Battery manufacturing system and battery manufacturing method

Abstract

A battery manufacturing system is provided according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The system comprises: a location measuring device for generating a signal for sensing the location of an electrode sheet moving between an unwinder and a rewinder; a controller configured to collect location data of the electrode sheet on the basis of the sensing signal; and a measuring device and / or an inspection device configured to collect measurement data and / or inspection data for the moving electrode sheet, and generate location-associated measurement data and / or inspection data by associating the location data with the measurement data and / or the inspection data. At least one among the controller and the measuring device and / or the inspection device may correct the location data of the electrode sheet on the basis of a changing offset length.

Description

Battery manufacturing system and battery manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery manufacturing system and a battery manufacturing method.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0009448, filed January 22, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] 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.

[0004] Secondary batteries are manufactured through electrode processes, assembly processes, and activation processes. Among these, the electrode process is the most critical process in determining the yield and performance of the battery cell. The electrode process may include a coating process, a roll-pressing process, and a slitting process. In the coating process, active and insulating materials may be applied to the surface of the current collector. In the roll-pressing process, the electrode may be pressed by pressure rolls. The roll-pressing process may determine the density, performance, and surface quality of the electrode. In the slitting process, the electrode may be cut into multiple electrodes depending on the battery cell design.

[0005] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0134303

[0006] The present invention provides a battery manufacturing system and a battery manufacturing method with improved quality traceability and data consistency in a battery manufacturing process.

[0007] The battery manufacturing system of the present invention for solving the above problem comprises: a position measuring device that generates a signal for sensing a position of an electrode sheet moving between an unwinder and a rewinder; a controller configured to collect position data of the electrode sheet based on the sensing signal; and a measuring device and / or an inspector configured to collect measurement data and / or inspection data for the moving electrode sheet and to generate position-related measurement data and / or inspection data by associating the position data with the measurement data and / or inspection data, wherein at least one of the controller and the measuring device and / or the inspector is characterized in that, when an offset length, which is a length of an electrode sheet interposed between a position of the electrode sheet for which the measurement data and / or inspection data is collected and the unwinder or the rewinder, changes, the position data of the electrode sheet is corrected based on a changing offset length.

[0008] The above offset length may include the electrode sheet length of the buffer section that changes depending on the tension of the electrode sheet.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment, the positional data may be at least one of coordinate data including coordinates indicating a position on the electrode sheet and pattern indicator data on a pattern electrode in which a coated portion and an uncoated portion are repeated along the longitudinal direction of the electrode sheet.

[0010] The above position measuring device may be at least one of an encoder that generates at least one of an output amount signal and a winding amount signal of the electrode sheet and a pattern counter that counts pattern indicators on the pattern electrode.

[0011] At least one of the above controllers and measuring instruments and / or testers,

[0012] At the point when the above measurement data and / or inspection data are collected, the position data of the electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the position measuring device installed on the unwinder side or the rewinder side can be corrected by subtracting or adding the offset length.

[0013] The above battery manufacturing system may further include a server configured to generate a roll map including corrected location data and the measurement data and / or inspection data associated with the corrected location data.

[0014] As another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a battery is provided.

[0015] A step of collecting position data indicating the position of an electrode sheet moving between an unwinder and a rewinder, and measurement data and / or inspection data for the moving electrode sheet;

[0016] A step of generating location-related measurement data and / or inspection data by associating the location data with the measurement data and / or inspection data; and

[0017] When the offset length, which is the length of the electrode sheet interposed between the position of the electrode sheet where the above measurement data and / or inspection data is collected and the unwinder or rewinder, changes, a correction step may be included for correcting the position data of the electrode sheet based on the changing offset length.

[0018] The above offset length may include the electrode sheet length of the buffer section that changes depending on the tension of the electrode sheet.

[0019] The above location data is,

[0020] Coordinate data including coordinates indicating the location on the electrode sheet, and

[0021] It may be at least one of pattern indicator data on a pattern electrode in which a coated portion and an uncoated portion are repeated along the longitudinal direction of the electrode sheet.

[0022] The above coordinate data can be collected based on at least one of the output amount and the winding amount signal of the electrode sheet generated by the encoder.

[0023] The above pattern indicator data is,

[0024] The pattern pitch is the distance between one coating portion and the next coating portion on the pattern electrode,

[0025] It can be calculated based on the signal generated by the above encoder.

[0026] In the above correction step, the position data can be corrected by subtracting or adding the offset length to the position data of the electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the position measuring device installed on the unwinder side or the rewinder side at the time when the measurement data and / or inspection data are collected.

[0027] The above battery manufacturing method may further include a step of generating a roll map including corrected position data and the measurement data and / or inspection data associated with the corrected position data.

[0028] As another example of the present invention, a battery manufacturing system is provided.

[0029] A plurality of position measuring devices each generating a signal for sensing the position of a plurality of electrode sheets moving between a plurality of unwinders and a single winder;

[0030] A controller configured to collect position data of each electrode sheet based on the sensing signal;

[0031] A plurality of measuring instruments and / or inspection devices configured to collect measurement data and / or inspection data for each of the moving electrode sheets and to generate position-related measurement data and / or inspection data by associating the position data with the measurement data and / or inspection data;

[0032] A plurality of cutters positioned before the winder to cut each electrode sheet to a predetermined length; and

[0033] Including the winder for winding each of the above cut electrode sheets to manufacture an electrode assembly;

[0034] The above-described plurality of measuring instruments and / or inspection instruments or the controller can correct the position data of each electrode sheet based on the changing offset length when the offset length, which is the length of each electrode sheet interposed between the position of each electrode sheet from which the measurement data and / or inspection data is collected and the unwinder or cutter, changes.

[0035] As another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a battery is provided.

[0036] In a battery manufacturing method, a plurality of electrode sheets moved between a plurality of unwinders and a winder are each cut to a predetermined length by a cutter, and the cut electrode sheets are wound together in the winder to manufacture an electrode assembly.

[0037] A step of collecting position data indicating the position of each electrode sheet moving between each unwinder and the winder, and measurement data and / or inspection data for each moving electrode sheet;

[0038] A step of generating position-related measurement data and / or inspection data for each electrode sheet by associating the position data with the measurement data and / or inspection data;

[0039] When the offset length, which is the length of each electrode sheet interposed between the position of each electrode sheet where the above measurement data and / or inspection data is collected and the unwinder or cutter, changes, a correction step may be included for correcting the position data of each electrode sheet based on the changing offset length.

[0040] According to the present invention, when the length of a moving electrode sheet changes in an electrode manufacturing process, the position data of the electrode sheet can be corrected to reflect the changing length of the electrode sheet.

[0041] Accordingly, the corrected position data and various data related to the corrected position data can be displayed on a roll map, which is a mock electrode that simulates a moving electrode.

[0042] Therefore, the consistency between the actual electrode location and the corresponding data can be improved, and the accuracy of the data included in the roll map is also improved.

[0043] The present invention also allows correction of positional data of electrode sheets by reflecting the changing length of each electrode sheet when the length of each electrode sheet changes during a winding process in which multiple electrode sheets are wound. Accordingly, data consistency in the winding process can be improved.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Figure 1 illustrates a battery manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments.

[0046] Figure 2 shows the measurement of an electrode sheet by a measuring instrument.

[0047] Figure 3 shows a visualized roll map.

[0048] Figures 4 and 5 show changes in the length of the electrode sheet in the buffer section.

[0049] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate examples of offset lengths based on an unwinder or rewinder.

[0050] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a pattern electrode.

[0051] Figure 9 shows a battery manufacturing system in which a pattern counter and an encoder are installed together.

[0052] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a pattern indicator counted based on the pattern pitch of the pattern electrode.

[0053] Figure 11 shows the offset length in a battery manufacturing system to which a pattern counter is applied.

[0054] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a battery manufacturing method according to exemplary embodiments.

[0055] Fig. 13 illustrates a battery manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments.

[0056] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an electrode and a separator being wound by a winder to a predetermined length.

[0057] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating a battery manufacturing method according to exemplary embodiments.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] (Example 1)

[0063] Figure 1 illustrates a battery manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments.

[0064] Figure 2 shows the measurement of an electrode sheet by a measuring instrument.

[0065] Figure 3 shows a visualized roll map.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery manufacturing system (10) may include a battery manufacturing device (100), a roll map generator (200), and a user device (300).

[0067] The battery manufacturing device (100) may include an unwinder (111), a rewinder (113), a processing mechanism (115), a first position measuring device, a second position measuring device, a measuring device and / or an inspection device (131), a first controller (141), and a second controller (143).

[0068] The unwinder (111) may be configured to unwind the electrode sheet (ES) from the electrode roll (ER1). The rewinder (113) may be configured to wind the electrode sheet (ES) onto the electrode roll (ER2). Accordingly, the electrode sheet (ES) can move between the unwinder (111) and the rewinder (113).

[0069] A process for manufacturing a battery (e.g., an electrode process) may be performed on an electrode sheet (ES). The electrode process may be a roll-to-roll process, as the electrode sheet (ES) is unwound from an electrode roll (ER1) and wound onto an electrode roll (ER2).

[0070] The electrode sheet (ES) can be processed by a processing device (115). For example, the processing device (115) may include a coater, and electrode slurry may be coated on the electrode sheet (ES). As another example, the processing device (115) may include a pressure roll, and a roll pressing process may be performed on the electrode sheet (ES) coated with the electrode slurry. As another example, the processing device (115) may include a splicing die and a scrap port, and a portion of the electrode sheet (ES) may be scraped. As another example, the processing device may include a slitting knife, and the electrode sheet (ES) may be separated into a plurality of electrode sheets.

[0071] The first position measuring device and the second position measuring device may be rotary encoders that can express the position signal of the electrode moving according to the rotation amount of the unwinder or the rewinder as an encoder value. Alternatively, the first position measuring device and the second position measuring device may be linear encoders that express the position signal of the electrode corresponding to the displacement of the electrode as an encoder value. The encoders may be configured to be contact-type or non-contact-type on the electrode. Alternatively, the position measuring device may be a pattern counter that counts a pattern indicator on a pattern electrode. The pattern indicator may be an indicator that indicates the position of a pattern on the pattern electrode. The pattern indicator may be a number, a letter, a character, a symbol, a code, and / or a combination thereof.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first position measuring device and the second position measuring device are rotary encoders.

[0073] The first rotary encoder (121) may be configured to sense the amount of electrode sheets (ES) unwound from the electrode roll (ER1) by the unwinder (111). Accordingly, the first rotary encoder (121) may be configured to generate an unwound amount signal (UWAS) indicating the unwound amount of the electrode sheets (ES). The first rotary encoder (121) may be configured to transmit the unwound amount signal (UWAS) to the first controller (141). The first controller (141) may be configured to collect input data based on the unwound amount signal (UWAS) of the electrode sheets (ES). The input data may indicate the amount of material (i.e., the electrode roll (ER1)) input to the battery manufacturing apparatus (100) to manufacture a battery.

