Server, battery manufacturing system comprising same, and battery manufacturing method

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments, a server, a battery manufacturing system, and a battery manufacturing method are provided. The server may comprise: a slurry ID collection unit configured to collect a slurry ID assigned to a batch of electrode slurry and data regarding a total amount of the electrode slurry corresponding to the slurry ID; a lot ID storage unit in which an electrode lot ID assigned to a winding roll of an electrode sheet coated with the electrode slurry is stored; and an ID matching unit configured to match the electrode lot ID with the slurry ID on the basis of the remaining amount of the electrode slurry calculated by subtracting an amount of the electrode slurry used for coating from the total amount of the electrode slurry.

Description

Server, battery manufacturing system including the same, and battery manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates to a server, a battery manufacturing system including the same, and a battery manufacturing method.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0161887 dated November 14, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] Batteries are manufactured through electrode, assembly, and activation processes. Among these, the electrode process is the most critical process for determining the yield and performance of the battery cell. The electrode process may include a coating process, a roll press process, and a slitting process. In the coating process, active materials and insulating materials may be applied to the surface of the current collector (electrode sheet). In the roll press process, the electrode sheet may be pressed by pressure rolls. The roll press process can determine the density, performance, and surface quality of the electrode. In the slitting process, the electrode sheet may be cut into multiple electrode sheets according to the design of the battery cell.

[0004] An electrode slurry containing an electrode active material supplied to a coater in a coating process is produced in a slurry manufacturing device. The slurry manufacturing device may include a mixer in which the electrode slurry is produced, a plurality of tanks for transporting the slurry from the mixer to the coater, and a slurry manufacturing control unit for controlling the production and transport of the slurry.

[0005] The applicant has developed a technology that assigns and records slurry batch information, i.e., the ID of the slurry, which is identification information of the electrode slurry produced in the mixer, to each tank, and detects the slurry ID information of the final supply tank that supplies the slurry to the coater by referring to the history of the recorded slurry ID.

[0006] Meanwhile, in a slurry coating apparatus including a coater, the electrode sheet moves in a roll-to-roll process and the electrode slurry is coated onto the current collector sheet. The coated electrode sheet is wound up to become a winding roll and moved to a subsequent process. An electrode lot ID, which is identification information, may be assigned to the electrode sheet or the winding roll.

[0007] If a problem occurs with a battery semi-finished product or finished product manufactured from the above electrode sheet, it is necessary to trace the electrode slurry, which is the raw material from which the semi-finished product or product originates, in order to analyze the cause. To do this, it must be determined which electrode lot ID corresponds to which slurry batch ID, that is, what type of slurry is coated on the winding roll of the electrode sheet.

[0008] However, at the actual slurry coating production site, the matching between the above slurry ID and the electrode lot ID was not accurately achieved.

[0009] For example, even though the slurry supplied from the tank to the coater changed from type A to type B, the information was not updated at the actual production site, so the slurry ID of type A continued to be matched to the electrode lot ID of the produced winding roll.

[0010] Accordingly, the reliability of the matching information of the slurry ID matched to the produced electrode lot ID was reduced.

[0011] Alternatively, one can assume a case where an operator manually matches the electrode lot ID and the slurry ID. For instance, an operator might consider matching the electrode lot ID and the slurry ID by comparing the slurry production volume of the mixer with the slurry usage volume of the coater. However, the amount of slurry coated in the slurry coating device or the production volume of coated electrode sheets varies significantly, making it difficult for the operator to calculate them accurately. Consequently, a matching mismatch may occur where the slurry ID and the electrode lot ID are matched in a manner that does not correspond to the change, even if the type of slurry supplied from the supply tank has already changed or has not changed.

[0012] In particular, in loading amount measuring instruments used to measure slurry coating amounts, omissions in measurement data occur due to unexpected or unavoidable causes. In such cases, the problem of the aforementioned mismatch in matching is bound to occur more frequently.

[0013] [Patent Literature]

[0014] Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2577976 (September 8, 2023)

[0015] The present invention is intended to provide a server capable of improving the matching consistency between a slurry ID and an electrode lot ID and automatically performing the matching operation, a battery manufacturing system including the same, and a battery manufacturing method.

[0016] According to exemplary embodiments of this document for solving the aforementioned problem, a server may be provided.

[0017] The server comprises a slurry ID collection unit configured to collect data regarding a slurry ID assigned to a batch of electrode slurry and the total amount of electrode slurry corresponding to the slurry ID;

[0018] A lot ID storage unit storing an electrode lot ID assigned to a winding roll of an electrode sheet coated with the electrode slurry; and

[0019] It may include an ID matching unit configured to match the electrode lot ID to the slurry ID based on the remaining amount of electrode slurry calculated by subtracting the amount of electrode slurry used for coating from the total amount of electrode slurry.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment, the server may be configured to calculate the amount of electrode slurry used by multiplying the average loading amount of the electrode slurry coated on the electrode sheet by the length of the electrode sheet after winding is completed.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment, the ID matching unit may be configured to match one or more electrode lot IDs assigned to one or more winding rolls that are completed until the calculated electrode slurry residue becomes zero to the slurry ID.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment, the ID matching unit may be configured such that the electrode lot ID assigned to the winding roll completed after the electrode slurry residue becomes zero is matched with the slurry ID next in sequence to the slurry ID.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment, if data omission of the average loading amount occurs for one or more sections of the electrode sheet,

[0024] The above server may be configured to adjust the amount of electrode slurry used to calculate the remaining amount of electrode slurry according to the opening and closing signal of the slurry discharge valve provided in the coater of the slurry coating device when coating the section of the electrode sheet where the data omission occurred.

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment, when the signal of the slurry discharge valve is an open signal,

[0026] The server may be configured to include a virtual loading amount, calculated by multiplying the preset standard loading amount of the electrode sheet by the length of the electrode sheet of the missing section, as the electrode slurry loading amount of the missing section in the electrode slurry usage amount.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment, when the signal of the slurry discharge valve is a closed signal, the server may be configured so as not to include the amount of slurry loaded in the omitted portion in the electrode slurry usage amount.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment, when two or more layers of coating are applied to at least one surface of the electrode sheet, the calculation of the remaining amount of the electrode slurry is performed for each electrode slurry of each layer, and the ID matching unit may be configured to match the electrode lot ID to each slurry ID of each layer.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment, the server may be configured to obtain the electrode slurry usage of each layer by distributing the total slurry usage used for electrode coating on one side of the electrode sheet into electrode slurry usage of each layer at a preset distribution ratio.

[0030] According to one aspect of this document, a battery manufacturing system may be provided.

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment, the battery manufacturing system is,

[0032] The above server;

[0033] An electrode slurry manufacturing apparatus that manufactures one batch of electrode slurry and transmits data regarding a slurry ID assigned to the batch of electrode slurry and the total amount of the one batch of electrode slurry to a slurry ID collection unit; and

[0034] It may include a slurry coating device that manufactures a winding roll of an electrode sheet by coating an electrode slurry supplied from the electrode slurry manufacturing device onto a sheet material and winding it.

[0035] According to another aspect of this document, a method for manufacturing a battery may be provided.

[0036] The above battery manufacturing method is,

[0037] A step of collecting data regarding a slurry ID assigned to a batch of electrode slurry and the total amount of electrode slurry corresponding to the slurry ID;

[0038] A step of assigning an electrode lot ID to a winding roll of an electrode sheet coated with the electrode slurry; and

[0039] The method may include a step of matching the electrode lot ID to the slurry ID based on the remaining amount of electrode slurry calculated by subtracting the amount of electrode slurry used for the coating from the total amount of electrode slurry.

[0040] The amount of electrode slurry used can be calculated by multiplying the average loading amount of electrode slurry coated on the electrode sheet by the length of the electrode sheet after winding is completed.

[0041] One or more electrode lot IDs assigned to one or more winding rolls that are completed until the remaining amount of the electrode slurry calculated above becomes 0 can be matched to the slurry ID.

[0042] The electrode lot ID assigned to the winding roll completed after the remaining amount of the electrode slurry becomes zero can be corresponded to the slurry ID next in sequence to the slurry ID.

[0043] If data omission of the average loading amount occurs for one or more sections of the electrode sheet,

[0044] The amount of electrode slurry used to calculate the remaining amount of electrode slurry can be adjusted according to the opening and closing signal of the slurry discharge valve equipped in the coater of the slurry coating device when coating the section of the electrode sheet where the above data omission occurred.

