Battery manufacturing method and battery manufacturing system

Abstract

Disclosed is a battery manufacturing method comprising the steps of: marking both surfaces of an electrode sheet in a first process; and selecting one facility from among facilities associated with a second process on the basis of whether the marking on each of the both surfaces of the electrode sheet is successful. The second process is a subsequent process of the first process.

Description

Battery manufacturing method and battery manufacturing system

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery manufacturing method and a battery manufacturing system, and more specifically, to a battery manufacturing method and a battery manufacturing system that improve the operating efficiency of the battery manufacturing system.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0009065 dated January 21, 2025 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2026-0002616 dated January 7, 2026, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] With the technological development and increasing demand for electric vehicles, the demand for rechargeable batteries is also rising rapidly. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used as an energy source for various electronic products as well as mobile devices, due to their high energy density, high operating voltage, and excellent storage and lifespan characteristics.

[0004] In the battery manufacturing process, which includes electrode and assembly processes, if issues such as defects occur in semi-finished or finished batteries, it may be necessary to trace back the entire process. In other words, it is necessary to identify which process each component of the battery cell being traced originated from.

[0005] The first problem that the technical concept of the present disclosure aims to solve is to propose a battery manufacturing method that improves the operating efficiency of a battery manufacturing system.

[0006] The second problem that the technical concept of the present disclosure aims to solve is to propose a battery manufacturing system with improved operating efficiency.

[0007] However, the technical problems that the present disclosure aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a battery, comprising, in one embodiment, a step of marking marks on both sides of an electrode sheet in a first process; and a step of selecting one of the equipment associated with a second process based on whether the marking on each of the two sides of the electrode sheet is successful. The second process is a subsequent process to the first process.

[0009] In some embodiments, the step of marking marks on both sides of the electrode sheet in the first process may involve marking reference points at regular intervals on the unmarked portion of the electrode sheet.

[0010] In some embodiments, the reference point may be composed of a combination of letters and numbers.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method may further include a step of determining whether the marking on each of the two sides of the electrode sheet is successful based on the measurement result of the sensor in the first process.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sensor may be an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) camera.

[0013] In some embodiments, the step of determining whether the marking on each of the two sides of the electrode sheet is successful based on the measurement result of the sensor in the first process may be that the OCR camera determines whether the marking is legible.

[0014] In some embodiments, the controller may further include the step of transmitting marking information to a system, including whether the marking on each of the two sides of the electrode sheet was successful. The step of selecting one of the equipment associated with the second process based on whether the marking on each of the two sides of the electrode sheet was successful may be performed by the system.

[0015] In some embodiments, when the marking is successful on both sides of the electrode sheet, the system may select one of the facilities associated with the second process.

[0016] In some embodiments, when only one of the two sides of the electrode sheet is successfully marked, the system may select the one facility that recognizes the one side among the facilities associated with the second process.

[0017] In some embodiments, when the electrode sheet is wound up in the first process and one side is the upper surface, the electrode sheet is wound up in the one equipment and the one equipment recognizes the upper surface of the electrode sheet, or the electrode sheet is wound down in the one equipment and the one equipment recognizes the upper surface of the electrode sheet that is inverted.

[0018] In some embodiments, when the electrode sheet is up-wound in the first process and one side is the lower side, the electrode sheet is up-wound in the one equipment and the one equipment recognizes the lower side of the electrode sheet, or the electrode sheet is down-wound in the one equipment and the one equipment recognizes the inverted lower side of the electrode sheet.

[0019] In some embodiments, when the electrode sheet is wound downward in the first process and one side is the upper surface, the electrode sheet is wound downward in the one equipment and the one equipment recognizes the upper surface of the electrode sheet, or the electrode sheet is wound upward in the one equipment and the one equipment recognizes the upper surface of the electrode sheet that is inverted vertically.

[0020] In some embodiments, when the electrode sheet is wound down in the first process and one side is the lower surface, the electrode sheet is wound down in the one equipment and the one equipment recognizes the lower surface of the electrode sheet, or the electrode sheet is wound up in the one equipment and the one equipment recognizes the inverted lower surface of the electrode sheet.

[0021] In some embodiments, the system may include a manufacturing execution system (MES) and a real-time dispatcher (RTD). The marking information may be transmitted from the controller to the RTD via the MES. The RTD may select one of the facilities associated with the second process based on the marking information.

[0022] In some embodiments, the step of introducing the electrode sheet into the one facility may be further included.

[0023] The present disclosure relates to a battery manufacturing system, wherein in one embodiment, it comprises: a preceding manufacturing device configured to mark both sides of an electrode sheet; and a system configured to select one of subsequent manufacturing devices based on whether the marking on each of the two sides of the electrode sheet is successful.

[0024]

[0025] The battery manufacturing method of the present disclosure can improve the operating efficiency of a battery manufacturing system.

[0026] The battery manufacturing method of the present disclosure can improve the productivity of battery manufacturing by reducing the cost and time required for battery production.

[0027] However, the technical effects obtainable through the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0028]

[0029] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a conceptual perspective view schematically showing the state of an electrode undergoing an electrode manufacturing process.

[0031] Figure 2 conceptually shows a roll map created in the electrode manufacturing process.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows a battery manufacturing system including electrode manufacturing devices according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a battery manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a sensor according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the selection of a subsequent process according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIGS. 8 to 11 are conceptual diagrams for explaining the selection of a subsequent process considering the winding direction and the unwinding direction according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a battery manufacturing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in the present specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0040] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this disclosure and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the invention, and that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0041] In addition, in describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known configurations or functions could obscure the essence of the present disclosure, such detailed description is omitted.

[0042] The embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to more fully explain the present disclosure to those 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.

[0043]

[0044] [First embodiment]

[0045] FIG. 1 is a conceptual perspective view schematically showing the state of an electrode undergoing an electrode manufacturing process.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, a coated electrode (1) is manufactured by coating an active material onto a current collector in a coater (C) to form a coated portion (1a). A reference point may be marked on the uncoated portion (1b) where the active material is not coated. In some embodiments, the active material may be coated on both the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode (1). The coated electrode (1) may be pressed by a press roll in a roll press process. Then, the coated electrode (1) may be cut along the length direction of the electrode (1) by a slitter in a slitting process.

[0047] Subsequently, electrode tabs (2) may be formed by punching with a press or the like during a notching process. During the notching process, the electrode sheet may be cut into multiple electrodes. The width of the unit electrode may correspond to the pitch processed by the press. In some embodiments, if the unit electrode includes one tab (2), the pitch may be the distance between the tabs (2). In some embodiments, if the electrode sheet is cut into unit electrodes including one or more electrode tabs (2) during the notching process, the pitch may be greater than the distance between the tabs (2). In this case, the electrode sheet may be further cut in a subsequent process.

[0048] The electrode manufacturing process can be carried out through a series of roll-to-roll processes in which the electrode unwound from the unwinder moves and is wound in the rewinder in a sequential manner. That is, the electrode moves from the unwinder to the rewinder of the coating process, is coated, and is wound in the rewinder to complete the electrode roll of the coating process. Next, the electrode roll is placed in the unwinder of the roll press process and moves to the rewinder of the roll press process. The electrode roll is wound in the rewinder of the roll press process to complete the electrode roll of the roll press process. Subsequently, the electrode roll can be unwound from the unwinder of a subsequent process (e.g., a second roll press process, a slitting process, or a notching process), undergo a predetermined process, and then wound again in the rewinder of the subsequent process to complete the electrode roll of the subsequent process. In this way, the electrode manufacturing process may include a series of roll-to-roll processes in which the electrode unwound from the unwinder moves and is wound in the rewinder (so-called roll-to-roll processes) is sequentially repeated.

[0049] Figure 2 conceptually shows a roll map created in the electrode manufacturing process.

[0050] FIG. 2 can be explained with reference to FIG. 1. As described above, electrodes proceed in a roll-to-roll manner during processes such as coating, roll pressing, and slitting. A roll map is a representation of the progression of such electrodes in the form of bars, and the longitudinal and transverse positions of the electrodes are plotted as coordinates on the roll map. That is, the roll map is defined on a coordinate plane having two coordinate axes, the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis of the electrode, and a specific position on the coordinate plane can be represented by a coordinate value on the coordinate plane. The roll map stores information regarding defects, quality issues, electrode breakage, etc. occurring during the electrode manufacturing process along with the coordinates, allowing data related to quality or defects in the electrode manufacturing process to be easily identified visually at a glance.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 2, information regarding external defects such as pinhole defects (f1) and line defects (f2) is visualized and displayed at the coordinates where the defects occurred. Additionally, a mismatch area (f3) between the coated and uncoated parts is also displayed. Other defects such as loading amount defects are also displayed, and the part where the electrode was discarded at the outermost edge is also shown.

