Identification mark recognition device, identification mark recognition method, and secondary battery manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an identification mark recognition device and an identification mark recognition method, each of which has an improved recognition rate of an identification mark marked on an electrode tab. The identification mark identification device according to the present invention may comprise: an identification mark reader for identifying an identification mark marked on an electrode tab of a unit cell or an electrode assembly; an electrode tab pressing unit for pressing the electrode tab such that the identification mark reader is vertically aligned with the one surface of the electrode tab marked with the identification mark; and a control unit for controlling the electrode tab pressing unit and the identification mark reader such that the identification mark reader identifies the identification mark after the electrode tab pressing unit is pressed, in which the electrode tab pressing unit is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the unit cell or the electrode assembly. The invention also provides a method for manufacturing a secondary battery by using the identification mark recognition device and the identification mark recognition method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an identification mark recognition device and an identification mark recognition method for recognizing an identification mark on an electrode connector, and also relates to a secondary battery manufacturing method using the identification mark recognition device and the identification mark recognition method.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to an identification mark recognition device, an identification mark recognition method, and a secondary battery manufacturing method for aligning an electrode tab with respect to an identification mark reader to improve a recognition rate of the identification mark reader.

[0003] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0014401, filed on February 2, 2023, and the entire contents of the Korean Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0004] Recently, rechargeable secondary batteries have become widely used as energy sources for wireless mobile devices. They are also attracting attention as energy sources for electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and other applications, and are considered a solution to air pollution caused by the use of fossil fuels in existing gasoline and diesel vehicles.

[0005] Secondary batteries are manufactured through multiple sub-processes such as a process of coating current collectors with active materials and rolling the current collectors to manufacture positive and negative electrodes as components, a grooving process of forming electrode tabs, an electrode assembly manufacturing process of manufacturing an electrode assembly using the manufactured electrodes and separators, a packaging process of housing the electrode assembly in a case, and a charge / discharge process of providing characteristics before shipment.

[0006] Identification marks can be placed on the electrode tabs of electrodes (positive and negative electrodes) to inspect and track intermediate products during the manufacturing process. When an electrode is placed into a predetermined sub-process, the identification mark on the electrode tab can be identified to identify the electrode. Furthermore, information about the identification mark can be linked to information about the sub-process to track the sub-process in which the electrode is currently located.

[0007] However, the electrode tab is very thin and may bend or wrinkle during the transportation of the electrode. In particular, when the electrodes and the separator are stacked to form an electrode assembly, the bending or wrinkling of the electrode tab may become serious due to various factors such as when the electrode tab is tilted to one side or pushed out.

[0008] As described above, when an electrode tab having an identification mark on it is bent or wrinkled, irregular light reflection may occur, causing the identification mark to appear out of focus on the identification mark reader when the identification mark is being read. Furthermore, the identification mark may not be within the field of view of the identification mark reader. In this case, the identification mark may be misidentified, making it difficult to track intermediate products during manufacturing.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to develop a technology that can align the electrode tabs into the field of view of the identification mark reader even when the electrode tabs are bent.

[0010] Related technical literature

[0011] (Patent Document 1) China Patent Gazette No. 113156528 Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] To solve the above problems, the present invention is directed to providing an identification mark recognition device, an identification mark recognition method, and a secondary battery manufacturing method for improving the recognition rate of an identification mark reader by pressing an electrode tab to align with the identification mark reader.

[0014] Technical Solution

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, an identification mark recognition device includes: an identification mark reader, which is configured to identify an identification mark on an electrode connector of a unit cell or an electrode assembly; an electrode connector pressing unit, which is configured to press the electrode connector so that the surface of the electrode connector marked with the identification mark is aligned relative to the identification mark reader; and a controller, which is configured to control the electrode connector pressing unit and the identification mark reader to allow the identification mark reader to identify the identification mark after the electrode connector is pressed by the electrode connector pressing unit; wherein, the electrode connector pressing unit is arranged to be tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the unit cell or the electrode assembly.

[0016] The identification mark reader can be arranged above the unit cell or the electrode assembly at the same angle as the angle at which the electrode connector pressing unit is arranged, so that the identification mark reader and the electrode connector pressing unit are located on the same axis, the electrode connector pressing unit can be connected to the identification mark reader so as to be movable from the identification mark reader, and as the electrode connector pressing unit moves from the identification mark reader toward the electrode connector, the electrode connector pressing unit can press the surface of the electrode connector marked with the identification mark.

[0017] The electrode tap pressing unit may be provided with a plurality of pressing pins configured to press the electrode tap at an end portion in a pressing direction of the electrode tap pressing unit.