[0074] The second rotary encoder (123) may be configured to sense the amount of electrode sheets (ES) wound onto the electrode roll (ER2) by the rewinder (113). Accordingly, the second rotary encoder (123) may be configured to generate a winding amount signal (WAS) indicating the winding amount of the electrode sheets (ES). The second rotary encoder (123) may be configured to transmit the winding amount signal (WAS) to the first controller (141). The first controller (141) may be configured to collect exhaustion data based on the winding amount signal (WAS) of the electrode sheets (ES). The exhaustion data may indicate the production performance of the battery manufacturing device (100).

[0075] As a non-limiting example, the first controller (141) and the second controller (143) may be a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0076] The first and second controllers (141, 143) may include a power supply, a CPU, an input interface, an output interface, a communication interface, and memory devices. The communication interface may be configured to transmit and receive data between the first and second controllers (141, 143) or between the second controller (143) and the server (210).

[0077] The first controller (141) can collect position data of the electrode sheet based on the sensing signal of the rotary encoder. The position data may be coordinate data including coordinates indicating positions on the electrode sheet. Alternatively, the position data may be pattern indicator data on a pattern electrode. Alternatively, the position data may include both coordinate data and pattern indicator data.

[0078] For example, the first controller (141) may be configured to collect coordinate data (CD) of the electrode sheet (ES) based on either the winding amount signal (UWAS) or the winding amount signal (WAS) of the electrode sheet (ES). As an example, the first controller (141) may determine the movement distance of the electrode sheet (ES) based on the winding amount signal (WAS) of the electrode sheet (ES), and accordingly, the position of a portion of the electrode sheet (ES) wound by the rewinder (113) at each point in time during which the coating process is performed may be determined within the electrode sheet (ES). Hereinafter, the technical idea of ​​the present invention will be described with reference to an embodiment in which the first controller (141) collects coordinate data (CD) based on the winding amount signal (WAS) of the electrode sheet (ES).

[0079] The coordinate data (CD) may include coordinates matching each part of the electrode sheet (ES). That is, each arbitrary point on the electrode sheet (ES) may have a coordinate. The coordinate may be a one-dimensional quantity in the moving direction (MD) of the electrode sheet (ES) (or, the longitudinal direction of the electrode sheet (ES)), but is not limited thereto. The coordinate may also be a two-dimensional quantity in the moving direction (MD) and the transverse direction (TD) of the electrode sheet (ES) (or, the width direction of the electrode sheet (ES)).

[0080] The measuring device (131) may be configured to measure the electrode sheet (ES) and collect measurement data. The measuring device (131) may be configured to scan the electrode sheet (ES). The measuring device (131) may move along the transverse direction (TD). During one scan, the sensing unit (131S) of the measuring device (131) may move from one end of the electrode sheet (ES) in the transverse direction (TD) to the other end of the electrode sheet (ES) in the transverse direction (TD).

[0081] While the measuring device (131) performs scanning in the transverse direction (TD), the electrode sheet (ES) can be moved in the traveling direction (MD) by the unwinder (111) and the rewinder (113). Accordingly, the portion of the electrode sheet (ES) measured by the measuring device (131) can have a zigzag shape, as in the dashed-dotted line of FIG. 2. That is, the dashed-dotted line of FIG. 2 can represent the movement path of the FOM (Field of Measure) of the measuring device (130) according to the movement of the electrode sheet (ES) and the movement of the measuring device (130).

[0082] The measurement data may include measurement results expressed in numbers. For example, the measurement data may include dimensional data of the electrode sheet (ES) such as thickness and width, loading amount data of the coating material on the electrode sheet (ES), dimensional data such as the width of the insulating material provided on the coating material and the overlapping width between the coating material and the insulating material, mismatch data between the coating part lanes on the upper surface of the electrode sheet (ES) and the coating part lanes on the lower surface of the electrode sheet (ES), etc. Here, the loading amount represents the amount of the coating material loaded per unit area of ​​the electrode sheet (ES) and may be the areal density of the coating material.

[0083] As a non-limiting example, the measuring instrument (131) may be any one of a web gauge and a thickness gauge from Thermofisher Scientific.

[0084] The measuring device (131) may include a sensing unit (131S) and a processing unit (131P). The sensing unit (131S) may be configured to sense a physical quantity of the electrode sheet (ES) to generate a measurement signal (MS). For example, the sensing unit (131S) may include a Time Delay and Integration (TDI) camera, a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, and a Time of Flight (TOF) sensor. The sensing unit (131S) may also include analog and / or digital sensors such as a biosensor, a chemical sensor, a composition sensor, a current and / or power meter, an air quality sensor, a gas sensor, a Hall effect sensor, a brightness level sensor, and a light sensor. The measuring device (131) may also include a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a proximity sensor, a door status sensor, a motion tracking sensor, a humidity sensor, a visible light and infrared sensor, and a camera.

[0085] The battery manufacturing device (100) may further include an inspection device configured to inspect the electrode sheet (ES) and collect inspection data. Alternatively, the battery manufacturing device (100) may include both a measuring device and an inspection device. The measuring device and the inspection device may each be provided in multiple units in the battery manufacturing device (100). The inspection device, like the measuring device, may also include a sensing unit and a processing unit.

[0086] The inspection data may include judgments on the quality of a portion of the electrode sheet (ES) and process events. For example, the inspection data may include data on the appearance of the electrode sheet (ES) collected by an image-based inspection device such as a vision machine, data on open circuits and joints of the electrode sheet (ES), data on a portion of the electrode sheet (ES) on which sampling inspection has been performed, data on a portion of the electrode sheet (ES) scheduled for scrapping, data on a scrapped portion of the electrode sheet (ES), data on the quality of coating materials and insulating materials on the electrode sheet (ES), data on reference points indicating the position of the electrode sheet (ES), and defect data such as pinhole defects, crater defects, and line defects. The reference points may be formed at predetermined intervals on the electrode sheet (ES), and the positions of other elements on the electrode sheet (ES) may be located based on the reference points. The inspection device may be any one of a color sensor, a joint sensor, a reference point sensor, and a vision machine.

[0087] The measuring device (131) may be configured to collect two or more types of data. For example, the measuring device (131) may be configured to measure the thickness of the electrode sheet (ES) and the amount of coating material on the electrode sheet (ES) (e.g., the loading amount on the electrode sheet (ES) or the thickness of the electrode sheet (ES)), respectively. Alternatively, the measuring device (131) may be configured to sense reference points on the electrode sheet in addition to measuring mismatch of the electrode sheet (ES).

[0088] The above-described measurement data and inspection data may be time-series data. The measurement data and inspection data may be temporally aligned. The measurement data and inspection data may be indexed by time. The measurement data may include measurement values ​​and time values ​​(or time values) matching the measurement values. The inspection data may include inspection values ​​and time values ​​(or time values) matching the inspection values. That is, the measurement data and inspection data may be stored based on the time at which the measurement and inspection were performed, and the measurement values ​​of the measurement data and the inspection values ​​of the inspection data may be associated with the time. The time values ​​of the measurement data and inspection data may have, for example, but are not limited to, a timestamp format.

[0089] The processing unit (131P) may be configured to receive a measurement signal (MS) sensed by the sensing unit (131S) to collect measurement data. The processing unit of the tester may be configured to receive an inspection signal sensed by the sensing unit of the tester to collect inspection data.

[0090] The processing unit (131P) can be connected to the sensing unit (131S) by wire or wirelessly.

[0091] The first controller (141) may be in operative communication with the first and second rotary encoders (121, 123), the measuring instrument (130), and additional measuring instruments and testers via a wired or wireless data network. The data network may be unidirectional or bidirectional.

[0092] The first and second rotary encoders (121), measuring instruments (131), and additional measuring instruments and / or inspectors may be configured to collect data from equipment, workpieces, semi-finished products, and products within the battery manufacturing device (100), or to generate signals for collecting data. The first controller (141) may be configured to transmit coordinate data (CD) to the processing unit (131P).

[0093] The processing unit (131P) may be configured to generate coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) based on the coordinate data (CD) and the measurement data. Similarly, the processing unit of the inspection device may generate coordinate-related inspection data based on the coordinate data and the inspection data. Generally, the measurement data may be processed based on a trigger point. Examples of processing the measurement data may include storing the measurement data, manipulating the measurement data (e.g., generating coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) and compressed measurement data (PMD)), and transmitting the measurement data.

[0094] As a non-limiting example, the trigger point for processing measurement data may be the completion of scanning. For example, the sensing unit (131) may scan the electrode sheet (ES) in the transverse direction (TD), and measurement data may be stored, processed, modulated, and transmitted for each scan.

[0095] The electrode sheet (ES) can be divided into a plurality of sections (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6) based on scanning of the sensing unit (131S) of the measuring device (131). Each of the plurality of sections (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6) can correspond to one scanning of the sensing unit (131). In Fig. 2, the broken lines are virtual boundaries between the plurality of sections (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6).

[0096] According to exemplary embodiments, the measuring device (131) and / or the tester may be configured to calibrate the coordinate data (CD) based on the position of the measuring device (130) and / or the tester. More specifically, the measuring device (131) and / or the tester may be configured to calibrate the coordinate data (CD) based on an offset length (OL), thereby associating the coordinates of the coordinate data (CD) with the measurement values ​​of the measuring data and / or the test values ​​of the test data.

[0097] Hereinafter, the process of collecting measurement data, associating coordinate data with measurement data, correcting coordinate data associated with measurement data, and generating a roll map including coordinate data and measurement data will be described, focusing on the measuring instrument (131). However, the content described below can be applied identically or similarly to the process of collecting inspection data, associating coordinate data with inspection data, correcting coordinate data associated with inspection data, and generating a roll map including coordinate data and inspection data.

[0098] The measuring device (131) can collect measurement data of a portion corresponding to (e.g., overlapping) the sensing unit (131S), and the coordinate data (CD) is collected by a second rotary encoder (123) spaced apart from the sensing unit (131S) as described above. Accordingly, the portion of the electrode sheet (ES) corresponding to the coordinate data (CD) collected at the same point in time and the portion of the electrode sheet (ES) corresponding to the measurement data may be different.