[0045] When the signal of the above slurry discharge valve is an open signal,

[0046] A virtual loading amount calculated by multiplying the preset standard loading amount of the electrode sheet by the length of the missing section can be included in the electrode slurry usage amount as the electrode slurry loading amount of the missing section.

[0047] When the signal of the above slurry discharge valve is a closed signal,

[0048] The slurry loading amount of the above omitted section may not be included in the electrode slurry usage amount.

[0049] When two or more layers of coating are applied to at least one surface of the electrode sheet,

[0050] The calculation of the remaining amount of the electrode slurry above is performed for each electrode slurry of each layer, and

[0051] The above electrode lot ID can be corresponded to the slurry ID of each layer, respectively.

[0052] The electrode slurry usage of each layer can be obtained by distributing the total slurry usage used for electrode coating on one side of the electrode sheet into electrode slurry usage of each layer according to a preset distribution ratio.

[0053] As another aspect of this document, a winding roll of an electrode sheet coated with an electrode slurry may be provided.

[0054] The above-mentioned winding roll may have an electrode lot ID that matches a slurry ID assigned to a batch of the electrode slurry.

[0055] The electrode lot ID can be matched to the slurry ID based on the remaining amount of electrode slurry calculated by subtracting the amount of electrode slurry used for coating from the total amount of electrode slurry corresponding to the slurry ID.

[0056] According to the server of this document, the slurry ID and the electrode lot ID assigned to the coated electrode sheet or the winding roll of the electrode sheet can be accurately matched.

[0057] According to the battery manufacturing system including the above server, the matching of the slurry ID and the electrode lot ID can be automatically and accurately performed.

[0058] In particular, even if there is a missing slurry loading amount measurement data, the matching consistency can be improved by reflecting the virtual loading amount in the calculation of the remaining slurry amount.

[0059] This document also enables matching between the slurry ID and the electrode lot ID even when two or more layers of slurry are coated on the electrode sheet.

[0060] Accordingly, the reliability of quality data tracking during electrode and battery manufacturing can be significantly improved.

[0061] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery manufacturing system according to one embodiment.

[0063] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a server according to one embodiment.

[0064] Figure 3 is an example of a roll map showing missing slurry loading amount data.

[0065] Figure 4 shows that the slurry ID and the electrode lot ID are matched.

[0066] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing that two layers of slurry are coated on each side of the electrode sheet.

[0067] Figure 6 shows that the slurry ID and the electrode lot ID match during the two-layer slurry coating of Figure 5.

[0068] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process of matching the electrode coat ID and the slurry ID by calculating the remaining slurry amount.

[0069] FIG. 8 illustrates a computing system that executes a method of operation of a server according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0070] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of this document will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of this document, based on the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0071] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of this document and do not represent all of the technical ideas of this document, and that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0072] In addition, when describing this document, if it is determined that a detailed explanation of the relevant notice components or functions could obscure the gist of this document, such detailed explanation is omitted.

[0073] The embodiments of this document are provided to more fully explain this document to a person skilled in the art; therefore, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.

[0074]

[0075] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery manufacturing system according to one embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a server according to one embodiment.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery manufacturing system (10) may include a server (100), an electrode slurry manufacturing device (200), and a slurry coating device (300).

[0077]

[0078] The electrode slurry manufacturing device (200) may include a mixer (210), a plurality of tanks (220, 230, 240, 250), and a slurry manufacturing control unit (260).

[0079] The mixer (210) can produce one batch of electrode slurry by mixing components of a predetermined composition according to a manufacturing recipe. The slurry manufacturing process in the mixer can be performed continuously. Thus, when one batch of electrode slurry is completed and transferred to a tank, the next batch of electrode slurry can then be mixed in the mixer (210). The type of electrode slurry in each batch may be the same or different. A slurry ID may be assigned to each batch of slurry. Even slurry batches made with the same type of slurry may have different slurry IDs, such as the sequence number of the ID.

[0080] A slurry ID capable of identifying each batch may include information regarding specifications such as the ingredients fed into the mixer, composition, and type of the slurry, as well as information regarding the sequence number. Information for slurry identification may be referred to as a slurry ID, slurry batch ID, slurry lot ID, slurry lot identification information, etc., but for the sake of simplification, it will be referred to uniformly as 'slurry ID' in this specification.

[0081] The slurry ID can be assigned to the corresponding batch in the slurry manufacturing control unit (260).

[0082] The total amount of slurry produced in the mixer (210) can be reported to the slurry manufacturing control unit (260). The slurry manufacturing control unit (260) can transmit the total amount of slurry and the slurry ID to the server (100).

[0083] The electrode slurry produced in the mixer (210) can be transferred to a tank through a pipe.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of tanks (220, 230, 2430, 250) may be arranged between the mixer (210) and the coater (330). That is, the mixer (210), the plurality of tanks (220, 230, 240, 250), and the coater (330) may be connected by piping. The piping may be equipped with an opening and closing valve not shown to transfer the slurry and control the transfer amount.

[0085] Multiple tanks may include, for example, a main tank (220), a storage tank (230), a transfer tank (240), and a supply tank (250). Electrode slurry may be supplied from the supply tank (250) to the coater (330).

[0086] The applicant has developed a technology for assigning and recording the ID of the electrode slurry produced in the mixer (210) to each tank, and for detecting the slurry ID of the final supply tank (250) that supplies the slurry to the coater (330) by referring to the history of the recorded slurry ID.

[0087] Accordingly, the slurry manufacturing control unit (260) can obtain the slurry ID of the actual slurry supplied from the supply tank (250) to the coater (330).

[0088] The electrode slurry continuously produced in the mixer (210) is continuously transferred to each tank and continuously supplied from the supply tank (250) to the coater (330). That is, unless there is a special event such as an unexpected situation, the electrode slurry is continuously supplied to the coater (330).

[0089] The slurry manufacturing control unit (260) can report the total amount of slurry manufactured and the corresponding slurry ID to the server (100) when the slurry manufacturing is completed in the mixer (210). The slurry manufacturing control unit (260) can report the slurry ID again to the server (100) when it obtains the slurry ID from the supply tank (250).

[0090] Accordingly, the server (100) can collect data regarding the total amount of slurry produced in the mixer and the ID of the corresponding electrode slurry currently being supplied to the coater (330).

[0091] Meanwhile, when the next batch of slurry is produced in the mixer (210), the next batch of slurry ID may be assigned. The slurry manufacturing control unit (260) may report the total amount of slurry corresponding to the next batch and the corresponding slurry ID to the server (100). In this way, data regarding the total amount of each slurry and the slurry ID for a plurality of batches may be transmitted to the server (100).

[0092]

[0093] The slurry coating device (300) may include an unwinder (311), a rewinder (313), a first rotary encoder (321), a second rotary encoder (323), a coater (330), a loading amount measuring instrument (340), a roll map controller (351), and a process controller (352). The roll map controller (351) and the process controller (352) may constitute an integrated controller (350) of the slurry coating device (300).

[0094] A battery manufacturing system (10) can be configured to manufacture a battery cell by performing a series of roll-to-roll processes. An electrode sheet (ES) unwound from an electrode roll can be processed by any one of a die coater of a coating device, pressure rolls of a roll pressing device, and a slitting knife of a slitting device, and the processed electrode sheet can be wound onto an electrode roll.

[0095] A roll map is a visual tool for efficiently representing an electrode sheet or electrode proposed by the applicant. The battery manufacturing system (10) of this document may be configured to generate a roll map containing data for an electrode sheet (ES). The roll map may represent the electrode sheet (ES) based on coordinate values ​​representing a position on the electrode sheet (ES). The roll map may include data associated with coordinates representing the history of processes performed on the electrode sheet (ES). Accordingly, the roll map enables the feedback, feed forwarding, and tracking of the manufacturing process of the secondary battery described below.

[0096] The electrode manufacturing process for secondary batteries involves a series of roll-to-roll processes. For feed-forwarding, time-series data needs to be associated with the positions of real-world workpieces, parts, semi-finished products, and finished products. A roll map can associate time-series data with coordinate data containing coordinate values ​​representing the positions of real-world workpieces, parts, semi-finished products, and finished products. Based on the coordinate data, the roll map can provide a matching between the time-series data and the real-world workpieces, parts, semi-finished products, and finished products. Accordingly, the creation of a roll map and feed-forwarding based on the roll map can improve productivity and quality by quantifying and objectifying phases of the process that previously relied on the operator's discretion. Furthermore, the roll map of a preceding lot can be used to improve the process for a subsequent lot, and this operation can be referred to as process feedback. Process feedback using a roll map may include identifying process conditions and process parameters that caused problems and defects based on the data contained in the roll map.