[0018] Outer surfaces of the plurality of pressing columns may be coated with fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0019] The plurality of pressing pins may be arranged parallel to a direction in which the electrode tab extends from a main body of the unit cell or a main body of the electrode assembly.

[0020] The plurality of pressing pins may be arranged to press a surface of the electrode tab spaced a predetermined distance from both sides of the identification mark.

[0021] The electrode connector pressing unit may include: a main body frame having a through hole; and a plurality of column supports, wherein the plurality of column supports are installed on the main body frame to protrude from the main body frame in the pressing direction of the electrode connector pressing unit, the plurality of column supports may be arranged to face each other, and the through hole is inserted between the plurality of column supports, and the two ends of the plurality of pressing columns may be fixed on the plurality of column supports facing each other.

[0022] The plurality of pressing columns may be coupled to the plurality of column holders to cover ends of the plurality of column holders facing each other, and the end of each of the plurality of column holders facing each other may be provided with a chamfered surface inclined toward another column holder.

[0023] The identification mark reader may be placed obliquely above the unit cell or the electrode assembly so as to be on the same axis as the through hole.

[0024] The identification mark may be a barcode or a Quick Response (QR) code.

[0025] The identification mark recognition device may further include an illumination member between the identification mark reader and the electrode contact, and the illumination member may be on the same axis as the identification mark reader.

[0026] The identification mark recognition device may further include an air injector configured to inject air to the electrode tab before the electrode tab is pressed by the electrode tab pressing unit.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for identifying an identification mark includes: placing a unit cell or an electrode assembly including an electrode connector marked with an identification mark under an identification mark reader; moving an electrode connector pressing unit toward the electrode connector to press the electrode connector so that the electrode connector is perpendicular to the identification mark reader; and identifying the identification mark on the electrode connector by means of the identification mark reader when the electrode connector is perpendicular to the identification mark reader.

[0028] The identification mark recognition method further includes spraying air toward the electrode contact before the electrode contact pressing unit presses the electrode contact.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, a secondary battery manufacturing method includes:

[0030] preparing a plurality of unit cells including electrode tabs marked with identification marks;

[0031] manufacturing an electrode assembly by stacking the plurality of unit cells with a separator interposed therebetween or rolling the plurality of unit cells placed on a separator sheet with the separator sheet;

[0032] placing the electrode assembly below an identification mark reader;

[0033] pressing the electrode tap of the uppermost unit cell of the electrode assembly to be perpendicular to the identification mark reader; and

[0034] The identification mark on the electrode connector is recognized by the identification mark reader in a state where the electrode connector is perpendicular to the identification mark reader.

[0035] The plurality of unit cells may be half cells, single cells or double cells.

[0036] The electrode assembly may include unit cells of the same type or unit cells of different types.

[0037] The secondary battery manufacturing method may further include identifying the electrode taps of the unit cells by a separate identification mark reader before manufacturing the electrode assembly.

[0038] Beneficial effects

[0039] According to the present invention, by eliminating bending or wrinkling of the electrode tab, the identification mark on the electrode tab can be more effectively identified. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the electrode assembly.

[0041] Figure 2It is a perspective view of the identification mark recognition device according to the first embodiment.

[0042] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the identification mark recognition device according to the first embodiment.

[0043] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the electrode terminal pressing unit.

[0044] Figure 5 This is a bottom view of the electrode connector pressing unit.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a front view of the electrode connector pressing unit.

[0046] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example in which a press column is coupled to a column holder.

[0047] Figures 8 to 10 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the identification mark recognition device according to the first embodiment.

[0048] Figure 11 is a flowchart of the operation of the identification mark recognition device according to the first embodiment.

[0049] Figures 12 to 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the identification mark recognition device according to the second embodiment.

[0050] Figure 16 is a flowchart of the operation of the identification mark recognition device according to the second embodiment.

[0051] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process of manufacturing a battery cell stack.

[0052] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process of manufacturing a folded battery cell or a folded battery cell stack.

[0053] Figure 19 Schematic diagram illustrating a portion of a secondary battery manufacturing process using an identification mark recognition device.

[0054] Figure 20 is a flowchart of a secondary battery manufacturing method according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail. Before describing the present invention, the terms or expressions used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to those defined in commonly understood or commonly used dictionaries, and should be understood according to the meaning and concept matching corresponding to the present invention on the basis that the inventor of the present invention can appropriately define the terms or expressions to best explain the principles of the present invention.