[0052] Additionally, reference points (K1, K2, K3) may be marked and displayed at predetermined intervals on the electrode (1). When a break occurs in the electrode (1) and it is connected with a joint connecting member, the electrode length is reduced by the length of the break. As previously explained, points where external defects occur can also be removed so that the operator can connect them. The roll map can reflect the above removal. Accordingly, the coordinates on the roll map can be modified. Referring to FIG. 2, coordinates that do not reflect the electrode removal part and coordinates that reflect it are shown together on a single roll map. The former is referred to as the absolute coordinate (x), and the latter as the relative coordinate (y). As shown in FIG. 2, the relative coordinate (y) and the absolute coordinate (x) can be displayed together on a single roll map, but they can also be displayed separately. A roll map displayed with relative coordinates (y) can represent the state of the actual electrode.

[0053] A roll map can be created for each of the individual processes described above. However, since the electrode wound in the preceding process is unwound in the subsequent process, the starting and ending points of the electrode may be reversed as the process goes through the roll-to-roll process, such as the end point of the roll map representing the electrode roll of the preceding process becoming the starting point of the roll map representing the electrode roll of the subsequent process. Additionally, in the case of a double-sided electrode where an electrode active material is coated on both sides, the upper electrode of the preceding process may become the lower electrode in the subsequent process. That is, the electrode surface may be reversed. In other words, depending on the winding direction of the electrode in the preceding process and the unwinding direction of the electrode in the subsequent process, the beginning and end inversion and surface inversion of the electrode may occur. Since the roll maps for each process are created based on the electrodes that have been reversed in this way, the coordinates of the roll maps for each process may also be reversed relative to one another. Furthermore, as the electrode undergoes a series of roll-to-roll processes, the electrode length may change, such as by cutting and connecting the electrode multiple times in the longitudinal direction to remove defective sections or broken sections. Since the roll map of each process can reflect these inversions and length changes, the coordinate values ​​may differ for each.

[0054] In the final stage of the electrode manufacturing process, only the remaining electrodes (survival electrodes) are left, excluding the electrode portions removed in the previous process. Since the battery is manufactured using these survival electrodes, if a problem occurs in a finished or semi-finished battery, the cause of the problem can be traced by referring to the roll map of the final electrode. Furthermore, the electrode portion that originated the problem can be traced backward by referring to the roll maps of each process described above. As such, the roll map is a useful tool for quality tracking as well as for identifying quality and defects.

[0055] FIG. 3 shows a battery manufacturing system (10) including electrode manufacturing devices according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 3, the battery manufacturing system (10) includes electrode manufacturing devices. The electrode manufacturing devices may include a coating facility (200), a roll press facility (300), a slitting facility (400), a notching facility (500), and rewinding stages (600).

[0057] The electrode sheet unwound from the input electrode roll can be processed by any one of the die coater of the coating facility (200), the pressure rolls of the roll press facility (300), and the slitting knife of the slitting facility (400), and the processed electrode sheet can be wound into an electrode roll. Accordingly, the processing of the coating facility (200), the roll press facility (300), and the slitting facility (400) for the production of the electrode of the battery can each be referred to as a roll-to-roll process.

[0058] The coating facility (200) can perform a coating process on an electrode sheet. The coating process is a process of applying a coating material, such as an electrode slurry, onto an electrode sheet. Specifically, the coating process may be a process of applying a slurry to a current collector. The electrode slurry may include an electrode active material, a conductive material, a binder, and a solvent. An electrode slurry may be provided by dissolving the electrode active material, the conductive material, and the binder, etc., in a solvent.

[0059] The roll press equipment (300) can perform a roll pressing process on the electrode sheet. The roll pressing process is a process of applying pressure to the electrode sheet. Specifically, the roll pressing process may be a process of passing the electrode sheet coated with an electrode slurry between pressure rolls facing each other. The roll pressing process can flatten the surface of the electrode sheet and improve the bonding strength between the active material of the electrode sheet and the current collector.

[0060] The slitting equipment (400) can perform a slitting process on the electrode sheet. By the slitting process, the electrode sheet can be separated into a plurality of electrode sheets.

[0061] The notching facility (500) can perform a notching process on an electrode sheet. The notching facility (500) can perform a notching process on a plurality of electrode sheets separated by a slitting process. The notching process may include a procedure for forming the electrode tab on the electrode sheet. The notching facility (500) can cut the electrode sheet unwound from the electrode roll into the shape of an electrode of a battery cell. Accordingly, unit electrodes can be formed in the notching facility (500). The notching facility (500) can further perform a drying process on either the electrode sheet or the unit electrodes.

[0062] If the electrode sheet contains defects, the defects in the electrode sheet can be removed. The defects in the electrode sheet can be removed in either the roll press equipment (300) or the rewinding stages (600).

[0063] At each of the rewinding stages (600), no actual process may be performed on the electrode sheet. Each of the rewinding stages (600) may change the winding direction of the electrode sheet. Each of the rewinding stages (600) may unwind the electrode roll, remove defects from the electrode sheet unwound from the electrode roll, and rewind the electrode sheet with the defects removed. Accordingly, in addition to removing defects from the electrode roll, the outer part of the input electrode roll may be wound inward on the completed electrode roll. Likewise, the inner part of the input electrode roll may be wound outward on the completed electrode roll.

[0064] Defects in the electrode sheet can be removed while the roll press equipment (300) performs the roll pressing process. Optionally, defects in the electrode sheet may be removed without performing the roll pressing process. The operation method of the roll press equipment (300) that removes only the defective parts of the electrode sheet without performing the roll pressing process is referred to as the rewinding mode. In the rewinding mode, each of the pressure rolls can be moved from the location where the electrode sheet was located to a separate location.

[0065] Unit electrodes can be provided as the electrode roll is processed sequentially by the coating facility (200), the roll press facility (300), the slitting facility (400), and the notching facility (500). In the case of wide unit electrodes, after the roll pressing process is performed in the roll press facility (300), they may be transferred directly to the notching facility (500) without slitting in the slitting facility (400).

[0066] If the defects of the electrode roll processed by the coating equipment (200) and fed into the roll press equipment (300) are excessive, the defects of the electrode roll can be removed in the roll press equipment (300). The excessive defects of the electrode roll processed by the coating equipment (200) may include, for example, a large amount of tab folding, ring defects, etc.

[0067] If the defects of the electrode roll processed by the roll press equipment (300) are excessive, the defects of the electrode roll can be removed in either the roll press equipment (300) operating in a rewinding mode or the rewinding stage (600). Subsequently, the electrode roll having reduced defects (or no defects) can be fed into the slitting equipment (400). The excessive defects of the electrode roll processed by the roll press equipment (300) may include winding failure and exceeding the upper limit of the number of defect tags.

[0068] If the defects of the electrode roll processed by the slitting equipment (400) are excessive, the defects of the electrode roll can be removed at the rewinding stage (600). Subsequently, the electrode roll having reduced defects (or no defects) can be fed into the notching equipment (500). The excessive defects of the electrode roll processed by the slitting equipment (400) may include exceeding the upper limit of the number of defect tags.

[0069] Here, each of the rewinding stages (600) can be made online. Each of the rewinding stages (600) can be configured to discard defects from the electrode roll and collect scrap data indicating the discarded length. Accordingly, the length of the discarded electrode at the rewinding stages (600) can be updated, and the traceability of the battery manufacturing process can be improved.

[0070] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a battery manufacturing system (10) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 4, the battery manufacturing system (10) may include an electrode manufacturing facility (100), a communication server (1010), a system (1020), and a visualization device (1030). The electrode manufacturing facility (100) may be one of a coating facility (200), a roll press facility (300), a slitting facility (400), a notching facility (500), and rewinding stages (600). In some embodiments, the electrode manufacturing facility (100) may be a coating facility (200). In some embodiments, the electrode manufacturing facility (100) may be a roll press facility (300). In some embodiments, the electrode manufacturing facility (100) may be a slitting facility (400). In some embodiments, the electrode manufacturing facility (100) may be a notching facility (500).