[0099] According to exemplary embodiments, coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) can be provided by correcting coordinate data (CD) collected at the same time as measurement data based on an offset length (OL) and associating the corrected coordinate data (CD) with the measurement data. The coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) can include measurement values, time values ​​matched to the measurement values, and start and end coordinates. The start and end coordinates can indicate a start point and an end point of a portion of an electrode sheet (ES) from which measurement data was collected. The start and end coordinates can be determined based on the corrected coordinate data (CD). The coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) can include a measurement device ID for identifying a measurement device (131) and a facility ID for identifying a secondary battery manufacturing device (100).

[0100] The starting coordinate of section (S1) is X1, and the ending coordinate is X2. The starting coordinate of section (S2) is X2, and the ending coordinate is X3. The starting coordinate of section (S3) is X3, and the ending coordinate is X4. The starting coordinate of section (S4) is X4, and the ending coordinate is X5. The starting coordinate of section (S5) is X5, and the ending coordinate is X6. The starting coordinate of section (S6) is X6, and the ending coordinate is X7.

[0101] As another example, the sensing unit (131S) may be directly connected to a position measuring device such as the first and second rotary encoders (121, 123), or may be configured to sense a reference point of the electrode sheet (ES). In this case, the processing unit (131P) may be configured to collect coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) based on the measurement signal (MS) transmitted from the sensing unit (131S).

[0102] Between the sensing unit (131S) and the rewinder (113), a plurality of guide rolls may be interposed to define the movement path of the electrode sheet (ES). Accordingly, the offset length (OL) may be defined as the length of the electrode sheet (ES) interposed between the portion (position) of the electrode sheet (ES) detected by the sensing unit (131S) and the rewinder (113) (see FIG. 1). However, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 1, the position data may be determined based on the unwinder (111) or a position measuring device installed on the unwinder side. In this case, the offset length (OL) may be defined as the length of the electrode sheet (ES) interposed between the portion (position) of the electrode sheet (ES) detected by the sensing unit (131S) and the unwinder (111).

[0103] The offset length (OL) may be equal to the straight-line distance between the sensing unit (131) and the rewinder (113) (or the unwinder (111)), or may be greater than the straight-line distance between the sensing unit (131) and the rewinder (113) (or the unwinder (111)).

[0104] The processing unit (131P) may be configured to generate compressed measurement data (PMD) based on the measurement data and coordinate data (CD). The compressed measurement data (PMD) may include a representative value of the measurement data of each of the plurality of sections (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6) of the electrode sheet (ES), a judgment value, and a start coordinate and an end coordinate of each of the plurality of sections (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6) of the electrode sheet (ES). The compressed measurement data (PMD) may further include a time stamp indicating the collection date and time of the measurement data of the plurality of sections (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6), a measuring device ID, and a facility ID.

[0105] The processing unit (131P) may be configured to calculate a representative value of each measurement data of a plurality of sections (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6) of the electrode sheet (ES). The representative value of each measurement data of the plurality of sections (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6) of the electrode sheet (ES) may include at least one of the average, standard deviation, median, maximum, and minimum values ​​of each measurement data of the plurality of sections (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6).

[0106] The size of the compressed measurement data (PMD) can be smaller than the size of the coordinate-associated measurement data (CMD).

[0107] The server (220) described below performs various tasks for managing the production of secondary batteries in addition to generating a roll map. According to exemplary embodiments, the roll map is generated based on compressed measurement data (PMD) instead of coordinate-related measurement data having a size similar to that of the original measurement data, thereby reducing the resources of the server (220) allocated for the generation and storage of the roll map. Accordingly, continuous manufacturing management of the server (220) can be provided, and the reliability of secondary battery manufacturing can be enhanced.

[0108] The start and end coordinates of each of the plurality of sections (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6) of the electrode sheet (ES) can be determined based on the respective coordinate data (CD) of each of the plurality of sections (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6) of the electrode sheet (ES). The start and end coordinates of the compressed measurement data (PMD) are substantially the same as the start and end coordinates of the corresponding coordinate-related measurement data (CMD).

[0109] The measurement data is processed in a set manner so that judgment values ​​of a plurality of sections (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6) of the electrode sheet (ES) can be determined. When the measured amount of the coating material on the electrode sheet (ES) (e.g., the loading amount on the electrode sheet (ES) or the thickness of the electrode sheet (ES)) is within a set range including an upper limit and a lower limit, the corresponding portion of the electrode sheet (ES) can be determined as a good product. When the measured amount of the coating material on the electrode sheet (ES) (e.g., the loading amount on the electrode sheet (ES) or the thickness of the electrode sheet (ES)) is less than the lower limit or greater than the upper limit, the corresponding portion of the electrode sheet (ES) can be determined as a defective product.

[0110] The processing unit (131P) may be configured to transmit compressed measurement data (PMD) to the first controller (141). The processing unit (131P) may be configured to transmit coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) to the roll map generator (200) (more specifically, the server (230) of the roll map generator (200). The coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) may be transmitted to the server (230) via the server (210), but is not limited thereto. The coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) may also be directly transmitted from the processing unit (131P) to the server (230).

[0111] The first controller (141) may be configured to transmit compressed measurement data (PMD) to the second controller (143). The second controller (143) may be configured to transmit the compressed measurement data (PMD) to the roll map generator (200). However, this is not limited thereto, and the first controller (141) may also directly transmit the compressed measurement data (PMD) to the roll map generator (200).

[0112] The second controller (143) may be configured to control the operation of the unwinder (111), the rewinder (113), and the processing mechanism (115). The second controller (143) may be configured to generate signals for operation and stop of the unwinder (111), the rewinder (113), and the processing mechanism (115). The signals for operation and stop of the unwinder (111), the rewinder (113), and the processing mechanism (115) may be generated based on electrode specification data (ESD), compressed measurement data (PMD), and additional inspection signals and measurement signals.

[0113] The first controller (141) and the second controller (143) may be combined to be referred to as a controller (140) or an integrated controller. The controller (140) may be configured to perform the functions of the first controller (141) and the second controller (143) of FIG. 1. Accordingly, the controller (140) may be configured to generate coordinate data (CD) based on one of the winding amount signal (UWAS) and the winding amount signal (WAS), transmit the coordinate data (CD) to the processing unit (131P) of the measuring device (131), receive coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) and compressed measurement data (PMD) from the processing unit (131S), and transmit the coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) and compressed measurement data (PMD) to the first server (220) via the server (210). The controller (140) may be configured to generate signals for controlling the unwinder (111), the rewinder (113) and the processing mechanism (115).

[0114]

[0115] The roll map generator (200) may include servers (210, 220, 230, 240, 250). The servers (210, 220, 230, 240, 250) may be separate entities that perform various functions, including generating roll maps and intermediate roll maps, storing roll maps and intermediate roll maps, or relaying communication between the servers (210, 220, 230, 240, 250). Unlike the illustration in FIG. 1, some of the servers (210, 220, 230, 240, 250) may be integrated. For example, server (220) and server (230) may be integrated, server (220) and server (240) may be integrated, or servers (220, 240, 250) may be integrated.

[0116] The roll map generator (200) may be configured to generate a roll map including data regarding an electrode sheet (ES). The roll map may represent the electrode sheet (ES) based on coordinates indicating locations on the electrode sheet (ES). A process for manufacturing a secondary battery may be performed on the electrode sheet (ES), as described above. The roll map may represent a history of the process performed on the electrode sheet (ES) and include data associated with the coordinates. Accordingly, the roll map enables feedback, feedforward, and tracking of the manufacturing process of the secondary battery.

[0117] A roll map may include event data representing events in the roll-to-roll process of an electrode sheet (ES). Event data typically occurs as the process progresses, making it time-series data. Accordingly, process event data may include values ​​representing the event and corresponding time values. The time-series data may be aligned temporally.

[0118] The roll map can be generated on a lot basis. The electrode sheet (ES) is wound onto the second electrode roll (ER2), and after reaching the winding amount target, the second electrode roll (ER2) can be cut and separated from the electrode sheet (ES) connected to the first electrode roll (ER1). A lot is a production unit of a roll-to-roll process, and the second electrode roll (ER2) separated from the electrode sheet (ES) is an example of a lot. Accordingly, the server (220) can be configured to store the roll map of the previous process. The roll map of the previous process can correspond to the first electrode roll (ER1). In addition, the server (220) can be configured to generate and store the roll map of the current process. The roll map of the current process can correspond to the second electrode roll (ER2).

[0119] For example, a battery cell may include a cell ID formed on an electrode assembly or case. The cell ID may include lot number and coordinate information of electrodes and separators included in the battery cell. The cell ID may be associated with a roll map of the electrodes and separators included in the battery cell. Accordingly, if an event such as a quality issue occurs in a battery cell that has already been shipped, the history of collective data on the manufacturing of the corresponding battery cell can be retrieved based on the cell ID.

[0120] The compressed measurement data (PMD) can be transmitted to the server (220) via the server (210). The server (210) may be a communication server. The server (210) may be a program for communication between the second controller (143) of the manufacturing facility and the server (220) for manufacturing management.

[0121] Electrode specification data (ESD) may include model information and recipes of electrode sheets (ES). Electrode specification data (ESD) may include all matters related to processing of electrode sheets (ES), such as the number of lots being processed in the current process, the number of coating lanes formed on the electrode sheets (ES), process conditions including temperature, humidity, and pressure, the moving speed of the electrode sheets (ES), the discharge amount of the coating die, and the pressure of the pressurizing rolls.

[0122] In order to control the process, a communication line may be installed between the second controller (143) and the server (220) via the server (210) and connecting the second controller (143) and the server (220). Accordingly, data transmission through the second controller (143) can reduce resources required for installation of the communication line and improve data processing and management efficiency compared to the case where the first and second rotary encoders (121, 123) and the measuring device (131) directly transmit the winding amount signal (UWS), the winding amount signal (WS) and the measurement signal (MS) to the first server (220) and the case where the first controller (141) directly transmits the compressed measurement data (PMD) to the server (220).

[0123] The server (220) may be configured to generate a roll map. The roll map may include data regarding specifications of the lot. The specifications of the lot may include, for example, a lot number, the length of the rolled electrode sheet (ES), the width of the electrode sheet (ES), and the materials and compositions used in processing the electrode sheet (ES).

[0124] According to exemplary embodiments, the server (220) may be a data processing system that supports various activities necessary to manage the manufacturing of secondary batteries, such as work schedule management, work instructions, quality control, and work performance aggregation. The server (220) may be, for example, a Manufacturing Execution System (MES).

[0125] The server (230) may be configured to store coordinate-related measurement data (CMD). The server (230) may be configured to transmit the coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) to the server (240) in response to a request from the server (240).

[0126] The server (240) may be configured to store and process inspection data of the electrode sheet (ES). The server (240) may continuously monitor the processing of the electrode sheet (ES) based on the inspection data, thereby managing the quality of the processing of the electrode sheet (ES). According to exemplary embodiments, the server (240) may be a Statistical Process Controller (SPC).