[0056] It should be understood that the terms "comprise" and / or "include" when used herein specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof. It should be understood that when a component such as a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is referred to as being "on" another component, that component is "directly on" the other component, or another component is inserted between these components. It should be understood that when a component such as a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is referred to as being "under" another component, that component is "directly under" the other component, or another component is inserted between these components. In addition, it should be understood that when a component is "on" another component, that component is on or under the other component.

[0057] The identification mark recognition device of the present invention can be placed in the transport path of battery cells or electrode assemblies. By effectively identifying the identification marks on the electrode tabs as the battery cells or electrode assemblies are fed into or out of a predetermined sub-process, the traceability of intermediate battery cell products can be more easily ensured throughout the entire battery cell manufacturing process.

[0058] The identification mark can be marked on the electrode connector in the form of a barcode, a quick response (QR) code or a number. The identification mark can be printed on the electrode connector using ink or the like, or engraved or embossed on the electrode connector. There is no particular limitation on the form of the identification mark or the method of marking the identification mark on the electrode connector, as long as the identification mark can be marked on one surface of each electrode connector and recognized by the identification mark reader.

[0059] In the present invention, a "unit cell" is understood to mean an electrode (positive or negative), a half-cell, a single cell or a dual cell. The electrode can be manufactured by coating one or both surfaces of an electrode plate (electrode current collector) with an electrode slurry and forming an electrode joint by a slotting process. A half-cell can be manufactured by stacking an electrode and a separator together. A single cell can be manufactured by sequentially stacking a positive electrode, a separator and a negative electrode. A dual cell can be manufactured by sequentially stacking two first electrodes and a second electrode having a polarity different from that of the first electrode and inserting a separator therebetween. For example, a dual cell can be manufactured by sequentially stacking a positive electrode, a separator, a negative electrode, a separator and a positive electrode. Alternatively, a dual cell can be manufactured by sequentially stacking a negative electrode, a separator, a positive electrode, a separator and a negative electrode.

[0060] In the present invention, an “electrode assembly” may be manufactured by stacking a plurality of unit cells with a separator interposed therebetween. For example, an electrode assembly may be manufactured by stacking a plurality of bi-cells on a separator and winding the separator.

[0061] Hereinafter, for ease of description and illustration, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to an “electrode assembly.” That is, the following description may also be applied to a “unit cell.”

[0062] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the electrode assembly 10.

[0063] Figure 1 (a) is a perspective view of the electrode assembly 10, and Figure 1 (b) is a side view of the electrode assembly 10 .

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, the electrode assembly 10 includes a plurality of electrode tabs T. An identification mark may be marked on each electrode tab T. An identification mark reader may identify an identification mark I on an outermost electrode tab T' among the plurality of electrode tabs T. In this case, the identification mark I is exposed to the outside, making it easy for the identification mark reader to identify the identification mark I.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, the electrode tab T may extend from the body portion 11 of the electrode assembly 10 to both ends of the electrode assembly 10. However, the electrode tab T may extend to one end of the body portion 11 according to the design of the electrode assembly 10.

[0066] Hereinafter, an identification mark recognition device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] (First embodiment)

[0068] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an identification mark recognition device 1000 according to the present invention, and Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the identification mark recognition device 1000 .

[0069] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the identification mark recognition device 1000 includes an identification mark reader 100 for identifying the identification mark I on the electrode connector T of the electrode assembly 10, an electrode connector pressing unit 200 for pressing the electrode connector T to align it, and a controller 300 for controlling the identification mark reader 100 and the electrode connector pressing unit 200.

[0070] The identification mark reader 100 can identify the identification mark I on the electrode contact T by photographing or scanning the electrode contact T. The identification mark reader 100 can be, for example, a barcode reader. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and has no particular limitation, as long as the identification mark I can be identified or photographed.

[0071] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the identification mark reader 100 may be disposed above the electrode assembly 10. To this end, a mounting bracket M may be mounted on the identification mark recognition device 1000 above the electrode assembly to be transported, and the identification mark reader 100 may be coupled to the mounting bracket M. In this case, the identification mark reader 100 may be disposed on the outermost electrode tap T' among the electrode taps T of the electrode assembly 10 to recognize the identification mark I on the electrode tap T facing the identification mark reader 100 as the representative identification mark I of the electrode assembly 10.

[0072] Alternatively, although not shown, the identification mark reader 100 may be provided below the electrode assembly 10. In this case, the identification mark reader 100 may recognize the identification mark I on the electrode tap T located on the lower portion of the outermost portion of the electrode assembly 10 as a representative identification mark I of the electrode assembly 10.