[0097] Furthermore, the roll map is generated cumulatively for the workpieces, parts, semi-finished products, and finished products of the above processes, thereby enabling the tracking of the process history for shipped products (e.g., battery cells, battery modules, or battery packs). For example, a battery cell may include a cell ID formed on an electrode assembly or case. The cell ID may include lot number and coordinate information of the electrodes and separator included in the battery cell. In other words, the cell ID may be associated with the roll map of the electrodes and separator 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 historical data of the manufacturing of the battery cell can be retrieved based on the cell ID.

[0098] The first electrode roll (ER1) can be loaded into an unwinder (311). The unwinder (311) can be configured to unwind one electrode sheet (ES) from the first electrode roll (ER1).

[0099] The rewinder (313) can wind the electrode sheet (ES) to form a second electrode roll (ER2). The electrode sheet (ES) is wound into the second electrode roll (ER2) and can be cut and separated after reaching a predetermined winding length. Accordingly, the electrode sheet (ES) can move between the unwinder (211) and the rewinder (313).

[0100] Roll maps can be generated on a lot basis. A lot is a production unit of a roll-to-roll process, and a second electrode roll (ER2) (winding roll) that is coated with an electrode slurry and separated after winding is completed is an example of a lot.

[0101] Time series data configured over time (i.e., according to the progress of the process) in a roll map can be associated with coordinate data (CD) based on the amount of movement of the electrode sheet (ES) (i.e., either the amount of winding or the amount of unwinding).

[0102] The first rotary encoder (321) may be configured to sense the amount of electrode sheet (ES) unwound from the first electrode roll (ER1) by the unwinder (311). Accordingly, the first rotary encoder (321) may generate an unwinding amount signal (UWAS) indicating the amount of electrode sheet (ES) unwound. The first rotary encoder (321) may be configured to transmit the unwinding amount signal (UWAS) to the roll map controller (351). The roll map controller (351) may be configured to collect unwinding amount data based on the unwinding amount signal (UWAS) of the electrode sheet (ES).

[0103] The second rotary encoder (323) may be configured to sense the amount of electrode sheet (ES) wound from the second electrode roll (ER2) by the rewinder (313). Accordingly, the second rotary encoder (323) may generate a winding amount signal (WAS) indicating the amount of electrode sheet (ES) wound. The second rotary encoder (323) may be configured to transmit the winding amount signal (WAS) to the roll map controller (351). The roll map controller (351) may be configured to collect winding amount data based on the winding amount signal (WAS) of the electrode sheet (ES).

[0104] The coater (330) receives the electrode slurry from the supply tank (250) and discharges the slurry onto the electrode sheet (ES) to coat the electrode slurry onto the electrode sheet (ES). The coating process is a process of applying a coating material, such as the electrode slurry, onto the electrode sheet (ES). The electrode slurry may include an electrode active material, a conductive agent, a binder, and a solvent. The electrode slurry may be provided by dissolving the electrode active material, the conductive agent, and the binder, etc., in a solvent.

[0105] In FIG. 1, for simplification, the electrode sheet (ES) is depicted as moving in a straight line between the unwinder (311) and the rewinder (313). However, the transport path of the electrode sheet (ES) is not limited to a straight line and includes other shapes of paths such as curves. In addition, FIG. 1 illustrates that a coater (330) is positioned on the upper surface of the electrode sheet (ES) to coat an electrode slurry on one side of the electrode sheet (ES). When manufacturing a single-sided coated electrode sheet in which the electrode slurry is coated only on one side of the electrode sheet, the electrode sheet with the completed coating as shown in FIG. 1 can be moved to the rewinder and wound in the rewinder.

[0106] However, when manufacturing a so-called double-sided coated electrode sheet by coating an electrode slurry on both sides of an electrode sheet, the path of the electrode sheet (ES) may be different. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the movement path of the electrode sheet may be changed so that the upper surface of the electrode sheet (ES) passes through the coater (330) and the electrode slurry is coated on the upper surface, and then the electrode sheet (ES) is inverted so that the lower surface of the electrode sheet (ES) passes through the coater (330) again and the electrode slurry is coated on the lower surface. The electrode sheet (ES) with electrode slurry coated on both the upper and lower surfaces may be moved to a rewinder and wound in the rewinder.

[0107] The ID matching technology according to this document can be applied in both cases of manufacturing the single-sided coated electrode sheet and manufacturing the double-sided coated electrode sheet.

[0108] The coater (330) may be equipped with a coater body, a manifold located within the body through which slurry is discharged, a slurry discharge port through which slurry delivered from the manifold is discharged, and a slurry discharge valve (not shown) capable of controlling the discharge of slurry from the slurry discharge port. The slurry discharge valve and the process controller (352) may be connected for data communication. Accordingly, the opening and closing signal of the slurry discharge valve (e.g., a solenoid valve) may be collected by the process controller (352). As described below, the amount of electrode slurry used for calculating the remaining amount of electrode slurry may be adjusted according to the opening and closing signal of the slurry discharge valve.

[0109] Additionally, the coater (330) may be applied to coat two or more layers on at least one surface of an electrode sheet. For example, the coater (330) may be a double-layer coating coater. The double-layer coating coater may be equipped with two adjacent discharge ports to implement a two-layer coating, for example, an upper layer and a lower layer, on the electrode sheet. Each discharge port may be connected to a corresponding manifold provided within the coater. The components, composition, type, etc., of the slurry discharged from each discharge port may differ. Accordingly, the ID of the slurry discharged from each discharge port may differ.

[0110] The roll map controller (351) may be configured to collect coordinate data (CD) of the electrode sheet (ES) based on either the winding amount signal (WAS) or the unwinding amount signal (UWAS) of the electrode sheet (ES). For example, the roll map controller (351) may determine the travel distance of the electrode sheet (ES) in the current process based on the winding amount signal of the electrode sheet (ES). Accordingly, a coordinate value representing the relative position within the electrode sheet (ES) of the portion of the electrode sheet (ES) being wound by the rewinder (313) at each point in time when the coating process is performed may be determined.

[0111] Below, the technical concept of this document will be explained focusing on an embodiment in which a roll map controller (3511) collects coordinate data (CD) based on a winding amount signal (WAS) of an electrode sheet (ES).

[0112] Coordinate data (CD) may include coordinate values ​​that match each part of the electrode sheet (ES). That is, each arbitrary point on the electrode sheet (ES) can be matched with a coordinate value.

[0113] The loading amount measuring device (340) may be configured to measure the electrode sheet (ES) to collect measurement data (MD) of the electrode slurry coated (loaded) on the electrode sheet (ES). The loading amount measuring device (340) may measure the electrode sheet (ES), for example, by scanning. During scanning by the loading amount measuring device (340), the loading amount measuring device (340) may move in the width direction of the electrode sheet (ES). While the loading amount measuring device (340) performs scanning in the width direction, the electrode sheet (ES) may be moved by the unwinder (311) and rewinder (313) in a direction of movement that is, for example, perpendicular to the width direction, having an angle with the width direction.

[0114] Loading amount measurement data may include multiple measurement values ​​expressed numerically. Here, the loading amount may represent the amount of coating material loaded per unit area of ​​the electrode sheet (ES) or the amount of coating material loaded per unit volume.

[0115] The loading amount measuring instrument (340) may include a sensing unit (341) and a processor (342). The sensing unit (341) may be configured to detect a physical quantity (loading amount) of an electrode sheet (ES) to generate a measurement signal (MS). For example, the sensing unit (341) may include a TDI (Time Delay and Integration) camera, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, a TOF (Time of Flight) sensor, and a Web gauge. The sensing unit (341) may also include an emitter and a receiver configured to perform measurements using non-destructive signals such as ultrasound, microwaves, terahertz waves, and infrared rays. The sensing unit (341) may 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.

[0116] As a non-limiting example, the loading amount measuring device (340) configured to measure the loading amount of the coating layer on the sheet material may be, for example, a web gauge from Thermofisher Scientific.

[0117] The aforementioned loading amount measurement data may be time-series data. The measurement data can be ordered temporally. Temporal ordering is a key characteristic of time-series data, which involves organizing events in the order in which they occur and arrive for processing. Accordingly, each measurement value of the measurement data can be matched to time.

[0118] The processor (342) may be configured to collect a measurement signal (MS) sensed by the sensing unit (341) to generate loading amount measurement data. The processor (342) may be connected to the sensing unit (341) via a wired or wireless connection. The processor (342) may be configured to correct the measurement data by adding an offset measurement amount to each of the multiple measurement values ​​of the measurement data.