[0127] The server (250) may be configured to store data from the servers (220, 230, 240). The server (250) may be configured to store coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) and compressed measurement data (PMD). If the server (220) is an MES and the server (240) is an SPC, it may not be suitable for long-term storage of coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) and compressed measurement data (PMD). The server (250) may be, for example, a data warehouse.

[0128] The processing unit (131P) and servers (210, 220, 230, 240, 250) can be implemented using hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0129] Since the server (220) stores and processes a lot of data for general manufacturing management other than the roll map, the roll map stored in the server (220) may include simplified compressed measurement data (PMD) instead of coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) including circular measurement data. The server (220) may provide the roll map in response to a request from a user device (300). The user device (300) may display a visualized roll map (VRM) as illustrated in FIG. 3. The user device (300) may be any device for communicating with the roll map generator (200), such as a workstation computer, a notebook, a laptop, a desktop, a tablet, a mobile device such as a smart phone, or a wearable device. The user device (300) may be configured to generate a request (R1) for loading a roll map or a request (R2) for loading an intermediate roll map. The user device (300) may be configured to transmit requests (R1, R2) to the roll map generator (200). The user device (300) may include input tools for inputting the requests (R1, R2) and a display device for displaying a visualized roll map (VRM). The server (220) and the server (240) may be configured to receive coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) and compressed measurement data (PMD), generate a roll map and an intermediate roll map, and transmit data (D1) of the roll map and data (D2) of the intermediate roll map to the user device.

[0130] A visualized roll map (VRM) may include a plurality of visualization sections (VS1, VS2, VS3, VS4, VS5, VS6) corresponding to a plurality of sections (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6) of an electrode sheet (ES). Each of the plurality of visualization sections (VS1, VS2, VS3, VS4, VS5, VS6) may include a start coordinate, an end coordinate, and a color.

[0131] The representative value of the coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) of the visualization sections (VS1, VS2, VS4, VS6) can be displayed in color (C1), the representative value of the coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) of the visualization section (VS3) can be displayed in color (C2), and the representative value of the coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) of the visualization section (VS5) can be displayed in color (C3).

[0132] Color (C1) may indicate that the representative value of the visualization sections (VS1, VS2, VS4, VS6) is normal, color (C2) may indicate that the representative value of the visualization section (VS3) is excessive, and color (C3) may indicate that the representative value of the visualization section (VS3) is very excessive. Color (C4) may indicate that the representative value is insufficient, and color (C5) may indicate that the representative value is very insufficient.

[0133] Here, for convenience of explanation, a visualized roll map (VRM) is illustrated that displays only one type of coordinate-related measurement data (CMD). However, the roll map may further include additional data, such as inspection data generated by the inspection machine, equipment data, and process parameter data. This additional data may be associated with coordinates, and the specific association between the additional data and coordinates may differ from that of the coordinate-related measurement data (CMD). For example, pinch hole defect data, one of the inspection data, may be matched with a single coordinate indicating the location of the pinch hole, rather than with start and end coordinates.

[0134] By associating coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) with a roll map, including circular measurement data, an intermediate roll map can be provided. In addition to the roll map, which provides information on production performance based on defects and defects, the intermediate roll map can provide statistical production management by providing information on circular measurement data.

[0135] The servers (210, 220, 230, 240, 250) may include physical servers or cloud servers.

[0136] According to some embodiments, the operations of the processing unit (131P) and the servers (210, 220, 230, 240, 250) may be implemented as instructions stored on a machine-readable medium that can be read and executed by one or more processors.

[0137] Figures 4 and 5 show changes in the length of the electrode sheet in the buffer section.

[0138] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate examples of offset lengths based on an unwinder or rewinder.

[0139] As described above, the tester or measuring device (131) can correct the coordinate data (CD), which is the position data, based on the offset length (OL). The offset length (OL) is the length of the electrode sheet (ES) interposed between the position of the electrode sheet detected by the sensing unit (131S) and the unwinder or rewinder. In other words, the offset length (OL) can be said to be the length of the electrode sheet (ES) interposed between the position of the electrode sheet detected by the sensing unit (131S) and from which the test data or measurement data is collected and the unwinder or rewinder.

[0140] In the case where the above offset length (OL) is constant, the coordinate data of the electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the rotary encoder installed on the unwinder side or the rewinder side at the time when the inspection data or measurement data is collected can be corrected by adding or subtracting the constant offset length. As a result, the inspection data or measurement data and the coordinate data of the electrode sheet from which the corresponding data is acquired can be accurately corresponded.

[0141] However, if the offset length is not constant and changes, the correction work cannot be performed accurately.

[0142] For example, if there is a buffer section (117, 119) in which the length of the electrode sheet varies depending on the tension of the electrode sheet (ES) moving between the unwinder (111) and the rewinder (113), as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, the offset distance may not be constant and may change. In this case, if the coordinate data is corrected by simply considering the distance (e.g., straight-line distance) between the position of the electrode sheet where the inspection data and measurement data are collected and the unwinder or rewinder as the offset distance without considering the change in the offset distance, it will not match the coordinate data of the actual electrode sheet. In this way, if a roll map is created based on data that does not match the position and state of the actual electrode sheet, the reliability of the roll map data is reduced. If the electrode manufacturing process or the subsequent assembly process is managed using a roll map with low reliability in this way, defective products may occur and product production efficiency may be significantly reduced.

[0143] Therefore, when the offset length changes, it is necessary to correct the position data of the electrode sheet to reflect the changing offset length. When the electrode sheet includes a buffer section, the offset length may include a fixed length and a variable length, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0144] The fixed length is the length excluding the variable length from the offset distance. However, if there is no buffer interval between the tester or meter and the unwinder or rewinder, the offset length of the tester or meter includes only the fixed length.

[0145] The variable length is the length of the electrode sheet passing through the buffer section. The buffer section may include, for example, a plurality of fixed guide rollers (FR) and movable guide rollers (MR), as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The electrode sheet may be guided by the fixed guide rollers (FR) and the movable guide rollers (MR). The guide rollers are rollers that can guide the electrode sheet by changing its direction, thereby lengthening or shortening the travel path of the electrode sheet. The movable guide rollers (MR) may be installed on a movable frame (not shown), for example, and may move up and down according to the elevation of the movable frame. Alternatively, the movable guide rollers (MR) may be provided with another elevation mechanism to move up and down.

[0146] The movable guide roller (MR) moves up and down to adjust the tension of the electrode sheet, thereby varying the length of the electrode sheet traveling between the fixed guide roller (FR) and the movable guide roller (MR). The buffer section may be provided to prevent damage to the electrode sheet by adjusting the tension of the electrode sheet, or to adjust the traveling speed of the electrode sheet depending on the processing operation performed on the electrode sheet during roll-to-roll processing.

[0147] The elevation of the movable frame or the lifting mechanism can be performed by the controller (140). Alternatively, the change in height due to the elevation of the movable frame or the lifting mechanism can be detected by the controller (140).

[0148] In this case, the length of the electrode sheet passing through the buffer section may include a function of the distance (height) between the fixed guide roller (FR) and the movable guide roller (MR).

[0149] For example, when four fixed guide rollers (FR) are installed at the top and three movable guide rollers (MR) are installed at the bottom as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the electrode sheet of the buffer section includes a portion (r1) wound around the fixed guide roller (FR), a portion (R1) wound around the movable guide roller (MR), and a length (height: H) between the fixed guide roller (FR) and the movable guide roller (MR).

[0150] Since the above r1 and R1 do not change, the variable length is ultimately determined by the height H. Fig. 4 shows a case where the movable guide roller (MR) is positioned at the lowest position, so that the height becomes the maximum Hmax. In this case, the maximum variable length can be expressed by the following equation.

[0151] Maximum variable length = 2r1+5R1+6Hmax

[0152] Figure 5 illustrates a case where the movable guide roller (MR) rises to a minimum height Hmin. In this case, the minimum variable length can be expressed by the following equation.

[0153] Minimum variable length = 2r1+5R1+6Hmin

[0154] As an exemplary embodiment, the maximum variable length may be 6 m and the minimum variable length may be 1.5 m, but is not limited thereto.

[0155] In Fig. 4, a fixed guide roller (FR) is arranged at the top and a movable guide roller (MR) is arranged at the bottom, but conversely, a movable guide roller (MR) may be arranged at the top and a fixed guide roller (FR) may be arranged at the bottom.

[0156] The controller (140) can collect data regarding variable lengths according to changes in the height. To this end, the battery manufacturing device (100) may further include a sensor capable of detecting changes in height. The sensor may be a displacement sensor.

[0157] Figure 6 shows the offset length of each measuring instrument (or tester) based on the rewinder (113).

[0158] In Fig. 6, there is no buffer section between the measuring device (131A) and the rewinder (113). In this case, the offset length OL_A of the measuring device (131A) is a fixed length.

[0159] There is a buffer section (117) between the measuring device (131B) and the rewinder (113). In this case, the offset length OL_B of the measuring device (131B) is as follows.

[0160] OL_B = fixed length [OL_B1+OL_B2] + variable length [OL_b1].

[0161] Here, OL_B1 is the length of the electrode sheet between the buffer section (117) and the rewinder (113), and OL_B2 is the length of the electrode sheet between the portion of the electrode sheet detected by the measuring device (131B) and the buffer section (117). OL_b1 is the length of the electrode sheet passing through the buffer section (117).

[0162] There are two buffer sections (117, 119) between the measuring device (131C) and the rewinder (113). In this case, the offset length OL_C of the measuring device (131C) is as follows.

[0163] OL_C = fixed length [OL_C1+OL_C2+OL_C3] + variable length [OL_b1+OL_b2].

[0164] Here, OL_C1 is the length of the electrode sheet between the buffer section (117) and the rewinder (113), OL_C2 is the length of the electrode sheet between the buffer section (117) and the buffer section (119), and OL_C3 is the length of the electrode sheet between the portion of the electrode sheet detected by the measuring device (131C) and the buffer section (119). OL_b2 is the length of the electrode sheet passing through the buffer section (119).

[0165] At the point of collection when the measuring instrument (131A) acquires measurement data, the coordinate data of the electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the second rotary encoder (123) installed in the rewinder (113) differs from the position of the electrode sheet where the actual measurement data is collected by OL_A. Therefore, the coordinate data associated with the measurement data of the measuring instrument (131A) requires correction of the coordinate data by adding a fixed length 0L_A to the coordinate data of the electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the second rotary encoder (123). In this case, since the offset length OL_A does not include a variable length, it is sufficient to correct it by adding the preset offset length to the sensed coordinate data.