[0072] The electrode manufacturing facility (100) may include at least one of an unwinder (111), a rewinder (113), a first rotary encoder (121), a second rotary encoder (123), a defect detection sensor (131), a reference point sensor (135), a roll map PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) (141), and a process PLC (143). In some embodiments, the electrode manufacturing facility (100) may further include a splicing table (115) and / or a scrap port (117). The coating facility (200) includes one or more die coaters. The roll pressing facility (300) includes one or more press rolls. The slitting facility (400) includes one or more slitters configured to cut the electrode sheet in the longitudinal direction. The notching facility (500) includes a notching device configured to form a plurality of electrode tabs on the electrode sheet. In the coating process, an electrode slurry may be coated on the electrode sheet. In the roll pressing process, the electrode sheet coated with the electrode slurry can be rolled. The electrode sheet can be separated into a plurality of electrode sheets by a slitting process.

[0073]

[0074] In some embodiments, the electrode manufacturing facility (100) may further include a reference point marker for marking a reference point. The reference point marker may be included in a reference point sensor (135). In some embodiments, the reference point marker may be closer to the unwinder (111) than to the rewinder (113).

[0075] A battery manufacturing system (10) 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 location on the electrode sheet (ES). On the electrode sheet (ES), a process for manufacturing a battery may be performed, as described below. The roll map may include data associated with coordinate values ​​representing events of the process performed on the electrode sheet (ES). Accordingly, the roll map enables feedback, feed forwarding, and tracking of the battery manufacturing process, as described below.

[0076] The first electrode roll (ER1) on which the previous process has been performed can be loaded into an unwinder (111). The unwinder (111) can be configured to unwind an electrode sheet (ES) from the first electrode roll (ER1). The rewinder (113) can be configured to wind the electrode sheet (ES) as a second electrode roll (ER2). The electrode sheet (ES) is wound onto 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 (111) and the rewinder (113).

[0077] A roll map can be generated in lot units. A lot is a production unit of a roll-to-roll process, and the separated second electrode roll (ER2) is an example of a lot. Likewise, the first electrode roll (ER1) newly loaded into the unwinder (111) is also an example of a lot. Accordingly, the system (1020) can store a first roll map of a previous process (e.g., a coating process, a roll pressing process, or a slitting process). The first roll map can correspond to the first electrode roll (ER1). Additionally, the system (1020) can be configured to generate a second roll map of the second electrode roll (ER2) based on the processing of the electrode manufacturing facility (100). The second roll map can correspond to the second electrode roll (ER2).

[0078] As a non-limiting example, the second roll map may be generated by updating the first roll map. Alternatively, the second roll map may be generated based on data generated in the electrode manufacturing facility (100) without loading the first roll map.

[0079] 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 collected based on the amount of movement of the electrode sheet (ES) (i.e., either the amount consumed or the amount added).

[0080] Battery manufacturing involves a series of distinct processes, and preceding processes influence subsequent processes. In this context, if the time-series data of the preceding process does not directly match the actual workpiece, intermediate product, or final product, it may be difficult to reflect that data in the subsequent process. Hereinafter, the correction of the subsequent process based on data generated from the results of the preceding process is referred to as "feed forward."

[0081] Here, the workpiece refers to an article provided as a result of each process, such as an electrode sheet (ES) on which the coating process, roll pressing process, and slitting process shown in FIG. 3 have been performed. The semi-finished product may refer to one of separators, electrodes, and assemblies thereof cut through a notching process. The semi-finished product may also be a structure comprising a housing and an electrode assembly embedded in the housing (in some cases, the structure further comprises an electrolyte). The product refers to an article processed to be operable as a battery through an activation process. The definitions of the workpiece, semi-finished product, and product described above are for one aspect thereof and do not exclude the conventional definitions thereof.

[0082] The electrode process of a battery includes 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. Here, feed-forwarding may include controlling the processing of an electrode sheet (ES) based on a roll map of a first electrode roll (ER1) generated in a previous process. For example, the roll map of the first electrode roll (ER1) processed in the current process may include defective data (DD), and in the electrode manufacturing facility (100), the electrode sheet (ES) unwound from the first electrode roll (ER1) may be discarded based on the defective data (DD).

[0083] A roll map can correlate time-series data with coordinate data that includes coordinate values ​​representing the positions of actual 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 the 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 arbitrary discretion of the operator.

[0084] In addition, the roll map of a preceding lot may be used to improve the process for a subsequent lot, and this operation may 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 included in the roll map.

[0085] Furthermore, as described below, the roll map is generated cumulatively for the workpieces, parts, semi-finished products, and finished products of unit 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.

[0086] The first rotary encoder (121) may be configured to sense the amount of electrode sheet (ES) unwound from the first electrode roll (ER1) by the unwinder (111). Accordingly, the first rotary encoder (121) may generate a unwinding amount signal (UWAS) indicating the length of the electrode sheet (ES) unwound by the unwinder (111). The first rotary encoder (121) may be configured to transmit the unwinding amount signal (UWAS) to the roll map PLC (141). In some embodiments, the first rotary encoder (121) may be provided on the unwinder (111). In some embodiments, the first rotary encoder (121) may be a non-contact encoder configured to measure the linear velocity of the electrode sheet (ES) using a laser beam. In some embodiments, the first rotary encoder (121) may be a contact type encoder.

[0087] The second rotary encoder (123) may be configured to sense the amount of electrode sheet (ES) wound onto the second electrode roll (ER2) by the rewinder (113). Accordingly, the second rotary encoder (123) may generate a winding amount signal (WAS) indicating the length of the electrode sheet (ES) wound by the rewinder (113). The second rotary encoder (123) may be configured to transmit the winding amount signal (WAS) to the roll map PLC (141). In some embodiments, the second rotary encoder (123) may be provided on the rewinder (113). In some embodiments, the second rotary encoder (123) may be a contact encoder. In some embodiments, the second rotary encoder (123) may be an encoder configured to measure the length of the electrode sheet (ES) transported by contacting a rotary wheel to the electrode sheet (ES). The second rotary encoder (123) may be provided on the rewinder (113). In some embodiments, the second rotary encoder (123) may be a non-contact encoder configured to measure the linear velocity of the electrode sheet (ES) using a laser beam.

[0088] Defective parts of the electrode sheet (ES) can be discarded (or discharged). Accordingly, the length of the electrode sheet (ES) unwound from the unwinder (111) may differ from the length of the electrode sheet (ES) wound by the rewinder (113).

[0089] The roll map PLC (141) may be configured to collect coordinate data of the electrode sheet (ES) based on the unwinding amount signal (UWAS) and / or winding amount signal (WAS) of the electrode sheet (ES). For example, the roll map PLC (141) may determine the travel distance of the electrode sheet (ES) based on the unwinding amount signal (UWAS) of the electrode sheet (ES), and accordingly, the roll map PLC (141) may be configured to determine the position within the electrode sheet (ES) of the portion of the electrode sheet (ES) that is unwound by the unwinder (111) at each point in time when an event occurs on the electrode sheet (ES). As another example, the roll map PLC (141) can determine the travel distance of the electrode sheet (ES) based on the winding amount signal (WAS) of the electrode sheet (ES), and accordingly, the roll map PLC (141) can be configured to determine the position within the electrode sheet (ES) of the portion of the electrode sheet (ES) that is wound by the rewinder (113) at each point in time when an event occurs on the electrode sheet (ES). As another example, the roll map PLC (141) may determine the travel distance of the electrode sheet (ES) based on the unwinding amount signal (UWAS) and the winding amount signal (WAS), respectively.

[0090] Here, the event may include various processing, inspection, and measurement occurring on the electrode sheet (ES) in the electrode manufacturing facility (100), such as cutting the electrode sheet (ES), joining the electrode sheet (ES), sensing a reference point (Datum Point) on the electrode sheet (ES), and sensing a defective tag on the electrode sheet (ES).

[0091] The coordinate data may include coordinate values ​​that correspond to each part of the electrode sheet (ES). That is, each of any point on the electrode sheet (ES) may be matched to a coordinate value. The coordinate value may be a one-dimensional value in the length direction of the electrode sheet (ES), but is not limited thereto. The coordinate value may also be a two-dimensional value in the length direction and the Y direction in the width direction of the electrode sheet (ES).