[0119] The roll map controller (351) may be in operative communication with the first and second rotary encoders (321, 323) and the loading amount meter (340) via a wired or wireless data network. The data network may be unidirectional or bidirectional. The data network may be implemented by a physical channel, WiFi, Bluetooth and / or a public and / or specialized network using other frequency bands.

[0120] The roll map controller (351) may be configured to transmit coordinate data (CD) to the processor (342). The processor (342) may be configured to associate measurement data (MD) with the coordinate data (CD) to generate coordinate-associated loading amount measurement data (CMD).

[0121] The electrode sheet (ES) can be divided into multiple sections based on scanning by the sensing unit (341) of the loading amount measuring device (340). Each section can correspond to one scanning of the sensing unit (341).

[0122] The processor (342) may be configured to generate compressed loading amount measurement data (PMD). The compressed loading amount measurement data (PMD) may include a representative value of the loading amount measurement data (MD) for each of the multiple sections of the electrode sheet and a representative value of the coordinate data (CD) for each of the multiple sections of the electrode sheet. The representative value may include at least one of the mean, standard deviation, median, maximum, and minimum values ​​of the measurement data (MD) for each of the multiple sections.

[0123] Accordingly, the loading amount measuring instrument (340) can calculate the average value (average loading amount) of the loading amount data for a portion or the entire section of the electrode sheet. The loading amount measuring instrument can acquire loading amount measuring data (CMD) associated with coordinates and compressed loading amount measuring data (PMD) associated with coordinates (e.g., average loading amount).

[0124] The processor (342) may be configured to transmit coordinate-associated measurement data (CMD) and compressed measurement data (PMD) to the roll map controller (351). The roll map controller (351) may be configured to transmit coordinate-associated measurement data (CMD) and compressed measurement data (PMD) to the process controller (352).

[0125] Coordinate-associated measurement data (CMD) and compressed measurement data (PMD) transmitted to the process controller (352) can be transmitted to the server (100). A relay server (not shown) that relays data communication between the process controller (352) and the server (100) may be provided.

[0126] The process controller (352) may be configured to control the operation of the unwinder (311), rewinder (313), and coater (330). The process controller (352) may be configured to generate signals for the operation and discontinuation of the unwinder (311), rewinder (313), and coater (330). The signals for the operation and discontinuation of the unwinder (311), rewinder (313), and coater (330) may be generated based on a body containing details of a product ID and a manufacturing recipe.

[0127] The opening and closing signal of the slurry discharge valve (not shown) of the coater (330) can be transmitted to the process controller (352).

[0128]

[0129] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the server (100) may include a communication unit (101), a roll map generation unit (102), a storage unit (103), a slurry ID collection unit (110), a lot ID storage unit (120), and an ID matching unit (130).

[0130] The server (100) may include a communication unit (101). The communication unit (101) can transmit and receive data with the slurry manufacturing device (200) and the slurry coating device (300). Specifically, the communication unit (101) can receive data regarding the total amount of slurry produced in a batch and the slurry ID assigned to the slurry batch from the slurry manufacturing control unit (260) of the slurry manufacturing device (200). Additionally, the communication unit (101) can receive coordinate data (CD), coordinate-associated measurement data (CMD), and compressed measurement data (PMD) required for roll map generation from the integrated controller (350) of the slurry coating device (300).

[0131] The roll map generation unit (102) can generate a roll map based on data collected through the roll map controller (351) and the process controller (352). The roll map may include data regarding the specifications of the electrode sheet. The specifications of the electrode sheet may include, for example, the electrode lot ID, the width of the sheet material, and the material and composition used in processing the sheet material. The roll map may also include data regarding the loading amount measurement data or average loading amount measurement data for a part section or the entire section, and data regarding the length of the electrode sheet actually produced in the coating process.

[0132] According to exemplary embodiments, the server (100) may be a data processing system that supports all activities necessary to manage the manufacturing of secondary batteries, such as work schedule management, work instructions, quality control, and work performance aggregation. The server (100) may be, for example, a Manufacturing Execution System (MES). The server (100) may be configured to perform input, processing, output, and communication of data necessary for electrode manufacturing, such as coating processes, press processes, and manufacturing processes.

[0133] The server (100) can generate a visualization command to visualize a roll map. The server (100) can transmit the visualization command to a display device not shown, and the display device can visualize the roll map as in FIG. 3 and display the visualized roll map.

[0134] The server (100) may also include a storage unit (103). Roll map data transmitted from the roll map generation unit (102) may be stored in the storage unit (103). The roll map data may include data regarding the average loading amount of the electrode slurry coated on the electrode sheet described above. Additionally, the roll map data may also include length data of the electrode sheet produced by completing coating and winding.

[0135] The storage unit (103) may also contain reference information for manufacturing electrodes.

[0136] The above reference information may include information regarding the number of coated electrode sheets (i.e., winding rolls of the said electrode sheets) that must be produced in one batch of slurry for each electrode model.

[0137] One or multiple winding rolls can be produced from one batch. That is, the ratio of batch to winding roll can be 1:1. The ratio of batch to winding roll can be 1:10, 1:20, 1:30, or 1:40, but is not limited thereto.

[0138] The reference information may also include information regarding the distribution ratio of the coating amount to each layer when multiple slurry coating layers are formed on the electrode sheet. For example, when upper and lower coating layers are formed on at least one surface of the electrode sheet, the ratio of the electrode slurry coating amount distributed to the upper and lower layers may be 6:4, or 7:3, or 8:2. The ratio of the electrode slurry coating amount distributed to the upper and lower layers may be 4:6, or 3:7, or 2:8. However, the above ratios are not limited to those described above.

[0139] Reference information may include a reference loading amount. The reference loading amount is a loading amount specification defined for each electrode model or a loading amount that satisfies the said specification. The thickness or volume of the electrode slurry coating amount (loading amount) of the positive and negative electrodes included in the battery being produced is predetermined for each product model. Accordingly, the server (100) can determine whether there is excessive, normal, or insufficient loading for a part or the entire section of the electrode sheet by comparing the reference loading amount stored in the storage unit (103) with the actual loading amount or average loading amount coated on the electrode sheet. The reference loading amount may be expressed as the amount of coating material per unit area or the amount of coating material per unit volume of the electrode sheet (ES) defined for each electrode model.

[0140] The storage unit (103) may also store information regarding the opening and closing signal of the slurry discharge valve transmitted from the coater (330). By detecting the opening and closing signal of the slurry discharge valve, it is possible to determine whether the electrode slurry is being discharged onto the sheet in a specific section of the electrode sheet (ES). If the signal of the slurry discharge valve is an open signal, it is known that the slurry is being discharged normally in that section and slurry coating is being performed. If the signal of the slurry discharge valve is a closed signal, it is known that the slurry is not being discharged in that section and slurry coating is not being performed. The process controller (352) may receive such slurry discharge valve opening and closing signals from the coater (330) and transmit them to the server (100). The opening and closing signals may be stored in the storage unit (103) of the server (100) along with the time value data at which the signal was acquired.

[0141] The server (100) may include a slurry ID collection unit (110), a lot ID storage unit (120), and an ID matching unit (130) for ID matching.

[0142] The server (100) may include a slurry ID collection unit (110) configured to collect data regarding a slurry ID assigned to a batch of electrode slurry and a total amount of electrode slurry corresponding to the slurry ID.

[0143] The slurry ID collection unit (110) may include a first slurry ID collection unit (111) and a second slurry ID collection unit (112).

[0144] Providing a large number of slurry ID collection units corresponding to each batch within the server can increase the amount of processing processors and memory required. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, by providing only two slurry ID collection units (111, 112) within the server (100) and enabling the slurry ID of each slurry ID collection unit to be updated, the amount of resources required can be reduced.

[0145] Accordingly, the information of the first slurry ID collection unit (111) and the second slurry ID collection unit (112) can be updated.

[0146] The first slurry ID collection unit (111) can collect data regarding the total amount of electrode slurry corresponding to ID 1 and the slurry ID (e.g., ID 1) that was first collected from the slurry manufacturing control unit (260) or the communication unit (101).

[0147] The second slurry ID collection unit (112) can collect data regarding the next sequence slurry ID (e.g., ID 2) and the total amount of electrode slurry corresponding to ID 2 from the slurry manufacturing control unit (260) or the communication unit (101). The second slurry ID collection unit (112) may be a buffer slurry ID collection unit.

[0148] In this way, each slurry ID collection unit can update the information of the collected slurry (slurry ID and total amount of slurry) whenever a new slurry ID is collected.