[0166] At the point when the measuring device (131B) acquires measurement data, the coordinate data of the electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the second rotary encoder (123) installed in the rewinder (113) differs by OL_B from the position of the electrode sheet where the actual measurement data is collected. Therefore, the coordinate data associated with the measurement data of the measuring device (131B) requires correction of the coordinate data by adding 0L_B to the coordinate data of the electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the second rotary encoder (123).

[0167] The fixed length [OL_B1+OL_B2] among the offset distances OL_B is preset.

[0168] The variable length [OL_b1] among the offset distance OL_B can be acquired by the controller (140) as described above. That is, the controller (140) can acquire the variable length OL_b1 at the time when the measuring device (131B) acquires measurement data.

[0169] Accordingly, the controller (140) can obtain accurate coordinate data associated with the measurement data by reflecting the offset distance OL_B of the changing measuring instrument (131B). Meanwhile, the correction of the above-described coordinate data may be performed in the inspection device or the measuring instrument. For example, the processing unit (131P) of the measuring instrument can receive the variable length OL_b1 from the controller (140), obtain the total offset distance OL_B of the measuring instrument (131B), and correct the coordinate data based on OL_B.

[0170] At the point when the measuring device (131C) acquires measurement data, the coordinate data of the electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the second rotary encoder (123) installed in the rewinder (113) differs by OL_C from the position of the electrode sheet where the actual measurement data is collected. Therefore, the coordinate data associated with the measurement data of the measuring device (131C) requires correction of the coordinate data by adding 0L_C to the coordinate data of the electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the second rotary encoder (123).

[0171] The fixed length [OL_C1+OL_C2+OL_C3] among the offset distance OL_C is preset and can be easily obtained. The variable length [OL_b1+OL_b2] among the offset distance OL_C can be obtained by the controller (140). That is, the controller (140) can obtain the variable length at the time when the measuring instrument (131C) obtains measurement data.

[0172] Accordingly, the controller (140) can obtain accurate coordinate data associated with the measurement data by reflecting the offset distance OL_C of the changing measuring instrument (131C). The correction of the above-described coordinate data may be performed in the inspection device or the measuring instrument. For example, the processing unit (131P) of the measuring instrument (131C) can receive the variable length [OL_b1+OL_b2] from the controller (140), obtain the total offset distance OL_C of the measuring instrument (131C), and correct the coordinate data based on OL_C.

[0173] Figure 7 shows the offset length of each measuring instrument (or tester) based on the unwinder (111).

[0174] In Fig. 7, there is no buffer section between the measuring device (131C) and the unwinder (111). In this case, the offset length OL_C' of the measuring device (131C) is a fixed length.

[0175] There is a buffer section (119) between the measuring device (131B) and the unwinder (111). In this case, the offset length OL_B' of the measuring device (131B) is as follows.

[0176] OL_B' = fixed length [OL_B1'+OL_B2'] + variable length [OL_b2].

[0177] Here, OL_B1' is the length of the electrode sheet between the buffer section (119) and the unwinder (111), and OL_B2' is the length of the electrode sheet between the portion of the electrode sheet detected by the measuring device (131B) and the buffer section (119). OL_b2 is the length of the electrode sheet passing through the buffer section (119).

[0178] There are two buffer sections (117, 119) between the measuring device (131A) and the unwinder (111). In this case, the offset length OL_A' of the measuring device (131A) is as follows.

[0179] OL_A' = fixed length [OL_A1'+OL_A2'+OL_A3'] + variable length [OL_b2+OL_b1].

[0180] Here, OL_A1' is the length of the electrode sheet between the buffer section (119) and the unwinder (111), OL_A2' is the length of the electrode sheet between the buffer section (119) and the buffer section (117), and OL_A3' is the length of the electrode sheet between the portion of the electrode sheet detected by the measuring device (131A) and the buffer section (117). OL_b1 is the length of the electrode sheet passing through the buffer section (117).

[0181] At the point of collection when the measuring device (131C) acquires measurement data, the coordinate data of the electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the first rotary encoder (121) installed in the unwinder (111) differs from the position of the electrode sheet where the actual measurement data is collected by OL_C'. Therefore, the coordinate data associated with the measurement data of the measuring device (131C) requires correction of the coordinate data by subtracting a fixed length 0L_C' from the coordinate data of the electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the first rotary encoder (121). In this case, since the offset length OL_C' does not include a variable length, it is sufficient to subtract the preset offset length from the sensed coordinate data for correction.

[0182] At the point when the measuring device (131B) acquires measurement data, the coordinate data of the electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the first rotary encoder (121) installed in the unwinder (111) differs from the position of the electrode sheet where the actual measurement data is collected by OL_B'. Therefore, the coordinate data associated with the measurement data of the measuring device (131B) requires correction of the coordinate data by adding 0L_B' to the coordinate data of the electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the first rotary encoder (121).

[0183] The fixed length [OL_B1'+OL_B2'] among the offset distance OL_B' is preset.

[0184] The variable length [OL_b2] among the offset distance OL_B' can be acquired by the controller (140) as described above. That is, the controller (140) can acquire the variable length OL_b2 at the time when the measuring instrument (131B) acquires the measurement data.

[0185] Accordingly, the controller (140) can obtain accurate coordinate data associated with the measurement data by reflecting the offset distance OL_B' of the changing measuring instrument (131B). The correction of the above-described coordinate data may be performed in the inspection device or the measuring instrument. For example, the processing unit (131P) of the measuring instrument can receive the variable length OL_b2 from the controller (140), obtain the total offset distance OL_B' of the measuring instrument (131B), and correct the coordinate data based on OL_B'.

[0186] At the point when the measuring device (131A) acquires measurement data, the coordinate data of the electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the first rotary encoder (121) installed in the unwinder (111) differs by OL_A' from the position of the electrode sheet where the actual measurement data is collected. Therefore, the coordinate data associated with the measurement data of the measuring device (131A) requires correction of the coordinate data by subtracting 0L_A' from the coordinate data of the electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the first rotary encoder (121).

[0187] The fixed length [OL_A1'+OL_A2'+OL_A3'] of the offset distance OL_A' is preset and can be easily obtained. The variable length [OL_b2+OL_b1] of the offset distance OL_A' can be obtained by the controller (140). That is, the controller (140) can obtain the variable length at the time when the measuring instrument (131A) obtains measurement data.

[0188] Accordingly, the controller (140) can obtain accurate coordinate data associated with the measurement data by reflecting the offset distance OL_A' of the changing measuring instrument (131A). The above-described correction of the coordinate data may be performed in the inspection instrument or the measuring instrument.

[0189] Coordinate data corrected by a measuring instrument and / or an inspection instrument or a controller may be associated with the measurement data and / or inspection data. The corrected coordinate data and the measurement data and / or inspection data associated therewith may be transmitted to the server or servers of the roll map generator (200) by the measuring instrument and / or an inspection instrument or a controller.

[0190] For example, the server (220), the server (240), and the server (250) can generate a roll map or an intermediate roll map including corrected coordinate data and measurement data and / or inspection data associated with the corrected coordinate data. As a result, the reliability of the roll map data can be further improved.

[0191] (Example 2)

[0192] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a pattern electrode.

[0193] Figure 9 shows a battery manufacturing system in which a pattern counter and an encoder are installed together.

[0194] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a pattern indicator counted based on the pattern pitch of the pattern electrode.

[0195] Figure 11 shows the offset length in a battery manufacturing system to which a pattern counter is applied.

[0196] A pattern electrode (ES_p) is an electrode in which a non-coated portion (1) and a coated portion (2) are repeatedly arranged along the length of the electrode sheet to form a pattern.

[0197] These pattern electrodes are slit in the width direction based on the non-coated portion (1) between the coated portions (2) in a subsequent process. The slit coated portion (2) can be laminated with electrode coating portions and separators of different polarities to form an electrode assembly, or can be rolled up together with electrode coating portions and separators of different polarities to form a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly.

[0198] In particular, pattern electrodes used for small batteries can be slit in the width direction and simultaneously slit along the length direction of the pattern electrode to form a plurality of electrode lanes.

[0199] The pattern electrode is formed by an electrode assembly according to the length and width of the coating portion (2) constituting the pattern. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 10, it is necessary to express the position on the pattern electrode as pattern indicator data. That is, for the pattern electrode (ES_p), the pattern indicator data becomes important position data that is associated with various measurement data and / or inspection data. Similar to the above-described coordinate data, the pattern indicator data can also be associated with measurement data and / or inspection data acquired from a portion of the pattern electrode sheet corresponding to the pattern indicator data.

[0200] The battery manufacturing device and battery manufacturing system as shown in Fig. 1 can also be applied to a pattern electrode sheet. In this case, a pattern counter (125) that counts pattern indicators on a pattern electrode can be employed as a position measuring device (see Fig. 9).

[0201] The pattern counter (125) may be, for example, a photoelectric sensor or may include a photoelectric sensor. The photoelectric sensor is composed of a light emitter and a light receiver. When the light emitted from the light emitter is blocked or reflected by an object to be detected, the amount of light reaching the light receiver changes. The light receiver detects this change, converts it into an electrical signal, and outputs it. When the pattern counter (125) is or includes a photoelectric sensor, the amount of light emitted from the light emitter reaches the light receiver changes based on the boundary between the coated portion (2) and the uncoated portion (1) on the pattern electrode. Accordingly, the pattern counter (115) can count pattern indicators by distinguishing between the coated portion and the uncoated portion on the pattern electrode. Preferably, an optical fiber sensor can be used as the pattern counter (125). The optical fiber sensor uses an optical fiber instead of a lens of the photoelectric sensor, and since the optical fiber, which is the detection portion, has no electrical parts at all, it has the advantage of excellent environmental resistance such as noise resistance.

[0202] In this embodiment, the pattern counter (125) can generate a signal for sensing the position of the pattern electrode sheet moving between the unwinder and the rewinder.

[0203] The controller (140) can collect pattern indicator data based on the sensing signal.

[0204] Additionally, the measuring device (131) and / or the inspector can collect measurement data and / or inspection data for the pattern electrode sheet, and associate the pattern indicator data with the measurement data and / or inspection data to generate measurement data and / or inspection data associated with the pattern indicator data.

[0205] The measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument or the controller (140) can correct the pattern indicator data of the pattern electrode sheet based on the changing offset length when the offset length, which is the length of the pattern electrode sheet interposed between the position (pattern indicator data) of the pattern electrode sheet where the measurement data and / or inspection data is collected and the unwinder or rewinder, changes.

[0206] To display the position data of the pattern electrode, the pattern indicator data and the above coordinate data can be used together. In this case, as a position measuring device, the pattern counter (125) and the above-described rotary encoder (123) can be used together.