[0092] A defect detection sensor (131) may be configured to detect defects on an electrode sheet (ES) and provide a defect mark indicating such defects. The defect detection sensor (131) may be configured to transmit a defect detection signal (NSS) to a roll map PLC (141). In some embodiments, the defect detection sensor (131) may include a vision device, a defect marker, and a smart vision device. In some embodiments, the defect detection sensor (131) may further include an illuminance sensor. The vision device may determine whether a defect exists on the electrode sheet (ES) and transmit a signal to the PLC (140) regarding whether to mark the defect. The vision device may be configured to acquire an image of the electrode sheet (ES) and to determine whether a defect exists on the surface by processing the acquired image. In some embodiments, if a defect exists, the vision device may be configured to determine whether the defect is a pinhole defect or a line defect extending in a specific direction and to assign attributes regarding the type of defect to the defect.

[0093] In some embodiments, when the vision device transmits a signal (hereinafter 'defect detection signal' (NSS)) that a defect exists on the electrode sheet (ES) to the PLC (140), the PLC (140) can transmit a signal to the defect marker to assign a defect mark at the corresponding location.

[0094] The above PLC (140) may include a roll map PLC (141) and a process PLC (143). In some embodiments, the roll map PLC (141) and the process PLC (143) may be formed as a single unit to constitute an integrated PLC (140). Hereinafter, the integrated PLC (140) may be referred to as the PLC (140).

[0095] In some embodiments, the defect marking (applying a defect mark) may be formed by forming a mark indicating that a defect is located at a corresponding location on the electrode sheet (ES). In some embodiments, the defect marking may be formed by forming any layer indicating that a defect is located at a corresponding location on the electrode sheet (ES). In some embodiments, the defect marking may be applied by printing ink or attaching an adhesive tag. However, the defect marking may be applied by any means that allows the location of the defect to be visually recognized, and the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples.

[0096] In some embodiments, the vision device may be configured to transmit a defect detection signal (NSS) directly to a defect marker. In some embodiments, the vision device may be configured to simultaneously transmit the defect detection signal (NSS) to a PLC (140). The PLC (140) may be configured to store the location where the defect exists along with the coordinate information of the electrode sheet (ES).

[0097] In some embodiments, the vision device may be configured to directly transmit a defect detection signal (NSS) to a smart vision device. In this case, the vision device may be configured to simultaneously transmit the defect detection signal (NSS) to a PLC (140).

[0098] The smart vision device may be configured to determine whether a defect mark is properly formed on the electrode sheet (ES). In some embodiments, the smart vision device may be configured to acquire an image of the electrode sheet (ES) and to determine whether a defect marking exists on the surface by processing the acquired image. Furthermore, the smart vision device may determine whether a defect detection signal (NSS) was present at a location corresponding to the image. The defect detection signal (NSS) may be transmitted directly from the vision device or transmitted from the PLC (140). That is, the smart vision device may be configured to determine whether there is no defect marking despite there being a defect on the electrode sheet (ES) (i.e., despite there being a transmitted defect detection signal (NSS)), or whether there is a defect marking despite there being no defect (i.e., despite there being no transmitted defect detection signal (NSS)). The smart vision device may be configured to transmit an NG signal to the PLC (140) when there is no defect marking despite there being a defect on the electrode sheet (ES), or when there is a defect marking despite there being no defect. The PLC (140) may be configured to store the NG signal received from the smart vision device in a time-series and / or in association with coordinate data.

[0099] Meanwhile, the roll map creation device may store defect mark coordinates corresponding to the location where a defect is identified on the electrode sheet (ES). The roll map PLC (141) may be configured to collect (or generate) defect detection data (NSD) based on a defect detection signal (NSS). The roll map PLC (141) may be configured to associate the defect detection signal (NSS) with coordinate data to collect defect detection data (NSD). The roll map PLC (141) may generate defect detection data (NSD) based on the defect detection signal (NSS) and coordinate data. In some embodiments, the defect detection data (NSD) may include a defect value indicating the presence or absence of a defect and the aspect of the defect, and a coordinate value matched to the defect value.

[0100] To collect defect detection data (NSD), coordinate data can be calibrated based on an offset length (OL1). The calibration of coordinate data compensates for the difference between the portion of the electrode sheet (ES) sensed by the first rotary encoder (121), that is, the portion of the electrode sheet (ES) wound by the rewinder (113), and the portion of the electrode sheet (ES) sensed by the defect detection sensor (131).

[0101] According to exemplary embodiments, the roll map PLC (141) can correct coordinate data collected at the same time as the defect detection signal (NSS) based on the offset length (OL1) to collect defect detection data (NSD), and can associate the corrected coordinate data with the defect detection signal (NSS).

[0102] The offset length (OL1) is the length of the electrode sheet (ES) between the defect detection sensor (131) and the rewinder (113) along the movement path of the electrode sheet (ES). The offset length (OL1) may be equal to the straight-line distance between the defect detection sensor (131) and the rewinder (113).

[0103] The process PLC (143) may be configured to control the operation of the unwinder (111), rewinder (113), scrap port (117), and processing mechanism (119). The process PLC (143) may be configured to generate signals for the operation and interruption of the unwinder (111), rewinder (113), scrap port (117), and processing mechanism (119).

[0104] The process PLC (143) may be configured to receive defect detection data (NSD) from the roll map PLC (141). The process PLC (143) may be configured to receive defect data (DD) from the system (1020). The defect data (DD) may be loaded into the process PLC (143) via the communication server (1010). Here, the defect data (DD) may indicate the location of a defect on the first electrode roll (ER1). The defect data (DD) may be included in the first roll map of the first electrode roll (ER1).

[0105] The process PLC (143) may be configured to generate signals for the operation and interruption of the unwinder (111), rewinder (113), scrap port (117), and processing mechanism (119) based on defect detection data (NSD) and defect data (DD). When a defect on the electrode sheet (ES) identified by the defect data (DD) and defect detection data (NSD) approaches the splicing table (115), the process PLC (143) may be configured to generate signals to slow down the movement speed of the electrode sheet (ES) or to stop the winding and unwinding of the unwinder (111) and rewinder (113).

[0106] After cutting the starting position of the defect (or, considering the process margin, a position adjacent to the starting position of the defect) on the splicing table (115), the scrap port (117) may be configured to wind the defective portion (DES) of the electrode sheet (ES), as indicated by the thick dashed line. After the defective portion (DES) of the electrode sheet (ES) is sufficiently wound by the scrap port (117), the electrode sheet (ES) connected to the scrap port (117) and the electrode sheet (ES) connected to the unwinder (111) may be separated. Subsequently, the current process may be continued by joining the portion of the electrode sheet (ES) connected to the unwinder (111) and the portion of the electrode sheet (ES) connected to the rewinder (113). The portion of the electrode sheet (ES) connected to the unwinder (111) and the portion of the electrode sheet (ES) connected to the rewinder (113) can be connected on the splicing table (115).

[0107] In some embodiments, after stopping the unwinder (111) and rewinder (113) for disposal of the defective portion (DES) of the electrode sheet (ES), the defective portion (DES) of the electrode sheet (ES) can be moved to a scrap port by driving the unwinder (111) without driving the rewinder (113).

[0108] In some embodiments, the roll map PLC (141) may be configured to collect scrap data (SD) based on the unwinding amount signal (UWAS) after the disposal of the defective portion (DES) of the electrode sheet (ES) has begun. In some embodiments, for the collection of scrap data (SD), the roll map PLC (141) may receive signals from the process PLC (143) to control the operation of the unwinder (111) and the rewinder (113). In another example, the roll map PLC (141) may be configured to collect scrap data (SD) based on the amount of rotation of the drive roll of the scrap port (117). In another example, the roll map PLC (141) may be configured to collect scrap data (SD) based on the change in the distance between reference points on the electrode sheet (ES) and the distance between the seam on the electrode sheet (ES) and the reference point.

[0109] The roll map PLC (141) can be configured to collect scrap data (SD) indicating the length of electrode sheets (ES) discarded due to defects from the electrode rolls for the electrode manufacturing facility (100). Accordingly, the length of the discarded electrodes at the rewinding stages (600) can be updated, and the traceability of the battery manufacturing process can be improved.