[0073] The mounting bracket M may be a general metal bracket having a predetermined thickness. The shape, material, etc. of the mounting bracket M are not particularly limited as long as the identification mark reader 100 can be fixed to the upper or lower portion of the conveying path of the electrode assembly 10 .

[0074] The identification mark reader 100 may be connected to the controller 300 via a wire or wirelessly. The identification mark reader 100 may recognize the identification mark I by photographing the electrode contact T according to an operation signal from the controller 300. In addition, the identification mark reader 100 may transmit the obtained information about the recognized identification mark I to the controller 300.

[0075] The electrode tap pressing unit 200 presses the electrode tap so that the surface of the electrode tap marked with the identification mark I and the identification mark reader 100 are vertically aligned with each other.

[0076] The electrode contact pressing unit 200 is tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the unit cell or the electrode assembly 10. Figure 1 As shown, the main body 11 of the electrode assembly 10 is thicker than the portion of the electrode assembly 10 from which the electrode tab T protrudes. This also applies to the unit cell. Therefore, when the electrode tab pressing unit 200 presses the electrode tab T perpendicular to the electrode assembly 10, the electrode tab T is continuously pressed to contact the main body 11, thereby causing damage to the main body 11 (e.g., tearing of the diaphragm, damage to the electrode active material, etc.). However, when the electrode tab pressing unit 200 is tilted, the pressing surface of the electrode tab pressing unit 200 can first contact the electrode tab 10 to minimize damage to the main body 11.

[0077] In addition, when the electrode tab pressing unit 200 is excessively tilted, the electrode tab T may be severely deformed (warped or bent) when pressed by the electrode tab pressing unit 200. Therefore, the above angle can be appropriately selected within a range that prevents the electrode tab T from being deformed (warped or bent) when pressed by the electrode tab pressing unit 200.

[0078] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of pressing pins 230 for pressing the electrode tap T may be provided at an end portion of the electrode tap pressing unit 200 in a pressing direction by the electrode tap pressing unit 200 .

[0079] By providing the pressing stem 230, when the electrode tap pressing unit 200 applies pressure, the electrode tap pressing unit 200 can make linear contact with the electrode tap T through the pressing stem 230. Therefore, by using the pressing stem 230 instead of other pressing members or alignment members configured to make point contact with the electrode tap T, sufficient pressure can be applied to the electrode tap T. In addition, by using the pressing stem 230 instead of other pressing members or alignment members configured to make surface contact with the electrode tap T, damage to the electrode tap T can be minimized.

[0080] The pressing post 230 can be set in parallel with the direction in which the electrode connector T extends from the main body of the unit cell or the main body 11 of the electrode assembly 10. The end of the electrode connector T may be displaced due to deformation of the electrode connector T, such as bending or wrinkling. When the pressing post 230 is set perpendicular to the direction in which the electrode connector T extends, the end of the electrode connector T may not be pressed depending on the degree of displacement of the end of the electrode connector T. However, when the pressing post 230 is set parallel to the direction in which the electrode connector T extends, the pressing post 230 can make line contact with the end of the electrode connector T so as to be perpendicular to the end. Therefore, by pressing the end of the electrode connector T in a direction opposite to the displacement direction of the end, the electrode connector T can be effectively aligned.

[0081] The pressing pin 330 should be appropriately configured so that when the electrode tab T is pressed by the electrode tab pressing unit 200, the identification mark I is not hidden in the field of view of the identification mark reader 100. To this end, the pressing pin 330 is preferably configured to press the surface of the electrode tab T spaced a predetermined distance from both ends of the identification mark I.

[0082] The number and arrangement of the pressing pins 330 may be appropriately selected so that the identification mark I is not hidden in the field of view of the identification mark reader 100.

[0083] The outer surface of the pressing rod 330 can be coated with fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). FEP and PTFE are materials with significantly low friction coefficients. Therefore, when the outer surface of the pressing rod 330 is coated with FEP or PTFE, when the electrode connector T is pressed, damage to the electrode connector T due to friction between the pressing rod 330 and the electrode connector T can be minimized.

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, the electrode connector pressing unit 200 may include a main frame 210 having a through hole 211 and a column support 220 for mounting a pressing column 230 .

[0085] Figure 4 2 is a perspective view of the electrode tab pressing unit 200 . Figure 5 FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the electrode tab pressing unit 200 . Figure 6 FIG. 2 is a front view of the electrode tap pressing unit 200 . Figure 7 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example in which the press column 230 is coupled to the column holder 220 .

[0086] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the body frame 210 may have a rectangular frame shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the shape of the body frame 210 may be appropriately selected as long as the column bracket 220 can be mounted.