[0207] Referring to Fig. 9, when the pattern electrode sheet is wound on the rewinder (113), a rotary encoder (second rotary encoder: 123) and a pattern counter (125) are installed together on the rewinder side. Pattern indicator data according to each position of the moving pattern electrode sheet can be obtained by the pattern counter (125). In addition, coordinate data according to each position of the moving pattern electrode sheet can be obtained by the second rotary encoder (123).

[0208] Meanwhile, pattern indicator data can be expressed more precisely using a pattern counter (125) and a rotary encoder (113). For example, pattern indicator data can be expressed in detail down to the decimal point based on a pattern pitch (PP), which is the distance between one coating portion and the next coating portion on a pattern electrode, and a signal generated by the rotary encoder (113).

[0209] Referring to Fig. 10, the pattern electrode sheet (ES_p) is progressing in the longitudinal direction, which is the driving direction (MD).

[0210] The pattern counter (125) can detect the boundaries (BL1, BL2, BL3) of the coated portions (2) and the uncoated portions (1) located in Fig. 10. In addition, the pattern counter (125) can be directly connected to the second rotary encoder (123) or connected to the controller (140) to obtain an encoder value corresponding to the boundary points (BL1, BL2, BL3). In this case, when the pattern pitch is 800 mm, the pattern pitch can be divided into 10 parts and the pattern indicator (e.g., pattern number) can be displayed in decimal units. For example, when the pattern electrode sheet moves by 80 mm and the pattern counter (125) receives an encoder value corresponding to 80 mm, the pattern counter (125) can count a pattern number of 0.1. The pattern counter (125) or the controller (140) connected thereto can count the pattern number from 0.1 to 1.0 in conjunction with the encoder value until the pattern electrode sheet moves 800 mm and the pattern counter detects the boundary (BL3) of the next coating portion. As described above, since the pattern counter (125) is connected to the encoder (123), the pattern count number can be displayed in more detail. In addition, since the pattern counter (125) or the controller (140) counts the pattern number in comparison with the set pattern pitch (PP) (length of one coated portion + length of uncoated portion), it can identify the coated portion or uncoated portion of a defective pattern. That is, when compared with the pattern pitch (PP), if, for example, the boundary BL2 is smaller or larger than the set pattern number 0.8, the coating length of the coated portion (2) may be insufficient or excessive, resulting in a defective coated portion. Additionally, if the length of the uncoated portion between the boundaries BL2 and BL3 is smaller or larger than the set value, the corresponding pattern electrode portion may be defective.

[0211] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 11, the pattern electrode sheet may also include a buffer section (117, 119).

[0212] In this case, if the length of the pattern electrode sheet (ES_p) included in the buffer section (117, 119) varies depending on the tension of the sheet, the number of patterns (the number of coating portions) of the pattern electrode sheet passing through the buffer section (117, 119) also varies. Therefore, in the case of the pattern electrode sheet, as in the case of a normal electrode, it is necessary to correct the position data (in this case, pattern indicator data) based on the changing offset length.

[0213] Figure 11 shows an example of correcting pattern electrode data based on a rewinder (113).

[0214] The system of Fig. 11 is equipped with a second rotary encoder (123) on the rewinder (113) side. Therefore, as described above, the offset distances (OL_A, OL_B, OL_C) of each measuring device can be added to the coordinate data collected based on the sensing signals of the rotary encoders (123) installed on the rewinder side at the time of measurement by each measuring device (131C, 131B, 131A), thereby correcting the coordinate data.

[0215] Additionally, the system of Fig. 11 is equipped with a pattern counter (125) on the rewinder (113) side. In this case, position data can be expressed as pattern indicator data rather than coordinate data.

[0216] In Fig. 11, there is no buffer section between the measuring device (131A) and the rewinder (113). In this case, the offset length OL_A of the measuring device (131A) is a fixed length.

[0217] There is a buffer section (117) between the measuring device (131B) and the rewinder (113). In this case, the offset length OL_B of the measuring device (131B) is as follows.

[0218] OL_B = fixed length [OL_B1+OL_B2] + variable length [OL_b1].

[0219] Here, OL_B1 is the length of the pattern electrode sheet between the buffer section (117) and the rewinder (113), and OL_B2 is the length of the pattern electrode sheet between the portion of the electrode sheet detected by the measuring device (131B) and the buffer section (117). OL_b1 is the length of the pattern electrode sheet passing through the buffer section (117).

[0220] There are two buffer sections (117, 119) between the measuring device (131C) and the rewinder (113). In this case, the offset length OL_C of the measuring device (131C) is as follows.

[0221] OL_C = fixed length [OL_C1+OL_C2+OL_C3] + variable length [OL_b1+OL_b2].

[0222] Here, OL_C1 is the length of the pattern electrode sheet between the buffer section (117) and the rewinder (113), OL_C2 is the length of the pattern electrode sheet between the buffer section (117) and the buffer section (119), and OL_C3 is the length of the pattern electrode sheet between the portion of the pattern electrode sheet detected by the measuring device (131C) and the buffer section (119). OL_b2 is the length of the pattern electrode sheet passing through the buffer section (119).

[0223] The pattern indicator data associated with the measurement data of the measuring instrument (131A) requires correction by adding the pattern indicator data corresponding to the fixed length 0L_A to the pattern indicator data of the pattern electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the pattern counter (125). In this case, since the offset length OL_A does not include a variable length, the preset offset length can be added to the sensed pattern indicator data for correction.

[0224] At the point when the measuring device (131B) acquires measurement data, the pattern indicator data of the pattern electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the pattern counter (125) differs by OL_B from the position of the pattern electrode sheet where the actual measurement data is collected. Therefore, the pattern indicator data associated with the measurement data of the measuring device (131B) requires correction by adding pattern indicator data corresponding to 0L_B to the pattern indicator data of the pattern electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the pattern counter (125).

[0225] The fixed length [OL_B1+OL_B2] among the offset distances OL_B is preset.

[0226] The variable length [OL_b1] among the offset distance OL_B can be acquired by the controller (140) as described above. That is, the controller (140) can acquire the variable length OL_b1 at the time when the measuring device (131B) acquires measurement data.

[0227] Accordingly, the controller (140) can obtain accurate pattern indicator data associated with the measurement data by reflecting the offset distance OL_B of the changing measuring instrument (131B). Meanwhile, the correction of the above-described pattern indicator data may be performed in the inspection device or the measuring instrument. For example, the processing unit (131P) of the measuring instrument can receive the variable length OL_b1 from the controller (140), obtain the total offset distance OL_B of the measuring instrument (131B), and correct the pattern indicator data based on OL_B.

[0228] At the point when the measuring device (131C) acquires measurement data, the pattern indicator data of the pattern electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the pattern counter (125) differs from the position of the pattern electrode sheet where the actual measurement data is collected by OL_C. Therefore, the pattern indicator data associated with the measurement data of the measuring device (131C) needs to be corrected by adding the pattern indicator data corresponding to 0L_C to the pattern indicator data of the pattern electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the pattern counter (125).

[0229] The fixed length [OL_C1+OL_C2+OL_C3] among the offset distance OL_C is preset and can be easily obtained. The variable length [OL_b1+OL_b2] among the offset distance OL_C can be obtained by the controller (140). That is, the controller (140) can obtain the variable length at the time when the measuring instrument (131C) obtains measurement data.

[0230] Accordingly, the controller (140) can obtain accurate pattern indicator data associated with the measurement data by reflecting the offset distance OL_C of the changing measuring instrument (131C). The correction of the above-described pattern indicator data may be performed in the inspection device or the measuring instrument. For example, the processing unit (131P) of the measuring instrument (131C) can receive pattern indicator data corresponding to the variable length [OL_b1+OL_b2] from the controller (140), obtain the total offset distance OL_C of the measuring instrument (131C), and correct the pattern indicator data based on OL_C.

[0231] The servers provided in the roll map generator (200) of FIG. 1 can generate a roll map including corrected pattern indicator data and measurement data and / or inspection data associated with the corrected pattern indicator data.

[0232]

[0233] (Example 3)

[0234] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a battery manufacturing method according to exemplary embodiments.

[0235] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 11, at P110, position data (coordinate data (CD) and / or pattern indicator data), measurement data and / or inspection data can be collected. The position data indicates the position of an electrode sheet or pattern electrode sheet moving between an unwinder and a rewinder.

[0236] The above position data may be coordinate data including coordinates indicating a position on an electrode sheet, or pattern indicator data on a pattern electrode in which a coated portion and an uncoated portion are repeated along the length direction of the pattern electrode sheet.

[0237] The above coordinate data can be collected based on at least one of the output amount and the winding amount signal of the electrode sheet generated by the encoder.

[0238] The above pattern indicator data can be produced based on the pattern pitch and the signal generated by the encoder (see Fig. 10).

[0239] Location data can be collected by the first controller (141). Inspection data or measurement data can be collected by an inspection device or a measuring device (130), as described above.

[0240] Next, at P120, location-related measurement data (CMD), compressed measurement data (PMD), or inspection data can be generated. The location-related measurement data (CMD) and compressed measurement data (PMD) can be generated by the processing unit (131P) of the measuring device (131), as described above.

[0241] Next, at P130, the position-related measurement data and / or inspection data are corrected based on the changing offset length. During the correction, the position data can be corrected by subtracting or adding the offset length to the position data of the electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of a position measuring device (e.g., a rotary encoder or a pattern counter) installed on the unwinder side or the rewinder side at the time when the measurement data and / or inspection data are collected. The correction of the position data can be performed by the measuring device and / or inspection device or the controller (140).

[0242] Next, at P140, the corrected position data, the inspection data, the measurement data (CMD) and the compressed measurement data (PMD) associated with the corrected position data can be transmitted to the roll map generator (200). The servers of the roll map generator (200) can generate a roll map based on the transmitted data. The roll map can be generated by one of the servers (230, 240, 250). Since the roll map includes the corrected position data and the measurement data and / or inspection data associated therewith, data reliability is improved.

[0243]

[0244] (Example 4)

[0245] Fig. 13 illustrates a battery manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments.

[0246] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an electrode and a separator being wound by a winder to a predetermined length.

[0247] The battery manufacturing system (20) of the present embodiment is for correcting the positional data of each electrode sheet based on the variable offset length of each electrode sheet when a plurality of electrode sheets (ESN, ESP) are transported in a roll-to-roll state, wound in a winder (160), and manufactured into an electrode assembly (EA).

[0248] What is different from the above-described embodiment is that each electrode sheet is cut to a predetermined length and each cut electrode sheet is wound in a winder (160), so the definition of the offset length is slightly different.