[0110] In some embodiments, the roll map PLC (141) may be configured to calculate the length of the discarded electrode sheet from the unwinding amount signal (UWAS) and the winding amount signal (WAS). In some embodiments, the roll map PLC (141) may be configured to check whether the difference between the unwinding amount and the winding amount calculated from the unwinding amount signal (UWAS) and the winding amount signal (WAS) corresponds to the scrap data (SD). In some embodiments, the roll map PLC (141) may be configured to determine the scrap data (SD) as the discarded amount of the electrode sheet if the difference between the unwinding amount and the winding amount corresponds to the scrap data (SD).

[0111] A seam sensor (133) may be configured to sense a seam on an electrode sheet (ES) to generate a seam detection signal (JSS). The seam may be a portion formed by joining the two ends of the electrode sheet (ES) after removing a defective portion (DES) of the electrode sheet (ES). As a non-limiting example, the seam sensor (133) may be either a color sensor or a vision machine. The seam sensor (133) may be configured to transmit the seam detection signal (JSS) to a roll map PLC (141).

[0112] The roll map PLC (141) can be configured to collect seam detection data (JSD) based on the seam detection signal (JSS). The roll map PLC (141) can be configured to collect seam detection data (JSD) by associating the seam detection signal (JSS) with coordinate data.

[0113] According to exemplary embodiments, the roll map PLC (141) can correct coordinate data collected at the same time as the seam detection signal (JSS) based on the offset length (OL2) to collect seam detection data (JSD) and associate the corrected coordinates with the seam detection signal (JSS).

[0114] The offset length (OL2) is the length of the electrode sheet (ES) between the seam sensor (133) and the rewinder (113) along the movement path of the electrode sheet (ES). The offset length (OL2) may be equal to the straight-line distance between the seam sensor (133) and the rewinder (113).

[0115] A reference point sensor (135) may be configured to sense reference points on an electrode sheet (ES) to generate a reference point detection signal (DSS). Reference points may be formed at set intervals on the electrode sheet (ES) to indicate a position on the electrode sheet (ES). In some embodiments, each reference point may be a two-dimensional barcode containing information about the direction of the reference point and the sequence number of the reference point. In some embodiments, the reference point may be in the form of a character and a number. The reference point detection signal (DSS) may include a time value corresponding to the sensing of the reference point and a sequence number value of the reference point. The reference point sensor (135) may be configured to transmit the reference point detection signal (DSS) to a roll map PLC (141).

[0116] The roll map PLC (141) may be configured to collect (or generate) reference point detection data (DSD) based on a reference point detection signal (DSS). In some embodiments, the roll map PLC (141) may be configured to collect reference point detection data (DSD) by associating the reference point detection signal (DSS) with coordinate data.

[0117] According to exemplary embodiments, the roll map PLC (141) can correct coordinate data collected at the same time as the reference point detection signal (DSS) based on the offset length (OL3) to collect reference point detection data (DSD), and can associate the corrected coordinate data with the reference point detection signal (DSS).

[0118] The offset length (OL3) is the length of the electrode sheet (ES) between the reference point sensor (135) and the rewinder (113) along the movement path of the electrode sheet (ES). The offset length (OL3) may be equal to the straight-line distance between the reference point sensor (135) and the rewinder (113).

[0119] According to exemplary embodiments, any data generated based on events of scrap data (SD), defect detection data (NSD), and electrode sheet (ES) can be corrected based on reference point detection data (DSD).

[0120] The electrode manufacturing facility (100) may further include additional inspection measuring instruments. Here, an inspection measuring instrument is a term that encompasses devices capable of performing only inspection, devices capable of performing only measurement, and devices capable of performing both inspection and measurement; if it falls under any one of these three, it will be referred to as an inspection measuring instrument. The inspection measuring instrument may include a sensing unit and a processing unit.

[0121] The above inspection measuring instrument may be configured to collect or generate inspection measuring data. Here, inspection measuring data is a term encompassing both inspection data and measuring data, and if it corresponds to only one of the two, it will be referred to as inspection measuring data. The processing unit of the above inspection measuring instrument may be connected to the sensing unit via a wired or wireless connection.

[0122] The above measurement data may include a plurality of measurement values ​​expressed numerically. For example, the above 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 overlap width between the coating material and the insulating material; and mismatch data between the retaining lanes on the upper surface of the electrode sheet (ES) and the retaining lanes on the lower surface of the electrode sheet (ES). Here, the loading amount represents the amount of coating material loaded per unit area of ​​the electrode sheet (ES) and may be the area density of the coating material.

[0123] The above inspection data may include judgments on the quality of parts of the electrode sheet (ES) and process events. For example, the above 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 seams of the electrode sheet (ES), data on parts of the electrode sheet (ES) where sampling inspection has been performed, data on parts of the electrode sheet (ES) scheduled for disposal, data on parts of the electrode sheet (ES) that have been disposed of, data on the quality of coating materials and insulating materials on the electrode sheet (ES), data on reference points indicating the location of the electrode sheet (ES), and defect data such as pinhole defects, crater defects, line defects, crack defects, side ring defects, island defects, folding defects, wrinkle defects, gouge defects, and dent defects. The inspection device may be any one of a color sensor, a seam sensor, a reference point sensor, and a vision machine.

[0124] The inspection and measurement data described above may be time-series data. The inspection and measurement data may 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. That is, the inspection and measurement data may be stored based on the time at which the inspection and / or measurement was performed, and the inspection and measurement data may be associated with time. Accordingly, each of the measurement values ​​and each of the inspection values ​​of the inspection and measurement data may be matched to time.

[0125] The roll map PLC (141) may be in operative communication via a wired or wireless data network with the first rotary encoder (121), the second rotary encoder (123), the defect detection sensor (131), the seam sensor (133), the reference point sensor (135), and additional measuring instruments and inspectors. The data network may be unidirectional or bidirectional. The data network may be implemented by a physical channel, a public network and / or a specialized network using WiFi, Bluetooth and / or other frequency bands. The first rotary encoder (121), the second rotary encoder (123), the defect detection sensor (131), the seam sensor (133), the reference point sensor (135), and additional measuring instruments and inspectors may be configured to collect data from equipment, workpieces, semi-finished products and products within the electrode manufacturing facility (100), or to generate signals for collecting data.

[0126] The roll map PLC (141) may be configured to transmit defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD), and reference point detection data (DSD) to the process PLC (143). The defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD), and reference point detection data (DSD) may be transmitted to the system (1020) via the process PLC (143) and the communication server (1010). The process PLC (143) and the communication server (1010) may relay the communication of data including defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD), and reference point detection data (DSD) between the system (1020) and the roll map PLC (141). However, it is not limited to this, and the roll map PLC (141) may also directly transmit defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD) and reference point detection data (DSD) to the system (1020).

[0127] For process control, a communication line connecting the process PLC (143) and the system (1020) via a communication server (1010) may be installed. Accordingly, data transmission through the process PLC (143) can reduce the resources required for the installation of the communication line and can streamline data processing and management compared to cases where the first and second rotary encoders (121, 123) and the reference point sensor (135) directly transmit unwinding amount signals (UWAS), winding amount signals (WAS), and measurement signals to the system (1020), and cases where the roll map PLC (141) directly transmits defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD), and reference point detection data (DSD) to the system (1020).

[0128] The communication server (1010) may be a device for communication between the process PLC (143) of the manufacturing equipment and the upper system, the system (1020). The communication server (1010) may include an equipment interface (EIF).

[0129] In some embodiments, the system (1020) may include a roll map generating unit configured to generate a roll map. The roll map may be a plane simulating the process data of the electrode sheet (ES) moving between the unwinder (111) and the rewinder (113). In some embodiments, the system (1020) may operate as a roll map generating device.

[0130] In some embodiments, the roll map PLC (141) may include a roll map creation unit configured to generate the roll map. In this case, the roll map PLC (141) may function as a roll map creation device. In other embodiments, the system (1020) may include a roll map creation unit configured to generate the roll map. The roll map PLC (141) may also be configured to generate the roll map in an identical, equivalent, or analogous manner to the configuration of the system (1020) for generating the roll map.

[0131] The system (1020) may be configured to generate a roll map based on defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD), and reference point detection data (DSD). The roll map may be generated on a lot basis. The roll map may include data regarding lot specifications. Lot specifications may include, for example, lot number, length of the wound electrode sheet (ES), width of the electrode sheet (ES), and the material and composition used in processing the electrode sheet (ES).