[0149] For example, the first slurry ID collection unit (111) can collect ID 1, the second slurry ID collection unit (112) can collect ID 2, the first slurry ID collection unit can collect ID 3, and the second slurry ID collection unit can collect the slurry ID of ID 4. That is, each slurry ID collection unit can collect slurry IDs alternately. When the first slurry ID collection unit (111) collects a new slurry ID (e.g., ID 3), it can delete the previously collected slurry ID (e.g., ID 1) and update it with the new slurry ID, ID 3. When the second slurry ID collection unit (112) collects a new slurry ID (e.g., ID 4), it can delete the previously collected slurry ID (e.g., ID 2) and update it with the new slurry ID, ID 4.

[0150] In this way, by providing two slurry ID collection units, slurry IDs (ID 1, ID2, ID3, ID4) produced in the slurry manufacturing device (100) can be continuously collected.

[0151] The lot ID storage unit (120) can store an electrode lot ID assigned to a winding roll of an electrode sheet (ES) coated with an electrode slurry.

[0152] An electrode lot ID can be assigned to a winding roll when the winding of the electrode sheet is completed and the winding roll is completed. When the winding roll is completed, the process controller (352) can assign an electrode lot ID to the winding roll. Alternatively, the server (100) that receives a report of the completion of the winding roll from the process controller (352) can assign the electrode lot ID.

[0153] The lot ID storage unit (120) can store the electrode lot ID of each winding roll whenever a winding roll is completed in the slurry coating device (300).

[0154] The ID matching unit (130) may be configured to match the electrode lot ID to the slurry ID based on the remaining amount of electrode slurry calculated by subtracting the amount of electrode slurry used for coating from the total amount of electrode slurry.

[0155] Even if the ID of the electrode slurry continuously produced in the mixer (210) is changed, if the electrode lot ID corresponding to the ID is not matched or if the electrode lot ID is matched to the slurry ID before the change, the reliability of quality tracking is reduced.

[0156] In addition, when an operator matches the electrode lot ID and the slurry ID, a mismatch between the slurry ID and the electrode lot ID may occur due to the limitations of manual work.

[0157] This document applies a so-called slurry usage deduction logic as disclosed in FIG. 7 to automatically achieve accurate ID matching.

[0158] That is, the remaining amount of electrode slurry is calculated by subtracting the amount of electrode slurry used for coating at the time of completion of the current winding roll from the total amount of electrode slurry corresponding to the slurry ID of one batch.

[0159] For example, if the total amount of electrode slurry produced in one batch from the mixer (210) is 2000 kg and the amount of electrode slurry used to produce one winding roll is 100 kg, then theoretically, 20 winding rolls can be manufactured with one batch of electrode slurry. In this case, 20 electrode lot IDs can be matched to one slurry ID.

[0160] As described above, the reference information may include information regarding the ratio of one batch of slurry and the winding roll to be produced by one batch of slurry for each electrode model.

[0161] However, depending on the manufacturing conditions in the actual slurry coating device (300), the amount of slurry loaded onto the electrode sheet may vary. Alternatively, the length of the electrode sheet being coated may vary due to unforeseen causes, such as the removal of defective parts.

[0162] Therefore, the actual amount of electrode slurry used in the slurry coating device (300) may not be constant.

[0163] In light of this case, the remaining amount of electrode slurry can be accurately calculated by subtracting the actual amount of electrode slurry used from the total amount of electrode slurry. As described above, the amount of electrode slurry used can be measured by a loading amount measuring instrument (340).

[0164] The ID matching unit (110) may further include a slurry remaining amount calculation unit (131) for calculating the remaining amount of electrode slurry. Alternatively, the slurry remaining amount calculation unit (131) may be provided separately from the ID matching unit (110).

[0165] The ID matching unit (110) may include a matching execution unit (132) that performs ID matching.

[0166] The slurry remaining amount calculation unit (131) can receive the total amount of electrode slurry of the corresponding batch corresponding to the slurry ID from the first slurry ID collection unit (111).

[0167] The slurry remaining amount calculation unit (131) can obtain the amount of electrode slurry used for coating from the roll map generation unit (102) or the storage unit (103).

[0168] The slurry remaining amount calculation unit (131) can calculate the remaining amount of electrode slurry by subtracting the amount of electrode slurry used from the total amount of electrode slurry and report the remaining amount to the matching execution unit (132).

[0169] The matching execution unit (132) matches the electrode lot ID assigned to the winding roll of the electrode sheet currently coated and wound with the slurry ID when the slurry remaining amount is not zero.

[0170] In this way, the matching execution unit (132) can repeatedly match one or more electrode lot IDs assigned to one or more of the winding rolls that are completed until the calculated electrode slurry residue becomes 0 to the slurry IDs.

[0171] After the remaining amount of the electrode slurry becomes zero, the electrode lot ID assigned to the winding roll that is completed thereafter can be matched with the slurry ID that is next in sequence to the slurry ID.

[0172] As described above, since electrode slurries are continuously produced in the mixer (210), while the electrode slurry corresponding to the previous sequence slurry ID is being used in the slurry coating device (300), data regarding the next sequence slurry ID and the total amount of the slurry can be reported to the second slurry ID collection unit (112).

[0173] The matching execution unit (132) can match the next sequence slurry ID collected by the second slurry ID collection unit (112) to the electrode lot ID of the completed winding roll after the slurry remaining amount becomes 0.

[0174] Afterwards, a slurry reduction logic is applied to subtract the amount of electrode slurry used for coating from the total amount of electrode slurry corresponding to the next sequence slurry ID.

[0175] That is, the matching execution unit (132) matches the next sequence slurry ID to one or more electrode lot IDs assigned to one or more winding rolls that are completed until the remaining amount of the next sequence electrode slurry becomes 0.

[0176] The matching execution unit (132) can match the electrode lot ID assigned to the winding roll that is completed after the remaining amount of the next sequence electrode slurry becomes 0 with the slurry ID of the next sequence of the next sequence. In this case, data regarding the slurry ID of the next sequence and the total amount thereof can be collected in the first slurry ID collection unit (111).

[0177] In this way, the document can accurately match the slurry ID and the electrode lot ID by means of a slurry subtraction logic that subtracts the actual amount of electrode slurry used from the total amount of electrode slurry.

[0178] The amount of electrode slurry used in the subtraction logic can be calculated based on the average loading amount of the electrode slurry.

[0179] As described above, the roll map data may include data regarding the average loading amount of electrode slurry coated on the electrode sheet and the length of the electrode sheet after winding is completed.

[0180] The roll map data may include data regarding the length (unwinding amount) of the electrode sheet actually wound in the rewinder, excluding parts removed due to defects. Additionally, the roll map data may include average loading amount data measured by a loading amount measuring instrument.

[0181] Therefore, the actual amount of electrode slurry used can be calculated by multiplying the average loading amount of electrode slurry coated on the electrode sheet by the length of the electrode sheet after coating.

[0182] In this way, the slurry remaining amount calculation unit (131) can calculate the amount of electrode slurry used.

[0183]

[0184] Figure 3 is an example of a roll map showing missing slurry loading amount data.

[0185] Figure 3 shows a roll map of the upper surface (T) of the electrode sheet and a roll map of the lower surface (B) of the electrode sheet.

[0186] Coordinates are displayed at the bottom of the roll map, and the loading amount for each coordinate can be indicated by color, hatching, patterns, etc.

[0187] As indicated in the square box of Figure 3, when measuring the slurry loading amount using a loading amount measuring instrument, there is inevitably a section where the acquisition of loading amount or average loading amount data is omitted.

[0188] For example, loading amount data may not be measured for certain sections due to a temporary malfunction of the loading amount meter or during self-diagnosis. Alternatively, loading amount data may not be properly measured if an abnormal case occurs due to an unexpected failure or cause during electrode sheet movement. Furthermore, due to the mechanical limitations of a swing-type loading amount meter that measures the loading amount by scanning along the width of the electrode sheet, the loading amount for a portion of the electrode sheet may not be measured. However, the causes of missing loading amount data are not limited to these factors.

[0189] Even if loading amount data is missing, if this missing loading amount is not properly reflected in the slurry usage, the remaining electrode slurry amount may be calculated incorrectly. If ID matching is performed based on the incorrectly calculated remaining slurry amount, the matching between the electrode lot ID and the slurry ID may be inaccurate.

[0190] This document can improve the accuracy of calculating the remaining slurry amount by reflecting the electrode slurry usage even when loading amount data is missing. By means of the data missing section correction logic described below, the actual amount of slurry used and the remaining slurry amount can be accurately calculated. Accordingly, ID matching consistency can be improved.