[0249] In this system, the offset length is the length of each electrode sheet interposed between the position of each electrode sheet where measurement data and / or inspection data are collected and the unwinder or cutter. That is, the definition of the offset length with respect to the unwinder is the same as the example of Fig. 1. However, unlike Fig. 1, the offset length is determined with respect to the cutter rather than the rewinder.

[0250] Referring to Fig. 13, the battery manufacturing system (20)

[0251] A plurality of position measuring devices (121N, 121P, 123N, 123P) each generating a signal for sensing the position of a plurality of electrode sheets (ESN, ESP) moving between a plurality of unwinders (UWN, UWP) and a single winder (160);

[0252] A controller (140') configured to collect position data of each electrode sheet based on the above sensing signal;

[0253] A plurality of measuring instruments (132N, 133N, 134N, 132P, 133P, 134P) and / or inspection instruments configured to collect measurement data and / or inspection data for each of the moving electrode sheets and to generate position-related measurement data and / or inspection data by associating the position data with the measurement data and / or inspection data;

[0254] A plurality of cutters (150N, 150P) positioned before the winder (160) to cut each electrode sheet (ESN, ESP) to a predetermined length; and

[0255] It includes the winder (160) for winding each of the cut electrode sheets to manufacture an electrode assembly.

[0256] The cathode roll (ERN) can be loaded into an unwinder (UWN). The unwinder (UWN) can be configured to unwind the cathode sheet (ESN) from the cathode roll (ERN).

[0257] The anode roll (ERP) can be loaded into an unwinder (UWP). The unwinder (UWP) can be configured to unwind the anode sheet (ESP) from the anode roll (ERP).

[0258] A separator roll (SR1) can be loaded into an unwinder (UWS1), and a separator roll (SR2) can be loaded into an unwinder (UWS2). Each unwinder (UWS1, UWS2) can be configured to unwind each separator sheet (SS1, SS2).

[0259] The cathode sheet (ESN), the anode sheet (ESP), and two separator sheets (SS1, SS2) can be guided by the guide roll (G) and moved toward the cutter (150N, 150P) and the winder (160).

[0260] The guide rolls (G) may be provided in multiple numbers to correspond to the movement path of each sheet. The sheets guided by each guide roll (G) may join in front of the cutter (150N, 150P).

[0261] The first rotary encoder (121N) may be configured to detect the amount of negative sheet (ESN) unwound from the negative roll (ERN) by the unwinder (UWN). Accordingly, the first rotary encoder (121N) may be configured to generate an unwinding amount (feeding amount) signal indicating the length of the negative sheet (ESN) unwound by the unwinder (UWN).

[0262] A second rotary encoder (123N) is installed near the guide roll where each sheet joins. The second rotary encoder (123N) can be configured to generate a signal indicating the amount of consumption of the negative sheet (ESN) moving to the winder (160).

[0263] The first rotary encoder (121P) may be configured to detect the amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) unwound from the positive electrode roll (ERP) by the unwinder (UWP). Accordingly, the first rotary encoder (111P) may be configured to generate an output amount signal indicating the length of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) unwound by the unwinder (UWP).

[0264] A second rotary encoder (123P) is installed near the guide roll where each sheet joins. The second rotary encoder (123P) may be configured to detect the amount of positive electrode sheets (ESP) being moved to the winder (160). Accordingly, the second rotary encoder (123P) may be configured to generate a signal indicating the amount of positive electrode sheets (ENP) being moved to the winder.

[0265] The above position data may be coordinate data indicating the position of the electrode sheet moving between the unwinder and the winder. Alternatively, if the electrode sheet is a pattern electrode sheet and a pattern counter is employed as a position measuring device, the pattern indicator data may be used as the position data. That is, in the system of FIG. 13, devices similar to FIG. 9 may be employed for each electrode sheet to use the coordinate data and / or pattern indicator data as the position data of the electrode sheet.

[0266] According to an exemplary embodiment, the battery manufacturing system (20) of the present embodiment may include an additional position measuring device capable of detecting the position signal of each separator sheet (SS1, SS2).

[0267] The controller (140') may be configured to perform the functions of the first controller (141) and the second controller (143) of FIG. 1. Accordingly, the controller (140') may generate position data based on one of the discharge amount signal and the exhaustion amount signal, and transmit the position data to the processing unit of the measuring devices. In addition, the controller (140') may receive position-related measurement data (CMD) and / or inspection data from the processing unit, and transmit the position-related measurement data and / or inspection data to the roll map generator (200).

[0268] The controller (140) may be configured to generate signals for controlling a plurality of unwinders, a plurality of rewinders, and a notching device.

[0269] This system (20) may additionally include a notching device (115N, 115P).

[0270] The cathode sheet (ESN) unwound from the cathode roll (ERN) is notched by a first notching device (115N) before being wound. In addition, the cathode sheet (ESP) unwound from the anode roll (ERS) is notched by a second notching device (115P) before being wound.

[0271] The notching process can be defined as a process of processing electrode sheets (positive electrode sheets, negative electrode sheets) to manufacture electrode tabs (positive electrode tabs, negative electrode tabs) as an assembly process. When manufacturing a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly by winding multiple electrodes and separators, the notching process and the winding process can be performed on a continuous electrode transport path.

[0272] Referring to Fig. 14, it is shown that the negative electrode sheet (ESN) has been notched so that a notched processing portion (ESN_n) has been formed in the uncoated portion of the negative electrode sheet. In addition, it is shown that the positive electrode sheet (ESP) has been notched so that a notched processing portion (ESP_n) has been formed in the uncoated portion of the positive electrode sheet.

[0273] After notching, the cathode sheet is cut to a first winding length (L1) and wound on a winder. The notching processing portion (ESN_n) of the cathode sheet is provided within the first winding length (L1).

[0274] Additionally, the positive electrode sheet is cut to a second winding length (L2) and wound together with the negative electrode sheet in a winder. A notching processing portion (ESP_n) of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) is also provided within the second winding length (L2).

[0275] The separator sheets (SS1, SS2) interposed between the negative electrode sheet (ESN) and the positive electrode sheet (ESP) are wound with a third winding length (L3). For electrical safety or insulation when wound into a jelly roll, the first to third winding lengths may be determined differently. For example, the winding length (the third winding length (L3)) of the separator positioned between the negative electrode sheet and the positive electrode sheet may be greater than the winding lengths of the other electrode sheets. Accordingly, when the separator of the third winding length (L3) is wound into a cylindrical shape, the separator is positioned at the radially outermost side of the jelly roll electrode assembly, thereby preventing the negative electrode sheet and the positive electrode sheet from directly contacting each other and causing an electrical short circuit.

[0276] Referring back to FIG. 13, the first and second notching devices (115N, 115P) perform notching processing on each electrode sheet corresponding to each winding length. The notching specifications, such as the length of the notching processing portion formed within the winding length, the size of the electrode tabs, and the spacing between the electrode tabs, are predetermined according to the battery type and specifications, etc. In addition, the first to third winding lengths are also predetermined according to the battery type and specifications, etc. The controller (140') or the product production-related server (e.g., MES) connected to the controller (140') stores information on the notching specifications and the winding length. Therefore, the controller (140') can perform notching processing on each electrode sheet according to the set specifications by controlling the first notching device (115N) and the second notching device (115P) based on the information.

[0277] Each electrode sheet that has undergone notching processing is inspected and / or measured by various measuring instruments and / or testers, and then cut to each winding length by a cutter (150N, 150P).

[0278] In order to collect measurement data and / or inspection data for the negative electrode sheet and the positive electrode sheet, at least one measuring device and / or inspection device is provided between the negative electrode roll (ERN) and the winder (160). At least one measuring device and / or inspection device is provided between the positive electrode roll (ERP) and the winder (160).

[0279] The above inspection and / or measuring devices may be provided for each electrode sheet.

[0280] For example, the negative sheet may include a reference point meter (132N) before notching, a visual inspection meter (133N) after notching, and a seam meter (134N) for detecting the seam location of the negative sheet before joining with the separator.

[0281] Likewise, the positive electrode sheet may include a reference point gauge (132P) before notching, a visual inspection gauge (133P) after notching, and a seam gauge (134P) for detecting the seam location of the positive electrode sheet before joining the separator.

[0282] The above tester or measuring device may each include a sensing unit and a processing unit.

[0283] The sensing unit may be configured to transmit a test signal and / or a measurement signal (MS) to the processing unit.

[0284] The processing unit may be configured to collect position-related inspection data and / or measurement data based on inspection signals and / or measurement signals and position data (coordinate data and / or pattern indicator data). The processing unit may be configured to transmit the measurement data and / or inspection data to servers provided in the roll map generator (200) via the controller (140').

[0285] A cutter (150N, 150P) is positioned before the winder and cuts each electrode sheet to a predetermined length (predetermined winding length).

[0286] The negative electrode sheet (ESN), positive electrode sheet (ESP), and separator sheets (SS1, SS2) are guided by corresponding guide rolls and joined at a point before the first cutter (150N) and the second cutter (150P).

[0287] The controller (140') can control the first cutter (150N) to cut the negative electrode sheet (ESN) to a first winding length (L1). In addition, the controller (140') can control the second cutter (150P) to cut the positive electrode sheet (ESP) to a second winding length (L2).

[0288] The portion of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) of the cut first winding length (L1) moves to the winder (160) together with the separator sheet (SS1). In addition, the portion of the positive electrode sheet (ESN) of the cut second winding length (L2) moves to the winder (160) together with the separator sheet (SS2). Each separator sheet may be moved to the winder (160) without being cut in advance so as to support the electrode sheets being moved.

[0289] The winder (160) may be configured to wind together a negative electrode sheet (ESN), a separator sheet (SS1), a positive electrode sheet (ESP), and a separator sheet (SS2). Accordingly, an electrode assembly (EA) of a battery (e.g., a cylindrical battery) may be provided. The separator sheet may be cut by a separator cutter (not shown) after winding.

[0290] The manufactured electrode assembly (EA) can be discharged to the outside. The discharged electrode assembly (EA) can be inspected by a separate inspector (165) and then transferred to a tray (T) by a predetermined transfer device (TM). An electrode assembly (EA) determined to be defective by the inspector (165) can be discharged to a defective assembly storage port (S2) and stored.

[0291] An electrode assembly (EA) determined to be normal can be gripped, for example, by a gripper (TMH) of a transport device (TM) and transferred to a tray (T). The tray (T) includes a plurality of electrode assembly (EA) storage locations. Each electrode assembly (EA) can be stored at a specific location within the tray (T), for example, sequentially according to a transport order or according to a separate loading algorithm. For example, when a plurality of rows (X1, X2,,,,Xn) and columns (Y1, Y2,,,Yn) exist within the tray (T), the tray loading location of the electrode assembly (EA) can be specified as an ordered pair of a matrix represented by the intersection of the rows and columns.

