positive electrode tab may be formed on a positive electrode sheet, and a negative electrode tab may be formed on a negative electrode sheet. In process (418), winding may be performed on the laminated structure of the positive electrode sheet, the first separator, the negative electrode sheet, and the second separator, and a jelly roll may be formed. In processes (420, 422), the jelly roll may be sealed to a battery can via tape, and reforming of the cylindrical battery may be performed. In process (424), the completed cylindrical battery may be unloaded.

[0072] FIG. 5 illustrates training content for processes for manufacturing cylindrical batteries through electrode notching according to some embodiments.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 5, training content (500) for processes for manufacturing cylindrical batteries through electrode notching may be illustrated. According to an embodiment, the training content (500) may include guide content (510), equipment operation content (520), quality assurance content (530), condition adjustment content (540), and test content (550).

[0074] The simulation system (120) can provide a process guide (511) and an equipment guide (512) to the worker (110) through the guide content (510). The process guide (511) can guide the configuration of a jelly roll, such as an anode, a cathode, a separator, a sealing tape, etc. The equipment guide (512) can guide a laser notching equipment, a tab forming equipment, a winding equipment, an unwinding equipment, a conveyor transport equipment, etc.

[0075] The simulation system (120) can provide the worker (110) with contents such as material preparation (521), work standard confirmation (522), process condition confirmation (523), and equipment operation (524) through equipment operation contents (520). Material preparation (521) can provide information on materials such as electrodes, separators, and sealing tapes.

[0076] The simulation system (120) can enable the worker (110) to check the electrode tab quality (531) and the outside of the jelly roll (532), the inside of the jelly roll (533), etc. through the quality check content (530). The worker (110) can check the overall height, tab protrusion length, sealing tape attachment position, etc. through the outside of the jelly roll (532). The worker (110) can check the electrode length, tab formation height, sealing tape position / length, tab height / length, etc. through the inside of the jelly roll (533).

[0077] The simulation system (120) can enable the operator (110) to adjust the process conditions of each process through the condition adjustment content (540). The operator (110) can train notching pattern adjustment (541), notching parameter adjustment (542), electrode plate / separator adjustment (543), jelly roll winding adjustment (544), etc. through the condition adjustment content (540).

[0078] The simulation system (120) can test the worker (110) through test content (550). The test content (550) can include a notching process test (551), a notching condition adjustment test (552), and other condition adjustment tests (553).

[0079] FIG. 6 illustrates a process for forming an electrode tab through a laser notching process according to some embodiments.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 6, an electrode sheet (600) notched by a laser notching process can be illustrated. The electrode sheet (600) can be a positive electrode sheet or a negative electrode sheet.

[0081] To form an electrode tab on an electrode sheet (600), a notched area (610, 650) can be removed through notching. The notched area (610, 650) can be determined by the area (630) of the target electrode tab and the buffer area (620, 640). Whether the notching has been properly performed can be confirmed through the quality check content (530), and the notched area (610, 650) and / or the buffer area (620, 640) can be adjusted through the condition adjustment content (540).

[0082] FIG. 7 may illustrate steps that constitute a method of operating a simulation system according to some embodiments.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 7, the operation method (700) of the simulation system may include steps (710) to (740). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and some steps may be omitted or other general steps may be added, and the steps of the operation method (700) of the simulation system may be executed in a different order than the illustrated order.

[0084] The operation method (700) of the simulation system may be composed of steps that are processed in a time-series manner in the simulation system (120). Therefore, even if the content is omitted below, the content described above for the simulation system (120) may be equally applied to the operation method (700) of the simulation system.

[0085] Steps (710) to (740) of the operation method (700) of the simulation system can be performed by the interface panel (121), main simulator (122), and display (123) of the simulation system (120).

[0086] At step (710), the simulation system (120) can receive operation input from an operator through an interface panel.

[0087] At step (720), the simulation system (120) can load training content that reproduces the processes of manufacturing a battery through electrode notching based on the operation input through the main simulator.

[0088] At step (730), the simulation system (120) can provide training content to the worker through interaction with the worker through the main simulator.

[0089] At step (740), the simulation system (120) can display detailed images of the processes based on the characteristics of the training content through the display.

[0090] According to an embodiment, the operation method (700) of the simulation system may be implemented in the form of a computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium. That is, the computer program may include instructions for implementing the operation method (700) of the simulation system, and the instructions of the program may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The computer program may include a mobile application.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the computer-readable storage medium may include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute computer program instructions such as ROMs, RAMs, flash memories, and the like. The computer program instructions may include machine language codes generated by a compiler and high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0092] The terms "include," "comprise," or "have" used herein, unless otherwise specifically stated, imply that the corresponding component may be included, and therefore should be interpreted to include other components rather than to exclude other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments disclosed in this document pertain, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as terms defined in dictionaries, should be interpreted to be consistent with their contextual meaning in the relevant art, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless explicitly defined in this document.

[0093] The above description is merely an illustrative description of the technical idea disclosed in this document, and those skilled in the art to which the embodiments disclosed in this document pertain may make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the embodiments disclosed in this document. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this document are not intended to limit the technical idea of ​​the embodiments disclosed in this document, but to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea disclosed in this document is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of the technical idea disclosed in this document should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of this document.