[0087] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the through hole 211 may be provided in a central area of ​​the main body frame 210. By providing the through hole 211 in the main body frame 210, the overall weight of the main body frame 210 may be reduced.

[0088] The through hole 211 extends in the height direction of the main frame 210. That is, the main frame 210 includes the through hole 211 and can have a rectangular frame shape with a hollow center portion. Therefore, even when the electrode tap T is pressed by the electrode tap pressing unit 200, the identification mark reader 100 can easily recognize the identification mark I through the through hole 211.

[0089] The pressing column 230 may be installed on the inner wall of the through hole 211. However, in this case, when the electrode joint T is pressed, the conveyor belt of the conveying electrode assembly 100 may come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the main frame 230 and thus be damaged. Figures 4 to 6 As shown, a plurality of stem supports 220 are preferably installed on the main body frame 210 to protrude from the main body frame 210 in a direction in which the electrode tap T is pressed by the electrode tap pressing unit 200 .

[0090] The column holders 220 may be arranged to face each other across the through hole 211. In this case, both ends of the pressing column 230 are fixed to the facing column holders 220, and thus the pressing column 230 may be located at the end of the electrode tap pressing unit 200 in the pressing direction.

[0091] It is preferable to provide an even number of pipe column supports 220 because both ends of the press pipe column 230 are fixed to the pipe column supports 220. For example, Figures 4 to 6 As shown, a pair of symmetrical column brackets 220 may be provided. However, the provision of the pair of column brackets 220 is only an example, and the number of column brackets 220 to be installed is not particularly limited as long as both ends of the pressing column 230 can be easily fixed.

[0092] The column holders 220 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance across the through hole 211. In addition, because the electrode connector pressing unit 200 is tilted, the column holders 220 are also tilted. Therefore, when the column holders 220 are installed on the main frame 10 and are too far apart from each other, when pressing the electrode connector T, the column holders 220 may exert an impact on the conveying equipment (e.g., a conveyor belt) of the electrode assembly 10. In this case, the conveying equipment may be damaged by the column holders 220. Therefore, the distance between the column holders 220 can be appropriately set to prevent the column holders 220 from contacting the conveying equipment of the electrode assembly 10 when the electrode connector pressing unit 200 presses the electrode connector T. In addition, the length of the pressing column 230 can be determined based on the distance between the column holders 220.

[0093] The column holder 220 may be a square plate having a predetermined thickness. The shape and thickness of the column holder 220 may be appropriately changed according to the design of the column holder 220 or the electrode contact pressing unit 200.

[0094] like Figure 7 As shown, the column bracket 220 may be provided with a screw hole 221 for installing the pressing column 230 .

[0095] like Figure 7 As shown, the pressing column 230 can be coupled to the column support 220 by screwing both ends of the pressing column 230 onto the bolts B and screwing the bolts B into the screw holes 221. However, the above coupling method is only an example, and other coupling methods can be appropriately selected as long as the pressing column 230 can be fixed to the column support 220.

[0096] like Figure 7As shown, the pressing column 230 can be coupled to cover the ends of the column supports 220 facing each other. That is, one end of each pressing column 230 can be fixed in the screw hole 221, and the main body extending from both ends of the pressing column 230 can be bent toward the other column supports 220 facing each other.

[0097] In this case, the pressing column 230 may be excessively bent due to the edge of the end of the column support 220, thereby causing stress to be applied to the pressing column 230. In order to minimize the stress to be applied, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, chamfered surfaces 222 that are inclined toward other column supports 220 facing each other may be provided.

[0098] The chamfered surface 222 may be formed by chamfering the end surface of the column support 220 .

[0099] exist Figure 7 , the chamfered surface 222 is shown as a flat surface. However, the chamfered surface 222 may be manufactured as a curved surface convex toward the pressing direction.

[0100] The electrode tap pressing unit 200 may be coupled to the identification mark reader 100 to be movable from the identification mark reader 100. When the electrode tap pressing unit 200 moves from the identification mark reader 100 toward the electrode tap T, the identification mark on the electrode tap T may be pressed by the electrode tap pressing unit 200.

[0101] like Figure 2 As shown, the identification mark reader 100 can be located on the same axis as the electrode contact pressing unit 200. To this end, the identification mark reader 100 can be placed above the electrode assembly 10 at the same angle as the angle at which the electrode contact pressing unit 200 is placed. In this case, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the through hole 211 and the identification mark reader 100 are arranged on the same axis. In this case, the identification mark reader 100 can be placed on the unit cell.