[0191] For example, if data omission of the average loading amount occurs for one or more sections of the electrode sheet, the amount of electrode slurry used can be adjusted according to the opening and closing signal of the slurry discharge valve.

[0192] A slurry discharge valve may be provided in the coater (330) of the slurry coating device. As described above, the opening and closing signal of the slurry discharge valve may be transmitted to the server (100) through the process controller (352) along with the time value data obtained from the signal.

[0193] Specifically, the amount of electrode slurry used to calculate the remaining amount of electrode slurry can be adjusted according to the opening and closing signal of the slurry discharge valve provided in the coater (330) of the slurry coating device (300) when coating the section of the electrode sheet where the above data omission occurred.

[0194] The opening and closing signal of the slurry discharge valve when coating the section of the electrode sheet where data omission occurred can be obtained by the following.

[0195] As shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that the coater (330) and the loading amount meter (340) are separated by a predetermined distance S.

[0196] When the time when the slurry is coated in the coater (330) is t1, the time when the loading amount is measured in the loading amount measuring instrument (340) is t2, and the electrode sheet moving speed is v, the following relationship holds.

[0197] S = v × (t2-t1)… Equation 1

[0198] t1=t2-(S / v) … Equation 2

[0199] Since the loading amount measurement time, i.e., the time t2 at which the loading amount data is missing, the distance S, and the moving speed v are all known, t1 can be calculated by the above Equation 2. That is, t1 can be said to be the point in time when the section of the electrode sheet corresponding to t2, at which the data is missing, is coated.

[0200] At time t2, when data on the slurry loading amount is missing, when coating the section of the electrode sheet where the data is missing, that is, when the signal of the slurry discharge valve at t1 is an open signal, it can be seen that slurry discharge from the coater (330) was performed normally. In this case, if it is assumed that the slurry was not used due to the data missing, the actual amount of slurry used is calculated inaccurately. Consequently, the matching consistency of the ID is reduced.

[0201] Therefore, when the signal of the above-mentioned slurry discharge valve is an open signal, the so-called virtual loading amount can be considered as the slurry loading amount of the corresponding section.

[0202] The virtual loading amount can be defined as a loading amount calculated by multiplying the preset reference loading amount of the electrode sheet (ES) by the length of the missing section.

[0203] The slurry remaining amount calculation unit (131) can calculate a virtual loading amount by multiplying, for example, the reference loading amount information stored in the storage unit (103) and the length of the loading amount omission section transmitted from the integrated controller (350).

[0204] The slurry remaining amount calculation unit (131) can calculate the electrode slurry remaining amount by including a virtual loading amount in the slurry usage amount and subtracting the slurry usage amount including the virtual loading amount from the total amount of electrode slurry.

[0205] The matching execution unit can match the electrode lot ID to the slurry ID based on the remaining amount of electrode slurry reflecting the virtual loading amount.

[0206] Accordingly, ID matching consistency can be improved.

[0207] Meanwhile, when coating a section of the electrode sheet where data is missing, if the signal of the slurry discharge valve is a closed signal, it can be said that the electrode slurry was not actually loaded in the data-missing section. Therefore, if the signal of the slurry discharge valve is a closed signal, the amount of slurry loaded in the missing section may not be included in the amount of electrode slurry used. In this case, the slurry remaining amount calculation unit (131) can calculate the remaining amount of electrode slurry by setting the amount of slurry loaded in the missing section to 0. The matching execution unit can match the electrode lot ID to the slurry ID based on the remaining amount of electrode slurry.

[0208] In this way, according to the present embodiment, even if there is a loss of loading amount data, the amount of slurry used can be calculated accurately based on the opening and closing signal of the slurry discharge valve, so that ID matching compatibility can be further improved.

[0209]

[0210] Figure 4 shows that the slurry ID and the electrode lot ID are matched.

[0211] For example, IDs can be matched based on the slurry ID @1 and total amount of slurry collected in the first slurry ID collection unit (111), and the electrode lot ID (#1,,,,,#40) stored in the lot ID storage unit (120).

[0212] The amount of electrode slurry used when completing the winding roll of each electrode lot ID is subtracted from the total amount of slurry to calculate the remaining amount, and the electrode lot ID and slurry ID can be matched based on the remaining amount.

[0213] If the remaining amount of slurry after deducting the amount of electrode slurry used when completing the winding roll corresponding to electrode lot ID #1 is not zero, the electrode lot ID of #1 is matched to slurry ID @1.

[0214] This matching process is repeated until the slurry residue becomes zero, so that 20 electrode lot IDs are matched to slurry ID @1 as shown in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the slurry residue becomes zero when the winding roll corresponding to electrode lot ID #20 is completed.

[0215] The winding roll of electrode lot ID #21, which is completed after the slurry residue becomes zero, is matched to the next sequence of slurry ID @2. This matching can be repeated until the slurry residue, calculated by subtracting the electrode slurry usage from the total amount of slurry of slurry ID @2, becomes zero.

[0216] The ID matching in Fig. 4 is merely an example, and the number of electrode lot IDs matched to each slurry ID may vary depending on the amount of slurry used. Additionally, the matching relationship between the slurry ID and the electrode lot ID may vary depending on the amount of slurry used, which changes when loading amount data is missing.

[0217] In any case, according to this document, the electrode lot ID can be accurately matched to the slurry ID through the slurry subtraction logic and data omission correction logic described above.

[0218]

[0219] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing that two layers of slurry are coated on each side of an electrode sheet, and FIG. 6 shows that the slurry ID and the electrode lot ID match when the two layers of slurry are coated in FIG. 5.

[0220] To improve battery properties, two or more coatings may be applied to one or both sides of an electrode sheet (ES). The composition or type of electrode slurry loaded into each layer may differ. Accordingly, the slurry ID of each layer may also differ.

[0221] The slurry subtraction logic and data omission correction logic of this document can also be applied to such multilayer coatings.

[0222] Referring to FIG. 5, two layers of slurry coating are applied to the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode sheet (ES), respectively. The coating layer (T) on the upper surface may include an upper coating layer (TU) and a lower coating layer (TL), and the coating layer (B) on the lower surface may include an upper coating layer (BU) and a lower coating layer (BL).

[0223] The type of slurry coated on each layer may differ. That is, in this case, four slurry IDs may correspond to one electrode sheet.

[0224] Alternatively, the slurry of the upper coating layer (TU) on the upper surface and the upper coating layer (BU) on the lower surface may be the same, and the slurry of the lower coating layer (TL) on the upper surface and the lower coating layer (BL) on the lower surface may be the same.

[0225] In this case, two slurry IDs can correspond to one electrode sheet.

[0226] The above ID matching unit can match one electrode lot ID to each layer's slurry ID.

[0227] The slurry ID of each layer and the total amount of slurry of each layer can be transmitted from the slurry manufacturing device (100) to the server (100). In this case, the slurry ID of each layer and the total amount can be collected in the slurry ID collection unit (110). For example, if there are two types of slurry applied to the electrode sheet, two slurry IDs, or if there are four types of slurry applied to the electrode sheet, four slurry IDs can be collected in the first slurry ID collection unit (111).

[0228] The electrode lot ID can be stored in the lot ID storage unit (120).

[0229] In this case, the loading amount measuring instrument (340) can measure the average loading amount of the total slurry used for electrode coating on one or both sides of the electrode sheet. The acquired average usage data can be stored in the roll map generating unit (102) or the storage unit (103).

[0230] The slurry remaining amount calculation unit (131) can obtain the electrode slurry usage amount of each layer by distributing the total slurry usage amount into electrode slurry usage amounts of each layer according to a preset distribution ratio.

[0231] As described above, the reference information stored in the storage unit (103) may include information regarding the distribution ratio of the coating amount to each layer when forming a plurality of slurry coating layers. For example, the ratio of the electrode slurry coating amount distributed to the upper layer and the lower layer may be 6:4, or 7:3, or 8:2.

[0232] Accordingly, the slurry remaining amount calculation unit (131) can distribute the total amount of slurry used acquired according to a predetermined distribution ratio to the upper coating layer and the lower coating layer.

[0233] The slurry remaining amount calculation unit (131) can calculate the slurry remaining amount for each layer by subtracting the slurry usage of each layer calculated from the total amount of slurry for each layer.

[0234] The matching execution unit (132) can match a slurry ID corresponding to each layer to one electrode lot ID based on the remaining amount of slurry in each layer.