[0132] The system (1020) 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 system (1020) may include, for example, a manufacturing execution system (MES). The system (1020) may be configured to perform input, processing, output, and communication of data necessary for electrode manufacturing, such as a coating process, a press process, and a manufacturing process.

[0133] According to some embodiments, the system (1020) may be configured to store and process raw measurement data. The system (1020) can manage the quality of processing of the electrode sheet (ES) by continuously monitoring the processing of the electrode sheet (ES) based on the measurement data.

[0134] According to some embodiments, the system (1020) may further include a statistical process controller (SPC). By collecting and analyzing manufacturing data in near real-time, the system (1020) can identify problem conditions in a timely manner and provide an alarm to the operator before potential problems occur.

[0135] According to some embodiments, the system (1020) may further include, for example, a data warehouse and may store defect detection data (NSD), scrap data (SD), and coordinate data for a long period based on the product's warranty period, etc.

[0136] According to some embodiments, the system (1020) may perform all functions of the MES, SPC, and data warehouse, or may be provided separately from the MES, SPC, and data warehouse for creating a role map.

[0137] The roll map PLC (141), process PLC (143), communication server (1010), and system (1020) may be implemented using hardware, firmware, software, and combinations thereof. For example, the roll map PLC (141), process PLC (143), communication server (1010), and system (1020) may include computing devices such as workstation computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, and tablet computers. The roll map PLC (141), process PLC (143), communication server (1010), and system (1020) may include any one of a simple controller, a processor such as a microprocessor, a CPU (central processing unit), a GPU (graphic processing unit), a processor configured by software, dedicated hardware, and firmware. The roll map PLC (141), process PLC (143), communication server (1010) and system (1020) may be implemented by, for example, a general-purpose computer or application-specific hardware such as a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0138] The system (1020) may include physical servers and / or cloud servers. The system (1020) may provide data and analysis results to the operator through various frameworks. The framework may include a protocol that supports data transmission so that the display device (1030) can visualize data through a user interface and provide updated visualizations when new data is calculated by the system (1020). The protocol that supports data transmission may use HTML, JavaScript, and / or JSON.

[0139] The system (1020) may include various APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for storing data in databases and other data management tools. The APIs may also be used to retrieve data from databases of various data management systems. The data management system may provide access to the database, pull data from the database, retrieve data, and generate metrics. Here, metrics are tools for visualizing data. Metrics include time-series generated measurements and may be used for monitoring applications and generating status alerts.

[0140] The system (1020) can transmit a visualization command (VC) to a display device (1030), and the display device (1030) can visualize a roll map and display the visualized roll map.

[0141] The electrode manufacturing facility (100) can implement a plug-and-play architecture with an API for data acquisition to provide plug-and-play connectivity for measuring instruments and inspectors. Accordingly, resources at specific process steps and specific sites can be easily transferred to other processes and other sites, or new resources can be easily introduced to each process step and site.

[0142] The data network between the elements of the battery manufacturing system (10) may include various types of communication channels, including unidirectional, bidirectional wired and wireless communication. For example, the data network may include industrial protocol networks such as OPC, Modbus, ProfiNet, etc. The communication channel may be dedicated conduit communication such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE 802 (Ethernet), IEEE 1394 (FireWire), or other high-speed data communication standards.

[0143] In some embodiments, the battery manufacturing system (10) may further include a manual input system that allows an operator to input manufacturing data. The battery manufacturing system (10) may allow data input by an operator using an input tool and computer-based input of manufacturing data, such as scraping Excel files. The manual input system may be, for example, a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). SCADA may generally include a combination of software and hardware, such as a PLC and Remote Terminal Units (RTU). The HMI is a screen that supports communication between the operator and the SCADA system and is a key element of the SCADA system. For example, manual input via the HMI may include the selection of defect types and the reflection of performance upon completion.

[0144] According to some embodiments, the operation of the roll map PLC (141), process PLC (143), communication server (1010), and system (1020) may be implemented as instructions stored on a machine-readable medium that can be read and executed by one or more processors. Here, the machine-readable medium may include any mechanism for storing and / or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computing device). For example, the machine-readable medium may include Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage medium, optical storage medium, flash memory, electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of radio signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.) and any other signals.

[0145] The roll map PLC (141), process PLC (143), communication server (1010), and system (1020) may be based on firmware, software, routines, and instructions for performing the aforementioned operation or any process described below. For example, the roll map PLC (141), process PLC (143), communication server (1010), and system (1020) may be implemented in memory.

[0146] The roll map PLC (141) can be implemented by software configured to receive a unwinding amount signal (UWAS), a winding amount signal (WAS), a defect detection signal (NSS), a seam detection signal (JSS), and a reference point detection signal (DSS), collect coordinate data, defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD), and reference point detection data (DSD), and transmit defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD), and reference point detection data (DSD).

[0147] The process PLC (143) can be implemented by software configured to generate control signals to control the unwinder (111), rewinder (113), scrap port (117), and processing mechanism (119) based on product ID, product recipe, defect data (DD), and defect detection signal (NSS), receive defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD), and reference point detection data (DSD), and transmit defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD), and reference point detection data (DSD).

[0148] The communication server (1010) may be implemented by software for relaying the transmission of data and information between the process PLC (143) and the system (1020). More specifically, the communication server (1010) may be implemented by software configured to perform flow control, error control, synchronization, sequence control, addressing, multiplexing, routing, and format conversion of communication between the process PLC (143) and the system (1020).

[0149] The system (1020) may be implemented by software configured to transmit product ID and product recipe to a process PLC (143), for example, and to generate a roll map based on defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD), and reference point detection data (DSD).

[0150] However, for the convenience of explanation, the operation of the aforementioned roll map PLC (141), process PLC (143), communication server (1010), and system (1020) may be caused by other devices executing computing devices, distributed computing devices, processors, firmware, software, routines, and instructions.

[0151] The architecture of a battery manufacturing system (10) configured to generate a roll map can be implemented by adding only a roll map PLC (141) to the processing unit, process PLC (143), communication server (1010), and system (1020), which are essential elements of a modern process management system. That is, the system according to exemplary embodiments can utilize the resources of the existing manufacturing site and reduce additional capital expenditure. In addition, by applying the same architecture as the existing manufacturing facility to the newly constructed manufacturing facility, the reliability of battery manufacturing, the discovery / improvement of problematic processes, and the introduction of new processes can be made more efficient.

[0152] The coating facility (200) may further include a device for coating (e.g., a coater). The roll press facility (300) may further include a device for roll pressing (e.g., a pressure roll). The slitting facility (400) may further include a device for slitting. The notching facility (500) may further include a device for notching.

[0153] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a sensor according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0154] FIG. 5 can be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0155] The sensor (130) can sense marks on the electrode sheet. For example, the sensor (130) can sense reference points. The sensor (130) can correspond to a reference point sensor (135). The sensor (130) includes a vision device (1301). The vision device (1301) may include an optical character recognition (OCR) camera. Accordingly, the vision device (1301) can sense reference points including characters and numbers. The sensor (130) can transmit a reference point detection signal (DSS) to the PLC (140). In some embodiments, the sensor (130) may further include a marker (1303). The marker (1303) can transfer or mark reference points on the electrode sheet. Unlike FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the sensor (130) may not include a marker (1303). In this case, the vision device (1301) can sense the reference points marked in the previous process.

[0156] In some embodiments, the marker (1303) and the vision device (1301) may be installed on the upper and lower sides of the electrode sheet, respectively. In FIG. 5, it is illustrated that the marker (1303) marks one side and the other side of the electrode sheet simultaneously, and the vision device (1301) senses one side and the other side of the electrode sheet simultaneously. However, this is for explaining the arrangement relationship of the marker (1303), the vision device (1301), and the electrode sheet, and in reality, depending on the factory equipment layout, the marking and sensing of one side and the other side of the electrode sheet may proceed sequentially. For example, after the electrode active material is first coated and dried on the surface of the electrode sheet, a marker (1303) marks a reference point on one side and a vision device (1301) senses the reference point, and then the electrode sheet continues to travel and after the electrode active material is coated and dried on the other side of the electrode sheet, the marker (1303) marks a reference point on the other side of the electrode sheet and the vision device (1301) senses the reference point. That is, depending on the electrode travel path, the marker (1303) can be placed on one side and the other side of the electrode sheet to mark a reference point, and the sensor (1301) can be placed on one side and the other side of the electrode sheet to sense the reference point.