[0102] By arranging the identification mark reader 100 and the electrode tap pressing unit 200 on the same axis, interference caused by the structure of the electrode tap pressing unit 200 can be minimized when the identification mark I is recognized by the identification mark reader 100. Therefore, even when the electrode tap pressing unit 200 presses the electrode tap T, the identification mark I can be located in the field of view of the identification mark reader 100 through the through hole 211. In addition, by arranging the identification mark reader 100 and the electrode tap pressing unit 200 at the same angle, the layout design of the identification mark reader 100 and the electrode tap pressing unit 200 can be simplified.

[0103] In this embodiment, the electrode tap pressing unit 200 moves linearly back and forth. The identification mark recognition device 1000 of this embodiment may include a linear movement mechanism 400 for linear movement of the electrode tap pressing unit 200.

[0104] The linear movement mechanism 400 may be a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder whose linear movement direction changes according to the direction of the supplied fluid. However, the linear movement mechanism 400 is not limited thereto and is not particularly limited as long as the linear movement mechanism 400 can linearly reciprocate according to the operation signal from the controller 300.

[0105] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, one end of the linear movement mechanism 400 can be coupled to the mounting bracket 24, and the other end thereof can be coupled to the electrode tab pressing unit 200 via the connecting bracket C. In this case, the linear movement component (e.g., a cylinder rod) of the linear movement mechanism 400 moves linearly, thereby causing the connecting bracket C to move linearly. In this case, because the electrode tab pressing unit 200 is coupled to the connecting bracket C, the electrode tab pressing unit 200 also moves linearly together with the connecting bracket C. As described above, the electrode tab pressing unit 200 is coupled to the identification mark reader 100 so as to be moved from the identification mark reader 100 via the linear movement mechanism 400.

[0106] The shape of the connecting bracket C is not particularly limited as long as it can provide an appropriate mounting surface for connecting the electrode tap pressing unit 200 to the linear moving mechanism 400 .

[0107] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the identification mark recognition device 1000 of this embodiment may further include an illumination member 500 between the identification mark reader 100 and the electrode tap T.

[0108] The illumination member 500 may emit light onto the surface of the electrode tap T marked with the identification mark I to help the identification mark reader 100 recognize the identification mark I.

[0109] The lighting member 500 may include a lighting frame 510 in which a light source is installed and a lighting glass 520 installed in a central area of ​​the lighting member 500 .

[0110] The lighting frame 510 can be manufactured in a square frame shape with a hollow central portion. A light source can be installed in the lighting frame 510. In this case, the hollow central portion of the lighting frame 510 can be covered by a lighting glass 520 to protect the light source from external contaminants (dust, etc.).

[0111] The illumination member 500 may be arranged on the same axis as the identification mark reader 100. As described above, because the illumination member 500 and the identification mark reader 100 are arranged in a straight line, the amount of light emitted to the electrode tap T, reflected on the identification mark reader 100, and collected can be maximized. Therefore, the identification mark reader 100 can more clearly recognize the identification mark I.

[0112] The lighting component 500 may also be as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, it is arranged on the same axis as the electrode contact pressing unit 200. In this case, as Figure 3 As shown, the lighting frame 510 may be connected to the connection bracket C, and the electrode tap pressing unit 200 may be coupled to the lighting frame 510. To this end, the main body frame 210 of the electrode tap pressing unit 200 may include a connection block 212 coupled to the lighting frame 510.

[0113] The connection block 212 may be provided with a coupling hole 212a. The electrode tap pressing unit 200 and the lighting member 500 may be coupled to each other by fixing a separate fastening member such as a bolt in the lighting frame 510 while passing through the coupling hole 212a.

[0114] Before the identification mark I is recognized by the identification mark reader 100, the electrode tap pressing unit 200 aligns the electrode tap T so that the surface of the electrode tap T marked with the identification mark I is perpendicular to the identification mark reader 100. As described above, by aligning the electrode tap T at a predetermined position, the identification mark recognition rate of the identification mark reader 100 can be improved.

[0115] The identification mark recognition device 1000 includes a controller 300 that controls the identification mark reader 100 and the linear movement mechanism 400 .

[0116] The controller 300 may be an equipment control program that controls the equipment in each sub-process. Alternatively, the controller 300 may be a separate software installed in the entire process control system.

[0117] Figures 8 to 10 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the identification mark recognition device 1000 according to this embodiment. Figure 11 This is an operation flow chart of the identification mark recognition device 1000 according to this embodiment.

[0118] First, the electrode assembly 10 is conveyed by a conveyor belt or the like and placed under the identification mark reader 100 ( S10 ). In this case, the unit cells may also be placed under the identification mark reader 100 .