[0235] In FIG. 6, it is shown that the ID (@1) of the electrode slurry corresponding to the upper coating layer coated on both sides of the electrode sheet and the ID ($1) of the electrode slurry corresponding to the lower coating layer coated on both sides of the electrode sheet are matched to the electrode lot ID.

[0236] In this case, the matching process can be repeated according to the subtraction logic until the remaining amount of slurry in each layer becomes 0. After the remaining amount of slurry in each layer becomes 0, the electrode lot ID of the completed winding roll is matched with the slurry ID of each layer in the next sequence (@2,$2).

[0237] In Fig. 6, it is assumed that the slurry coated on the upper surface of each side of the electrode sheet is the same, and the slurry coated on the lower surface of each side is the same. However, even if the types of slurries coated on the four layers of the electrode sheet are all different and there are four slurry IDs, the slurry ID can be matched to the electrode lot ID in the same way as above.

[0238] In addition, the data omission correction logic described above can also be applied to multilayer coatings of two or more layers.

[0239]

[0240] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process of matching the electrode coat ID and the slurry ID by calculating the remaining slurry amount.

[0241] A battery manufacturing method according to one embodiment of the present document is,

[0242] A step (S10) of collecting data regarding a slurry ID assigned to a batch of electrode slurries and the total amount of electrode slurries corresponding to the slurry ID;

[0243] A step (S20) of assigning an electrode lot ID to a winding roll of an electrode sheet coated with the electrode slurry; and

[0244] The method may include the step (S30, S40, S50, S60) of matching the electrode lot ID to the slurry ID based on the remaining amount of electrode slurry calculated by subtracting the amount of electrode slurry used for coating from the total amount of electrode slurry.

[0245] In step S10, data regarding the slurry ID and the total amount of electrode slurry corresponding to the slurry ID may be collected. The data regarding the slurry ID and the total amount of slurry may be transmitted from the slurry manufacturing device (200) to the slurry ID collection unit (110) of the server (100). The slurry manufacturing control unit (260) of the slurry manufacturing device (200) may receive a report on the total amount of slurry and the ID of the slurry when a batch of slurry is manufactured in the mixer (210). Alternatively, the slurry manufacturing control unit (260) may assign a slurry ID to the slurry of the manufactured batch. The slurry manufacturing control unit (260) may acquire the slurry ID of the slurry supplied from the mixer to the supply tank (250) by a predetermined slurry ID tracking algorithm and transmit it to the server.

[0246] After the slurry of the first sequence number slurry ID is manufactured in the mixer, the slurry of the next sequence number slurry ID can be continuously produced in the mixer. Data regarding the next sequence number slurry ID and the total amount of slurry can also be transmitted from the slurry manufacturing device (200) to the slurry ID collection unit (110) of the server (100).

[0247] In step S20, an electrode lot ID may be assigned to the winding roll of the electrode sheet coated with the electrode slurry. The integrated controller (350) or process controller (351) of the slurry coating device (300) may assign an electrode lot ID to the winding roll when the winding of the electrode sheet is completed and the winding roll is completed. Alternatively, the server (100) may assign the electrode lot ID upon receiving a report of the completion of the winding roll from the process controller (352).

[0248] The lot ID storage unit (120) of the server (100) can store the electrode lot ID of each winding roll whenever a winding roll is completed in the slurry coating device (300).

[0249] Steps S30 to S60 correspond to the step of matching the electrode lot ID to the slurry ID.

[0250] In the battery manufacturing method of this embodiment, IDs can be matched using slurry subtraction logic.

[0251] Based on the remaining amount of electrode slurry calculated above, the method may include the step (S30, S40, S50, S60) of matching the electrode lot ID to the slurry ID.

[0252] In step S30, the remaining amount of electrode slurry is calculated by subtracting the amount of electrode slurry used for the coating from the total amount of electrode slurry.

[0253] The amount of slurry used can be calculated by multiplying the average loading amount of the electrode slurry measured by the loading amount measuring instrument by the length of the electrode sheet that has been wound. The slurry remaining amount calculation unit (131) of the server (100) can obtain the average loading amount and the length of the electrode sheet based on data received from the integrated controller (340) of the slurry coating device (300). If data omission of the average loading amount occurs for one or more sections of the electrode sheet, the slurry remaining amount calculation unit (131) can adjust the amount of slurry used by the data omission section correction logic.

[0254] For example, the amount of electrode slurry used to calculate the remaining amount of electrode slurry can be adjusted according to the opening and closing signal of the slurry discharge valve equipped in the coater of the slurry coating device when coating a section of the electrode sheet where data omission has occurred.

[0255] When the signal of the above slurry discharge valve is an open signal,

[0256] The slurry remaining amount calculation unit (131) can include the electrode slurry usage amount by calculating a virtual loading amount by multiplying the preset standard loading amount of the electrode sheet by the length of the omitted section as the electrode slurry loading amount of the omitted section.

[0257] The standard loading amount can be stored as one of the standard information in the storage unit (103) of the server (100).

[0258] When the signal of the above slurry discharge valve is a closed signal,

[0259] The slurry loading amount of the above omitted section may not be included in the electrode slurry usage amount.

[0260] Even when loading amount data is missing, the slurry remaining amount calculation unit (131) of the ID matching unit (130) can calculate the electrode slurry remaining amount more accurately by referring to the opening / closing signal of the slurry discharge valve and more strictly reflecting the actual amount of electrode slurry used.

[0261] In step S40, it is possible to check whether the remaining amount of electrode slurry is 0.

[0262] If the remaining amount is not zero, in step S50, the matching execution unit (132) of the ID matching unit (130) can match the collected slurry ID to the stored electrode lot ID.

[0263] The electrode lot ID assignment (S20), calculation of remaining slurry amount (S30), checking whether the remaining amount is 0 (S40), and matching of the electrode lot ID and slurry ID (S50) can be repeated until the calculated remaining electrode slurry amount becomes 0.

[0264] Accordingly, one or more electrode lot IDs assigned to one or more winding rolls that are completed until the calculated electrode slurry residue becomes zero can be matched to the slurry IDs.

[0265] Information regarding the ratio of one batch of slurry and the winding rolls to be produced with one batch of slurry is determined for each electrode model. Accordingly, one or multiple electrode lot IDs can be matched to one slurry ID according to the above ratio.

[0266] In step S40, if the slurry remaining amount becomes 0, in step S60, the electrode lot ID of the winding roll manufactured thereafter can be matched to the slurry ID of the next sequence.

[0267] The slurry ID of the next sequence and the total amount of slurry of the corresponding batch can be collected in the buffer slurry ID collection unit of the slurry ID collection unit (110), for example, the second slurry ID collection unit (112).

[0268] When step S60 is completed, the slurry deduction logic of this document is basically terminated. However, the matching of the next sequence slurry ID and electrode lot ID may also continue until the remaining amount of the next sequence slurry becomes 0.

[0269] In the case of a multilayer coating in which two or more layers of coating are applied to at least one surface of the electrode sheet, the calculation of the remaining amount of electrode slurry can be performed for each electrode slurry of each layer. In this case, the electrode lot ID can be matched to each slurry ID of each layer. For example, the matching execution unit (132) of the ID matching unit (130) can match each layer's slurry ID to one electrode lot ID.

[0270] The electrode slurry usage of each layer can be obtained by distributing the total slurry usage used for electrode coating on one side of the electrode sheet into electrode slurry usage of each layer according to a preset distribution ratio. For example, the slurry remaining amount calculation unit (131) can obtain the slurry usage of each layer by distributing the slurry usage according to the above distribution ratio when calculating the slurry usage.

[0271] The slurry subtraction logic and data omission correction logic of this document can also be applied to such multilayer coatings.

[0272]

[0273] Referring to FIG. 1, when the coating and winding of the electrode sheet (ES) are completed and the second electrode roll (ER2) is completed, an electrode lot ID is assigned to the second electrode roll (ER2). Specifically, an electrode lot ID may be assigned when the winding is completed and the electrode sheet is cut.

[0274] The second electrode roll (ER2), i.e., the winding roll, may have an electrode lot ID that matches a slurry ID assigned to a batch of the electrode slurry. The electrode lot ID may be displayed on the winding roll in the form of an electronic identification code, such as a barcode or QR code. Alternatively, a label with the electrode lot ID printed on it may be physically attached to the winding roll.

[0275] The electrode lot ID can be matched to the slurry ID based on the remaining amount of electrode slurry calculated by subtracting the amount of electrode slurry used for the coating from the total amount of electrode slurry corresponding to the slurry ID.

[0276]

[0277] FIG. 8 illustrates a computing system that executes a method of operation of a server according to one embodiment disclosed in this document.