[0094] [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 110: Worker 120: Simulation System

[0096] 130: Simulation Management Server 121: Interface Panel

[0097] 122: Main Simulator 123: Display

Claims

1. An interface panel configured to receive operational input from an operator; A main simulator configured to load training content reproducing processes for manufacturing a battery through electrode notching based on the above-mentioned operational inputs and to provide the training content to the operator through interaction with the operator; and A simulation system comprising a display configured to display detailed images of the processes based on characteristics of the training content.

2. In paragraph 1, The above training content is a simulation system configured to reproduce the processes of manufacturing a cylindrical battery through the above electrode notching.

3. In paragraph 2, A simulation system, wherein the above processes include a laser notching process for forming electrode tabs on electrode sheets of the cylindrical battery, a separator forming process for forming separator sheets of the cylindrical battery between the electrode sheets, and a winding process for winding a stacking unit of the electrode sheets and the separator sheets.

4. In paragraph 3, A simulation system, wherein the training content includes guide content for the processes, equipment operation content for the processes, quality check content for the processes, condition adjustment content for the processes, and test content for the processes.

5. In paragraph 4, The above equipment operation content for the above laser notching process is a simulation system configured to display to the operator a process of performing laser notching on the electrode sheets according to the notching pattern of the above laser notching process and the current setting values ​​of the notching parameters, and the shape of the electrode tabs formed as a result of the above laser notching process.

6. In paragraph 5, The condition adjustment content for the laser notching process is a simulation system configured to receive from the operator a setting value before and a setting value after changing at least one of the notching pattern and the notching parameter, and to display to the operator a shape of the electrode tabs formed based on the setting value before and a shape of the electrode tabs formed based on the setting value after changing.

7. In paragraph 6, The above notching pattern includes a laser scanning pattern for removing the remaining portion except the electrode tabs at the ends of the electrode sheets, A simulation system wherein the above notching parameters include laser intensity, number of scan repetitions and feed speed of the electrode sheets.

8. In paragraph 5, A simulation system wherein the quality verification content for the laser notching process is configured to generate a comparison image for comparing the shape of the electrode tabs formed as a result of performing the laser notching process according to the current setting value and the shape of a reference electrode tab, and to provide a quality score of the electrode tabs based on the comparison image.

9. In paragraph 8, A simulation system wherein the quality assurance content for the laser notching process is configured to provide recommended settings of the notching pattern and the notching parameters required to reduce the difference between the shapes of the electrode tabs and the shape of the reference electrode tab based on the comparison image.

10. Step of receiving operation input from the operator through the interface panel; A step of loading training content reproducing the processes of manufacturing a battery through electrode notching based on the above-mentioned operational inputs through the main simulator; A step of providing the training content to the worker through interaction with the worker through the main simulator; and A method of operating a simulation system, comprising the step of displaying detailed images of said processes based on characteristics of said training content through a display.

11. In paragraph 10, The above training content is a method of operation of a simulation system configured to reproduce processes for manufacturing a cylindrical battery through the above electrode notching.

12. In paragraph 11, A method of operating a simulation system, wherein the above processes include a laser notching process for forming electrode tabs on electrode sheets of the cylindrical battery, a separator forming process for forming separator sheets of the cylindrical battery between the electrode sheets, and a winding process for winding a stacking unit of the electrode sheets and the separator sheets.

13. In paragraph 12, A method of operating a simulation system, wherein the training content includes guide content for the processes, equipment operation content for the processes, quality check content for the processes, condition adjustment content for the processes, and test content for the processes.

14. In paragraph 13, The above equipment operation content for the above laser notching process is a method of operating a simulation system configured to perform laser notching on the electrode sheets according to the notching pattern of the above laser notching process and the current setting values ​​of the notching parameters, and to display the shape of the electrode tabs formed as a result of the laser notching process to the operator.

15. In paragraph 14, The condition adjustment content for the laser notching process is configured to receive a setting value before and a setting value after changing at least one of the notching pattern and the notching parameter from the operator, and to display to the operator the shape of the electrode tabs formed based on the setting value before and the shape of the electrode tabs formed based on the setting value after changing.

16. In paragraph 15, The above notching pattern includes a laser scanning pattern for removing the remaining portion except the electrode tabs at the ends of the electrode sheets, The above notching parameters include the laser intensity, the number of scan repetitions and the transport speed of the electrode sheets, and the operation method of the simulation system.

17. In paragraph 14, The quality verification content for the laser notching process is configured to generate a comparison image for comparing the shape of the electrode tabs formed as a result of performing the laser notching process according to the current setting value and the shape of a reference electrode tab, and to provide a quality score of the electrode tabs based on the comparison image, wherein the operation method of the simulation system is configured.

18. In paragraph 17, A method of operating a simulation system, wherein the quality verification content for the laser notching process is configured to provide recommended settings of the notching pattern and the notching parameters required to reduce the difference between the shapes of the electrode tabs and the shape of the reference electrode tab based on the comparison image.

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