[0119] like Figure 8As shown, the outermost electrode tap T′ among the electrode taps T of the electrode assembly 10 may be pushed out or tilted to one side and thus bent during the manufacture of the electrode assembly 10 .

[0120] When the electrode assembly 10 is disposed below the identification mark reader 100, the controller 300 controls the linear movement mechanism 400 to move the electrode tap pressing unit 200 toward the electrode tap T. Figure 8 shown.

[0121] The electrode tap pressing unit 200 presses the outermost electrode tap T' or the plurality of electrode taps T until the outermost electrode tap T' is aligned perpendicular to the identification mark reader 100 (S20). In this case, as Figure 9 As shown, the deformation of the outermost electrode tab T' is canceled, and thus the identification mark reader 100 can easily identify the identification mark I on the outermost electrode tab T'.

[0122] The linear movement stroke of the linear movement mechanism 400 for the electrode tap pressing unit 200 to press the electrode tap T can be preset and stored by the controller 300. The controller 300 can control the linear movement mechanism 400 using the stored stroke to allow the electrode tap pressing unit 200 to regularly press the electrode tap T.

[0123] In this case, the linear movement stroke of the linear movement mechanism 400 may be appropriately selected in consideration of the thickness of all electrode taps T of the electrode assembly 10 below the identification mark reader 100, the distance between the identification mark reader 100 and the electrode taps T, and whether the electrode tap pressing unit 200 contacts the conveying device in the electrode assembly 10. For example, when the stroke is excessively increased, the column holder 220 of the electrode tap pressing unit 200 may exert an impact on the conveying device, thereby causing damage to the conveying device.

[0124] When the outermost electrode joint T' is aligned, the controller 300 controls the identification mark reader 100 to recognize the identification mark on the outermost electrode joint T', such as Figure 9 As shown in (S30). In this case, Figure 9 As shown, the through hole 211 and the identification mark reader 100 are arranged on the same axis. Therefore, the identification mark reader 100 can easily identify the identification mark I through the through hole 211.

[0125] Afterwards, if Figure 10 As shown, the controller 300 controls the linear moving mechanism 400 to return the electrode tap pressing unit 200 to the original position (S40).

[0126] When the electrode tap pressing unit 200 returns to the original position and the pressing of the electrode taps T and T′ is canceled, the electrode assembly 10 may be transferred by a conveyor belt or the like to perform a next process ( S50 ).

[0127] Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0128] (Second embodiment)

[0129] Figures 12 to 15 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the identification mark recognition device 2000 according to the second embodiment. Figure 16 This is an operation flow chart of the identification mark recognition device 2000 according to this embodiment.

[0130] like Figure 12 As shown, the outermost electrode tab T" of the electrode assembly 10 may be excessively bent. In this case, when the electrode tab T" is directly pressed, the electrode tab T" is additionally deformed in the direction in which the electrode tab T" has been deformed, thereby causing damage to the electrode tab T". Therefore, before pressing the electrode tab T", it is necessary to reduce the degree of bending of the electrode tab T" to a certain extent.

[0131] In this embodiment, the identification mark recognition device 2000 differs from the identification mark recognition device 1000 of the first embodiment in that the identification mark recognition device 2000 further includes an air injector 600 that injects air onto the electrode tab T" before pressing the electrode tab T". In addition, the components of the identification mark recognition device 2000 that are the same as those of the identification mark recognition device 1000 of the first embodiment can also be applied to this embodiment, and therefore their detailed description is omitted here.

[0132] The air injector 600 may be an air nozzle for injecting compressed air.

[0133] The position where the air injector 600 is installed is not particularly limited, as long as the air injector 600 can inject compressed air in the direction in which the outermost electrode tap T" extends.

[0134] In this embodiment, the excessive deformation of the electrode tab T' is eliminated to a certain extent by moving the excessively deformed (bent) electrode tab T' in a direction opposite to the direction in which the electrode tab T' is deformed by the air ejector 600. Therefore, damage to the electrode tab T' during pressing can be minimized. Therefore, the electrode tab pressing unit 200 can press the electrode tab T more stably. In addition, foreign matter such as dust that may be attached to the identification mark I or the lighting glass 520 of the lighting member 500 can be removed by the ejected air. In this case, the identification mark recognition rate of the identification mark reader 100 can be greatly improved.

[0135] The air injection of the air injector 600 may be controlled by the controller 300 ′.