[0278] Referring to FIG. 8, a computing system (20) according to one embodiment may include a controller (21), memory (22), an input / output device (23), and a communication interface (24).

[0279] The above controller (21) may be, for example, a microcontroller (MCU). A microcontroller is a miniature controller that incorporates minimal computing elements, such as a processor, memory, and an input / output bus, into an integrated circuit, and typically refers to a computing device designed for embedded applications. In some embodiments, the processor may include both a CPU and a GPU.

[0280] The controller (21) executes various programs stored in the memory (22) (slurry usage calculation program, slurry remaining amount calculation program, electrode lot ID and slurry ID matching program, etc.) and can perform the functions of the server (100) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 through these programs.

[0281] Memory (22) can store various programs described above. Multiple memory units (22) may be provided as needed. Memory (22) may include volatile memory such as RAM and / or non-volatile memory such as ROM and storage media. Examples of storage media include solid-state storage media (e.g., solid-state drives and / or removable flash memory), optical storage media (e.g., optical discs), and magnetic storage media (e.g., hard disk drives). The memory (22) listed above is merely an example and is not limited thereto.

[0282] The input / output device (23) may include an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, and an output device such as a display (not shown).

[0283] An input / output interface (not shown) may be provided to connect the input / output device (23) and the controller (21) and to enable the transmission and reception of data.

[0284] The communication interface (24) is configured to enable the transmission and reception of various data between the server and other devices, and may be various devices capable of supporting wired or wireless communication. Through the communication interface (24), various programs or various data can be transmitted and received between the slurry manufacturing device (200) and the slurry coating device (300) and the server (100) for calculating the remaining amount of slurry and ID matching.

[0285] A method of operation of a server or a method of manufacturing a battery according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may be recorded in memory (22) and executed by a controller (21).

[0286] The components of the above-described computing system (20) can be connected to each other through one or more buses (25).

[0287] The present document has been described in more detail above through drawings and examples. However, the configurations described in the drawings or examples described in this specification are merely one example of the present document and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present document; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0288] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0289] 10: Battery Manufacturing System

[0290] 20: Computing Systems

[0291] 100: Server

[0292] 101: Communications Department

[0293] 102: Roll Map Generation Section

[0294] 103: Storage section

[0295] 110: Slurry ID Collection Unit

[0296] 120: Lot ID Storage

[0297] 130: ID Matching Section

[0298] 200: Slurry manufacturing device

[0299] 210: Mixer

[0300] 220: Main Tank

[0301] 230: Storage tank

[0302] 240: Transfer tank

[0303] 250: Supply tank

[0304] 260: Slurry manufacturing control unit

[0305] 300: Slurry coating device

[0306] 311: Unwinder

[0307] 321: 1st Rotary Encoder

[0308] 313: Rewinder

[0309] 323: Second rotary encoder

[0310] 330: Cotter

[0311] 340: Loading amount meter

[0312] 350: Integrated Controller

[0313] 351: LoL Map Controller

[0314] 352: Process Controller

Claims

1. A slurry ID collection unit configured to collect data regarding a slurry ID assigned to a batch of electrode slurry and the total amount of electrode slurry corresponding to the slurry ID; A lot ID storage unit storing an electrode lot ID assigned to a winding roll of an electrode sheet coated with the electrode slurry; and A server comprising an ID matching unit configured to match the electrode lot ID to the slurry ID based on the remaining amount of electrode slurry calculated by subtracting the amount of electrode slurry used for the coating from the total amount of electrode slurry.

2. In Paragraph 1, A server configured to calculate the amount of electrode slurry used by multiplying the average loading amount of the electrode slurry coated on the electrode sheet by the length of the electrode sheet after winding is completed.

3. In Paragraph 1, The ID matching unit is a server configured to match one or more electrode lot IDs assigned to one or more winding rolls that are completed until the calculated electrode slurry residue becomes zero, to the slurry ID.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above ID matching unit is a server configured to match the electrode lot ID assigned to the winding roll completed after the electrode slurry remaining amount becomes 0 with the slurry ID of the next sequence number of the above slurry ID.

5. In Paragraph 2, If data omission of the average loading amount occurs for one or more sections of the electrode sheet, A server configured to adjust the amount of electrode slurry used to calculate the remaining amount of electrode slurry according to the opening and closing signal of a slurry discharge valve provided in a coater of a slurry coating device when coating a section of an electrode sheet where the above data omission occurred.

6. In Paragraph 5, When the signal of the above slurry discharge valve is an open signal, A server configured to include a virtual loading amount calculated by multiplying the preset reference loading amount of the electrode sheet and the length of the missing section as the electrode slurry loading amount of the missing section in the electrode slurry usage amount.

7. In Paragraph 5, A server configured such that when the signal of the above slurry discharge valve is a closed signal, the slurry loading amount of the above omitted section is not included in the electrode slurry usage amount.

8. In Paragraph 1, When two or more layers of coating are applied to at least one surface of the electrode sheet, the calculation of the remaining amount of the electrode slurry is performed for each electrode slurry of each layer, and The above ID matching unit is a server configured to match the electrode lot ID to the slurry ID of each layer.

9. In Paragraph 12, A server configured to acquire the electrode slurry usage of each layer by distributing the total slurry usage used for electrode coating on one side of the electrode sheet into electrode slurry usage of each layer according to a preset distribution ratio.

10. A server described in any one of paragraphs 1 through 9; An electrode slurry manufacturing apparatus that manufactures one batch of electrode slurry and transmits data regarding a slurry ID assigned to the batch of electrode slurry and the total amount of the one batch of electrode slurry to a slurry ID collection unit; and A battery manufacturing system comprising a slurry coating device that coats an electrode slurry supplied from the electrode slurry manufacturing device onto a sheet material and winds it to manufacture a winding roll of an electrode sheet.

11. A step of collecting data regarding a slurry ID assigned to a batch of electrode slurries and the total amount of electrode slurry corresponding to the slurry ID; A step of assigning an electrode lot ID to a winding roll of an electrode sheet coated with the electrode slurry; and A battery manufacturing method comprising the step of matching the electrode lot ID to the slurry ID based on the remaining amount of electrode slurry calculated by subtracting the amount of electrode slurry used for coating from the total amount of electrode slurry.

12. In Paragraph 11, A battery manufacturing method in which the amount of electrode slurry used is calculated by multiplying the average loading amount of electrode slurry coated on the electrode sheet by the length of the electrode sheet after winding is completed.

13. In Paragraph 11, A battery manufacturing method for matching one or more electrode lot IDs assigned to one or more winding rolls that are completed until the remaining amount of the electrode slurry calculated above becomes zero, to the slurry ID.

14. In Paragraph 11, A battery manufacturing method in which the electrode lot ID assigned to the winding roll completed after the remaining amount of the electrode slurry becomes zero corresponds to the slurry ID in the next sequence of the above slurry ID.

15. In Paragraph 12, If data omission of the average loading amount occurs for one or more sections of the electrode sheet, A battery manufacturing method for adjusting the amount of electrode slurry used to calculate the remaining amount of electrode slurry according to an opening / closing signal of a slurry discharge valve provided in a coater of a slurry coating device when coating a section of an electrode sheet where the above data omission occurred.

16. In Paragraph 15, When the signal of the above slurry discharge valve is an open signal, A battery manufacturing method that includes a virtual loading amount calculated by multiplying the preset reference loading amount of the electrode sheet by the length of the omitted section as the electrode slurry loading amount of the omitted section, and includes this virtual loading amount in the electrode slurry usage amount.

17. In Paragraph 15, When the signal of the above slurry discharge valve is a closed signal, A battery manufacturing method in which the slurry loading amount of the above omitted section is not included in the electrode slurry usage amount.

18. In Paragraph 11, When two or more layers of coating are applied to at least one surface of the electrode sheet, The calculation of the remaining amount of the electrode slurry above is performed for each electrode slurry of each layer, and A battery manufacturing method in which the electrode lot ID corresponds to the slurry ID of each layer.

19. In Paragraph 18, A battery manufacturing method for obtaining the electrode slurry usage of each layer by distributing the total slurry usage used for electrode coating on one side of the electrode sheet into electrode slurry usage of each layer according to a preset distribution ratio.

20. As a winding roll for an electrode sheet coated with an electrode slurry, The above-mentioned winding roll has an electrode lot ID that matches a slurry ID assigned to a batch of the electrode slurry, and The above electrode lot ID is a winding roll that matches the slurry ID, based on the remaining amount of electrode slurry calculated by subtracting the amount of electrode slurry used for the coating from the total amount of electrode slurry corresponding to the slurry ID.

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