[0157] In some embodiments, when marking and sensing of one side and the other side of an electrode sheet proceed sequentially, one marker (1303) can mark reference points on one side and the other side of the electrode sheet, and one vision device (1301) can sense reference points on one side and the other side of the electrode sheet.

[0158] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the selection of a subsequent process according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG.S. 8 to 11 are conceptual diagrams illustrating the selection of a subsequent process considering the winding direction and the unwinding direction according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a battery manufacturing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0159] FIGS. 6 to 12 may be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 6, in step S101, the battery manufacturing system (10) may mark marks on both sides of the electrode sheet in the first process. The battery manufacturing system (10) may include a sensor (130). The sensor (130) may include a vision device (1301) and may further include a marker (1303). In some embodiments, the marker (1303) may mark reference points at regular intervals on the electrode sheet. That is, the marker (1303) may mark multiple reference points. The reference points may be composed of a combination of letters and numbers. In some embodiments, the reference points may include subgroups. Multiple reference points belonging to one subgroup may have the same shape. For example, all reference points belonging to a certain subgroup may have the shape A001. In some embodiments, the shapes between subgroups may be different from each other.

[0161] In some embodiments, the marker (1303) may mark reference points at regular intervals on the uncoated portion of the electrode sheet. The uncoated portion is an area where no active material is coated. By forming reference points on the uncoated portion, sensing of the reference points may be facilitated. The uncoated portion may be formed at both ends in the width direction of the electrode sheet.

[0162] The battery manufacturing system (10) can determine whether the marking on each of the two sides of the electrode sheet is successful. For example, in step S103, the battery manufacturing system (10) can determine whether the marking on each of the two sides of the electrode sheet is successful based on the measurement result of the sensor (130) in the first process. The sensor (130) may be a reference point sensor (135, FIG. 4). The sensor (130) may include an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) camera as a vision device (1301). In some embodiments, the OCR camera may determine whether the mark is readable. That is, the quality of the marking may be determined by whether the OCR camera can read the mark.

[0163] In some embodiments, if all reference points belonging to one subgroup among the reference point subgroups fail to mark, it may be determined as a failure. That is, if all reference points of the same shape on one side of the electrode sheet fail to mark, said side may be determined to have failed to mark.

[0164] In some embodiments, if a preset number or more of the reference points within a reference point subgroup are determined to be legible by an OCR camera, the marking of the reference point subgroup may be determined to be successful. However, if the number of legible reference points among the multiple reference points in another reference point subgroup is less than a preset standard, the marking of the corresponding surface of the electrode sheet may be determined to be a failure.

[0165] Meanwhile, the OCR camera can determine the legibility of a mark by quantifying the accuracy of the captured characters. After capturing a marked reference point, the OCR camera can calculate a Confidence Score by comparing it with a pre-registered standard font. If the Confidence Score exceeds a set threshold, it is judged as a Pass; if it falls below that threshold or the characters cannot be identified, it is judged as a Fail.

[0166] In step S105, the battery manufacturing system (10) may select one of the facilities associated with the second process based on the success or failure of the marking on each of the two sides of the electrode sheet. In some embodiments, the battery manufacturing system (10) may feed the electrode sheet into the one facility. The second process is a subsequent process of the first process.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 7, the electrode manufacturing facility (100) may include a first type manufacturing facility (20), a second type manufacturing facility (30), and a third type manufacturing facility (40). The first type manufacturing facility (20) can sense reference points on both sides of the electrode sheet. The first type manufacturing facility (20) may be a full-sensing facility capable of recognizing reference points on both sides by having sensors provided on the top and bottom sides of the electrode sheet, respectively. The second type manufacturing facility (30) may sense reference points on one side of the electrode sheet (e.g., the top side), and the third type manufacturing facility (40) may sense reference points on the other side of the electrode sheet (e.g., the bottom side). The second type manufacturing facility (30) may be a single-sided dedicated facility configured to recognize reference points only on the corresponding side by having sensors provided only at positions corresponding to one side of the electrode sheet. The third type manufacturing facility (40) may be a single-sided dedicated facility configured to recognize only the reference point on the opposite side from the second type manufacturing device, with a sensor provided only at a position corresponding to the other side of the electrode sheet.

[0168] In the first process (preliminary process), if only one of the two sides of the electrode sheet is successfully marked, the system (1020) can select the equipment that recognizes the one side among the equipment associated with the second process. Specifically, if the marking of one side (TOP) of the electrode sheet is successful and the marking of the other side (BACK) fails in the preliminary process, the system (1020) can select either the first type manufacturing equipment (20) or the second type manufacturing equipment (30). In FIG. 6, the first type manufacturing equipment (20) can sense both the one side (TOP) and the other side (BACK) of the electrode sheet, the second type manufacturing equipment (30) can sense only the one side (TOP) of the electrode sheet, and the third type manufacturing equipment (40) can sense only the other side (BACK) of the electrode sheet.

[0169] The system (1020) can feed the electrode sheet wound in the preceding process into either the first type manufacturing facility (20) or the second type manufacturing facility (30).

[0170] Embodiments considering the winding direction of the preceding process and the unwinding direction of the subsequent process are described below in FIGS. 8 to 11.

[0171] If only one of the two sides of the electrode sheet is successfully marked in the first process (preliminary process), the system (1020) can select the one facility that recognizes the one side among the facilities associated with the second process.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, when the electrode sheet is wound up in the first process (preceding process) and one side that has been successfully marked is the upper side, the electrode sheet is wound up in a selected facility in the second process (subsequent process), and the selected facility can recognize the upper side of the electrode sheet. The selected facility may be either a first type manufacturing facility (20) or a second type manufacturing facility (30). Here, the second type manufacturing facility (30) can sense a reference point on the upper side of the electrode sheet, and the third type manufacturing facility (40) can sense a reference point on the lower side of the electrode sheet.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 9, in some embodiments, when the electrode sheet is wound up in the first process (preceding process) and one side that has been successfully marked is the upper side, the electrode sheet is wound down in a selected equipment in the second process (subsequent process), and the equipment can recognize the upper side of the electrode sheet that has been inverted vertically. The selected equipment may be either the first type manufacturing equipment (20) or the third type manufacturing equipment (40). The third type manufacturing equipment (40) can sense a reference point on the lower surface of the electrode sheet. That is, since the electrode sheet is inverted vertically in the subsequent process, the third type manufacturing equipment (40) can sense the upper side that has been inverted vertically.

[0174] In other embodiments, although not shown in the drawings, if the electrode sheet is lifted in the first process and one side that has been marked successfully is the lower side, the electrode sheet is lifted out in a selected equipment in the second process (subsequent process), and the selected equipment can recognize the lower side of the electrode sheet. Here, the selected equipment may be either the first type manufacturing equipment (20) or the third type manufacturing equipment (40). Here, the second type manufacturing equipment (30) can sense a reference point on the upper surface of the electrode sheet, and the third type manufacturing equipment (40) can sense a reference point on the lower surface of the electrode sheet.

[0175] In other embodiments, although not shown in the drawings, if the electrode sheet is wound up in the first process and one side that has been successfully marked is the lower side, the electrode sheet is wound down in a selected facility in the second process (subsequent process), and the selected facility can recognize the inverted lower side of the electrode sheet. Here, the selected facility may be either the first type manufacturing facility (20) or the second type manufacturing facility (30). Here, the second type manufacturing facility (30) can sense a reference point on the upper surface of the electrode sheet. That is, since the second type manufacturing facility (30) can sense a reference point on the upper surface of the electrode sheet, it can recognize the inverted lower side.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 10, in some embodiments, when the electrode sheet is wound down in the first process (preceding process) and one side that has been successfully marked is the upper surface, the electrode sheet is wound up in a selected facility in the second process (subsequent process), and the selected facility can recognize the upper surface of the electrode sheet that has been inverted vertically. Here, the selected facility may be either the first type manufacturing facility (20) or the third type manufacturing facility (40). Since the third type manufacturing facility (40) can recognize the lower surface of the electrode sheet, it can recognize the upper surface of the electrode sheet that has been inverted vertically.

[0177] Referring to FIG. 11, in some embodiments, when the electrode sheet is unwound in a first process (preceding process) and one side that has been successfully marked is the upper surface, the electrode sheet is unwound in a selected facility in a second process (subsequent process), and the selected facility can recognize the upper surface of the electrode sheet. Here, the selected facility may be a first type manufacturing facility (20) and a second type manufacturing facility (30). The second type manufacturing facility (30) can recognize the upper surface of the electrode sheet.