[0292] Meanwhile, the present system (20) may include an identification information providing device (e.g., EDC (Equipment Data Collection) server) (170) that provides identification information to the electrode assembly (EA).

[0293] The identification information of the electrode assembly (EA) can be transmitted to the controller (140') and / or the roll map generator (200) and correspond to the roll map of the electrode sheets included in the electrode assembly (EA).

[0294] The present system (20) may also include a buffer section (117N, 119N, 117P, 119P) in which the length of each electrode sheet is variable. For example, when the electrode sheet maintains a constant velocity within the system, a buffer section may be provided to provide a buffering function depending on the tension of the electrode sheet or the processing operation status.

[0295] The above-described plurality of measuring instruments and / or testers, or the controller (140'), corrects the position data of each electrode sheet based on the changing offset length when the offset length, which is the length of each electrode sheet interposed between the position of each electrode sheet from which measurement data and / or test data is collected and the unwinder or cutter, changes.

[0296] In this case, when correcting the position data based on the unwinder, the position data can be corrected by subtracting the offset length from the position data of each electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the position measuring device installed on the unwinder side. At this time, the offset length is the length of the electrode sheet interposed between the position of each electrode sheet where the measurement data and / or inspection data are collected and the unwinder, and is essentially the same as the offset length illustrated in Fig. 7.

[0297] On the other hand, in the present system (20), the position data can be corrected based on the cutter (150N, 150P) that determines the quantity of jelly roll electrode assemblies (EA).

[0298] Referring to Fig. 13, each electrode sheet (ESN, ESP) advances a certain distance (Xp, Xn) further toward the cutter (150N, 150P) from the second position measuring device (123N, 123P) installed on the cutter side. Therefore, when correcting the position data based on the cutter (150N, 150P), the position data corresponding to the certain distance (Xp, Xn) is added to the position data of each electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the second position measuring device (123N, 123P) installed on the cutter side, and becomes the position data to be corrected.

[0299] At this time, the offset length is the length of the electrode sheet interposed between the position of each electrode sheet where measurement data and / or inspection data are collected and the cutter (150N, 150P). In this case, the position data of the final calibration target, which is obtained by adding the position data corresponding to the predetermined distance (Xp, Xn) to the position data of each electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the second position measuring device installed on the cutter side, can be corrected by adding the offset length to the position data of the calibration target.

[0300] The principle of correcting the positional data of each electrode sheet based on the changing offset length, whether based on the unwinder or the cutter, when the offset length changes is the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0301] In addition, when the negative electrode sheet and the positive electrode sheet are patterned electrode sheets, the positional data of each electrode sheet can be expressed as pattern indicator data. In this case, as described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, a pattern counter can be provided for each electrode sheet. In addition, the pattern indicator data of each electrode sheet can be corrected based on the changing offset length of each electrode sheet.

[0302] The position data of each of the above-mentioned corrected electrode sheets can be transmitted to the servers of the roll map generator (200). Accordingly, roll maps including accurately corrected position data and measurement data and / or inspection data corresponding to the corrected position data can be generated for each electrode sheet moving in the winding process.

[0303]

[0304] (Example 5)

[0305] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating a battery manufacturing method according to exemplary embodiments.

[0306] The present embodiment relates to a battery manufacturing method in which a plurality of electrode sheets moved between a plurality of unwinders and a winder are each cut to a predetermined length by a cutter, and the cut electrode sheets are wound together in the winder to manufacture an electrode assembly.

[0307] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 15, at P210, position data (coordinate data (CD) and / or pattern indicator data) indicating the position of each electrode sheet moving between each unwinder and winder, and measurement data and / or inspection data for each moving electrode sheet can be collected. The position data can be collected by the controller (140'). The inspection data or measurement data can be collected by an inspection device or a measuring device, as described above.

[0308] Next, at P220, the position data and the measurement data and / or inspection data can be associated to generate position-related measurement data and / or inspection data for each electrode sheet. The position-related measurement data and / or inspection data can be generated by the processing unit of the measuring device as described above.

[0309] Next, in P230, the position-related measurement data and / or inspection data are corrected based on the changing offset length. That is, when the offset length, which is the length of each electrode sheet interposed between the position of each electrode sheet where the measurement data and / or inspection data is collected and the unwinder or cutter, changes, the position data of each electrode sheet is corrected based on the changing offset length. In this case, the position data can be corrected by subtracting or adding the offset length to the position data of the electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of a position measuring device (e.g., a rotary encoder or a pattern counter) installed on the unwinder side or the cutter side at the time when the measurement data and / or inspection data is collected. The correction of the position data can be performed by the measuring device and / or the inspection device or the controller (140').

[0310] Next, in P240, the position data of each calibrated electrode sheet and the inspection data, measurement data (CMD) and / or inspection data of each electrode sheet associated with the calibrated position data can be transmitted to the roll map generator (200). The servers of the roll map generator (200) can generate a roll map based on the transmitted data. The roll map can be generated by one of the servers (230, 240, 250). Since the roll map includes the position data of each calibrated electrode sheet and the measurement data and / or inspection data associated therewith, data reliability is improved.

[0311]

[0312] 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.

[0313] (Explanation of symbols)

[0314] 10, 20: Battery manufacturing system

[0315] 100: Battery manufacturing equipment

[0316] 200: Roll Map Generator

[0317] 111: unwinder, 113: rewinder, 115: processing mechanism,

[0318] 121, 123: Rotary encoder

[0319] 131; Measuring instrument, 131P: Sensing unit, 131S: Processing unit

[0320] 140, 141, 143 controllers

[0321] 201, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250: Server

Claims

1. A position measuring device that generates a signal for sensing the position of the electrode sheet moving between the unwinder and the rewinder; A controller configured to collect position data of the electrode sheet based on the sensing signal; and A measuring device and / or an inspection device configured to collect measurement data and / or inspection data for the moving electrode sheet and to generate position-related measurement data and / or inspection data by associating the position data with the measurement data and / or inspection data, A battery manufacturing system characterized in that at least one of the controller and the measuring device and / or the inspector corrects the position data of the electrode sheet based on the changing offset length when the offset length, which is the length of the electrode sheet interposed between the position of the electrode sheet where the measurement data and / or inspection data is collected and the unwinder or rewinder, changes.

2. In paragraph 1, The above offset length is, A battery manufacturing system including an electrode sheet length of a buffer section that changes according to the tension of the electrode sheet.

3. In paragraph 1, The above location data is, Coordinate data including coordinates indicating the location on the electrode sheet, and A battery manufacturing system, wherein at least one of the pattern indicator data on the pattern electrode is a coated portion and an uncoated portion repeated along the longitudinal direction of the electrode sheet.

4. In paragraph 1, The above position measuring device is, An encoder that generates at least one of a release amount signal and a release amount signal of the electrode sheet, and A battery manufacturing system comprising at least one pattern counter for counting pattern indicators on the above pattern electrode.

5. In paragraph 1, At least one of the above controllers and measuring instruments and / or testers, A battery manufacturing system that corrects the position data by subtracting or adding the offset length to the position data of the electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the position measuring device installed on the unwinder side or the rewinder side at the time when the measurement data and / or inspection data are collected.

6. In paragraph 1, A battery manufacturing system further comprising a server configured to generate a roll map including corrected location data and the measurement data and / or inspection data associated with the corrected location data.

7. A step of collecting position data indicating the position of an electrode sheet moving between an unwinder and a rewinder, and measurement data and / or inspection data for the moving electrode sheet; A step of generating location-related measurement data and / or inspection data by associating the location data with the measurement data and / or inspection data; and A battery manufacturing method including a correction step for correcting position data of the electrode sheet based on a changing offset length when the offset length, which is the length of the electrode sheet interposed between the position of the electrode sheet where the measurement data and / or inspection data is collected and the unwinder or rewinder, changes.

8. In paragraph 7, The above offset length is, A battery manufacturing method including an electrode sheet length of a buffer section that changes according to the tension of the electrode sheet.

9. In paragraph 7, The above location data is, Coordinate data including coordinates indicating the location on the electrode sheet, and A battery manufacturing method, wherein at least one of the pattern indicator data on the pattern electrode is a coated portion and an uncoated portion repeated along the length direction of the electrode sheet.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery manufacturing method in which the above coordinate data is collected based on at least one of the output amount and the winding amount signal of the electrode sheet generated by the encoder.

11. In paragraph 9, The above pattern indicator data is, The pattern pitch is the distance between one coating portion and the next coating portion on the pattern electrode, A battery manufacturing method produced based on a signal generated by the above encoder.

12. In paragraph 7, In the above correction step, A battery manufacturing method for correcting the position data by subtracting or adding the offset length to the position data of the electrode sheet collected based on the sensing signal of the position measuring device installed on the unwinder side or the rewinder side at the time when the measurement data and / or inspection data are collected.

13. In paragraph 7, A battery manufacturing method further comprising the step of generating a roll map including corrected position data and the measurement data and / or inspection data associated with the corrected position data.

14. A plurality of position measuring devices each generating a signal for sensing the position of a plurality of electrode sheets moving between a plurality of unwinders and a single winder; A controller configured to collect position data of each electrode sheet based on the sensing signal; A plurality of measuring instruments and / or inspection devices configured to collect measurement data and / or inspection data for each of the moving electrode sheets and to generate position-related measurement data and / or inspection data by associating the position data with the measurement data and / or inspection data; A plurality of cutters positioned before the winder to cut each electrode sheet to a predetermined length; and Including the winder for winding each of the above cut electrode sheets to manufacture an electrode assembly; A battery manufacturing system characterized in that the plurality of measuring instruments and / or inspectors or the controller corrects the position data of each electrode sheet based on the changing offset length when the offset length, which is the length of each electrode sheet interposed between the position of each electrode sheet from which the measurement data and / or inspection data is collected and the unwinder or cutter, changes.

15. In a battery manufacturing method, a plurality of electrode sheets moving between a plurality of unwinders and a winder are each cut to a predetermined length by a cutter, and the cut electrode sheets are wound together in the winder to manufacture an electrode assembly. A step of collecting position data indicating the position of each electrode sheet moving between each unwinder and the winder, and measurement data and / or inspection data for each moving electrode sheet; A step of generating position-related measurement data and / or inspection data for each electrode sheet by associating the position data with the measurement data and / or inspection data; A battery manufacturing method comprising a correction step of correcting the position data of each electrode sheet based on the changing offset length when the offset length, which is the length of each electrode sheet interposed between the position of each electrode sheet where the measurement data and / or inspection data is collected and the unwinder or cutter, changes.

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