[0178] In other embodiments, although not shown in the drawings, if the electrode sheet is unwound in the first process and one side that has successfully marked is the lower side, the electrode sheet is unwound in a selected facility in the second process and the selected facility can recognize the lower side of the electrode sheet.

[0179] In other embodiments, although not shown in the drawings, if the electrode sheet is wound down in the first process and one side that successfully marks is the lower side, the electrode sheet is wound up in a selected facility in the second process and the selected facility can recognize the upper and lower inverted lower side of the electrode sheet.

[0180] Referring to FIG. 12, a battery manufacturing system (10) may include a system (1020), a preceding manufacturing device (700), and a succeeding manufacturing device (800). The preceding manufacturing device (700) may refer to an electrode manufacturing facility (100) that performs the aforementioned first process, and the succeeding manufacturing device (800) may refer to an electrode manufacturing facility (100) that performs the aforementioned second process. In some embodiments, the first process may be a coating process, and the second process may be any one of a roll press process, a slitting process, and a notching process. In some embodiments, the first process may be a roll press process, and the second process may be any one of a slitting process and a notching process. The first process refers to a process that precedes the second process in time and is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0181] The system (1020) may include a system for logistics control as well as an MES (1021) for manufacturing execution. For example, the system (1020) may include a manufacturing execution system (MES) (1021) and a real-time dispatcher (RTD) (1022) for logistics distribution. The MES (1021) and RTD (1022) may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, and combinations thereof.

[0182] RTD (1022) generally refers to a system that manages and distributes tasks in real time. RTD (1022) can ensure efficiency and accuracy by immediately processing data flow, task schedules, resource allocations, etc. RTD (1022) can efficiently sort semi-finished products and set delivery routes. For example, RTD (1022) can determine which equipment to feed the wound electrode sheets into. RTD (1022) can manage the priority of tasks through real-time monitoring. Accordingly, the efficiency and production speed of battery manufacturing can be improved.

[0183] In some embodiments, a controller (e.g., PLC (140), PLC (141), or PLC (143)) may transmit marking information, including whether the marking on each of the two sides of the electrode sheet was successful, to the system (1020). Here, the controller may be a controller of the prior manufacturing device (700).

[0184] Selecting one of the equipment associated with the second process based on the success or failure of the marking on each of the two sides of the electrode sheet may be performed by the system (1020). In some embodiments, selecting one of the equipment associated with the second process based on the success or failure of the marking on each of the two sides of the electrode sheet may be performed by the RTD (1022). In some embodiments, the marking information is transmitted from the controller to the RTD (1022) via the MES (1021), and the RTD (1022) may select one of the equipment associated with the second process based on the marking information. The equipment associated with the process may include a first type manufacturing facility (20), a second type manufacturing facility (30), and a third type manufacturing facility (40). That is, if only one-sided marking is successful in the preceding process, the RTD (1022) can control the input direction of the electrode sheet wound in the preceding process through logistics control. The RTD (1022) can select a manufacturing device capable of sensing an electrode sheet with a reference point marked on only one side among the first type manufacturing facility (20), the second type manufacturing facility (30), and the third type manufacturing facility (40) as a subsequent manufacturing device (800) that performs the subsequent process. That is, the RTD (1022) can select a manufacturing device capable of sensing an electrode sheet with a reference point marked on only one side among the first type manufacturing facility (20), the second type manufacturing facility (30), and the third type manufacturing facility (40). The selected manufacturing device can be used as a subsequent manufacturing device (800) that performs the subsequent process.

[0185] In some embodiments, when the marking is successful on both sides of the electrode sheet, the system (1020) may select one of the facilities associated with the second process. That is, the RTD (1022) may select any one of the first type manufacturing facility (20), the second type manufacturing facility (30), and the third type manufacturing facility (40) as the subsequent manufacturing device (800).

[0186] Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the RTD (1022) of the system (1020) may select the equipment for the second process by additionally considering the direction of the unmarked portion where the reference point is marked, in addition to the success or failure of marking the electrode sheet. Depending on the combination of the winding method (upper winding / lower winding) in the preceding process and the unwinding method (upper unwinding / lower unwinding) in the subsequent process, the physical direction in which the unmarked portion where the reference point is marked faces within the subsequent equipment may be determined. However, if the equipment for the second process is configured such that the reference point sensor moves along the width direction of the electrode sheet, the RTD (1022) may not additionally consider the direction of the unmarked portion where the reference point is marked.

[0187] The present disclosure has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present disclosure and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present disclosure; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A step of marking marks on both sides of an electrode sheet in the first process; and The method includes the step of selecting one facility among the facilities associated with the second process based on the success or failure of the marking on each of the two sides of the electrode sheet, A battery manufacturing method in which the above second process is a subsequent process of the above first process.

2. In Paragraph 1, The step of marking marks on both sides of the electrode sheet in the first process above is A battery manufacturing method characterized by marking reference points at regular intervals on the unmarked portion of the electrode sheet.

3. In Paragraph 2, A battery manufacturing method characterized in that the above reference point is composed of a combination of letters and numbers.

4. In Paragraph 1, A battery manufacturing method further comprising the step of determining whether the marking on each of the two sides of the electrode sheet is successful based on the measurement result of the sensor in the first process.

5. In Paragraph 4, A battery manufacturing method characterized in that the sensor is an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) camera.

6. In Paragraph 5, The step of determining whether the marking on each of the two sides of the electrode sheet is successful based on the measurement result of the sensor in the first process above is A battery manufacturing method characterized by the above OCR camera determining whether the above marking is readable.

7. In Paragraph 1, The controller further includes the step of transmitting marking information to a system, including whether the marking on each of the two sides of the electrode sheet was successful. A battery manufacturing method characterized in that the step of selecting one of the facilities associated with the second process based on the success or failure of the marking on each of the two sides of the electrode sheet is performed by the system.

8. In Paragraph 7, A battery manufacturing method characterized in that, when the marking is successful on both sides of the electrode sheet, the system selects one of the facilities associated with the second process.

9. In Paragraph 7, A battery manufacturing method characterized by the system selecting one facility that recognizes the one surface among the facilities associated with the second process when the marking is successful on only one of the two sides of the electrode sheet.

10. In Paragraph 9, A battery manufacturing method characterized in that, in the first process above, when the electrode sheet is taken up and one surface is the upper surface, the electrode sheet is extruded up in one facility and the one facility recognizes the upper surface of the electrode sheet, or the electrode sheet is extruded down in one facility and the one facility recognizes the upper surface of the electrode sheet that is inverted up and down.

11. In Paragraph 9, A battery manufacturing method characterized in that, in the first process above, when the electrode sheet is up-rolled and one side is the lower side, the electrode sheet is up-rolled out in one facility and the one facility recognizes the lower side of the electrode sheet, or the electrode sheet is down-rolled out in one facility and the one facility recognizes the upper and lower inverted lower side of the electrode sheet.

12. In Paragraph 9, A battery manufacturing method characterized in that, in the first process above, when the electrode sheet is wound down and one side is the upper side, the electrode sheet is wound down in one facility and the one facility recognizes the upper side of the electrode sheet, or the electrode sheet is wound up in one facility and the one facility recognizes the upper side of the electrode sheet that is inverted vertically.

13. In Paragraph 9, A battery manufacturing method characterized in that, in the first process above, when the electrode sheet is wound down and one side is the lower surface, the electrode sheet is wound down in one facility and the one facility recognizes the lower surface of the electrode sheet, or the electrode sheet is wound up in one facility and the one facility recognizes the inverted lower surface of the electrode sheet.

14. In Paragraph 7, The above system includes a manufacturing execution system (MES) and a real-time dispatcher (RTD), and The above marking information is transmitted from the controller to the RTD via the MES, and A battery manufacturing method characterized by the RTD selecting one of the facilities associated with the second process based on the marking information.

15. In Paragraph 1, A battery manufacturing method further comprising the step of introducing the electrode sheet into the above-mentioned facility.

16. A prior manufacturing device configured to mark marks on both sides of an electrode sheet; and A battery manufacturing system comprising: a system configured to select one of subsequent manufacturing devices based on the success or failure of the marking on each of the two sides of the electrode sheet.

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