[0136] The control performed by the controller 300' may be similar to the control performed by the controller 600 according to the first embodiment. For example, an operation S11 of pre-aligning the electrode contacts may be added between operations S10 and S20, and other operations S30 to S50 may be controlled in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0137] Specifically, if Figure 12 As shown, when the electrode assembly 10 is located below the identification mark reader 100 (S10), the controller 300' may control the air injector 600 to pre-align with the outermost electrode joint T" (S11).

[0138] Thereafter, the controller 300 ′ may control the linear movement mechanism 400 to allow the electrode tap pressing unit 200 to press the electrode taps for alignment.

[0139] In this case, if Figure 13 As shown, the air injection of the air injector 600 may be maintained until the electrode tap pressing unit 200 presses the electrode tap T.

[0140] Next, if Figure 14 As shown, the identification mark reader 100 recognizes the identification mark I on the electrode tab T″ (S30). In this case, the air ejector 600 may continuously eject air. Alternatively, the ejection of air may be terminated at the time point when the pressing by the electrode tab pressing unit 200 is completed. The time point when the air ejection is terminated is not particularly limited, as long as the air ejector 600 is pre-aligned with the electrode tab T and the pressing of the electrode tab T by the electrode tab pressing unit 200 is completed.

[0141] Afterwards, when the recognition of the recognition mark 1 is completed, the controller 300′ returns the electrode contact pressing unit 200 to the state as shown in FIG. Figure 15 The original position (S40) is shown.

[0142] Finally, the electrode assembly 10 may be transferred by a conveyor belt or the like to perform the next process.

[0143] As described above, by aligning the electrode tab T perpendicularly to the identification mark reader 100, the recognition rate of the identification mark I on the electrode tab T can be improved. In addition, as in this embodiment, an air jet 600 can be provided to pre-align the electrode tab T. In this case, the electrode tab T can be pressed more stably.

[0144] (Third embodiment)

[0145] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process of manufacturing a battery cell stack. Figure 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process of manufacturing a folded battery cell or a folded battery cell stack.

[0146] Figure 19 Schematic diagram illustrating a portion of a secondary battery manufacturing process using an identification mark recognition device. Figure 20 is a flowchart of a secondary battery manufacturing method according to the third embodiment.

[0147] Figure 17 The process of manufacturing a stacked cell type electrode assembly 10 by stacking unit cells is illustrated. The unit cells to be stacked may be of the same type (e.g., single cells (MC)). Alternatively, the stack of unit cells of the same type may include unit cells of different types (e.g., half cells). For example, half cells may be placed on the top and / or bottom of a single cell stack. The stacked cell type electrode assembly 10 may include a fixing tape X to fix the unit cells. Each unit cell includes an electrode connector T marked with an identification mark I. The identification mark I is provided on the electrode connector T' of the unit cell (e.g., single cell (MC) or half cell) stacked on top of the cell stack.

[0148] Reference Figure 18 , multiple unit cells (e.g., bi-cells BC) are placed on a long separator sheet SS. In this state, the separator sheets SS are sequentially folded. That is, by rolling up the bi-cells BC with the separator sheets SS, the electrode assembly 10 can be manufactured in the form of a folded cell or a folded cell stack.

[0149] The unit cells stacked by rolling with the separator sheet SS also include electrode tabs T marked with identification marks I. The identification marks I are also provided on electrode tabs T' of the unit cells (eg, bi-cells BC) stacked on top of the folded cell stack.

[0150] Figure 19 A portion of a secondary battery manufacturing process in which the electrode assembly 10 is manufactured using unit cells is illustrated. Figure 19 and Figure 20 To manufacture the electrode assembly 10 , first, a plurality of unit cells having electrode tabs T marked with identification marks I are prepared ( S100 ).

[0151] The unit cells can be transferred to a workbench WS1 for manufacturing an electrode assembly. For example, a plurality of unit cells can be loaded onto the workbench WS1 by a conveyor belt or a loader (not shown). As described above, the unit cells are half cells, single cells, or double cells. Alternatively, the electrode assembly can include unit cells of the same type or different types.

[0152] Before manufacturing the electrode assembly 10, an operation S101 of identifying the electrode taps T of the unit cells using a separate identification mark reader 100 may be further performed. In this case, the identification mark reader 100 may be of the same type as or different from the type included in the identification mark recognition device 1000 or 2000 of the first or second embodiment. By recognizing the identification mark I on the electrode tap T of each unit cell, the type, data, etc. of each unit cell included in the electrode assembly manufactured using the unit cells may be identified.

[0153] In this case, when identifying the identification mark I on each unit cell, the electrode terminal pressing unit 200 of the identification mark recognition device 1000 or 2000 according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment may not be applied. Because the number of stacked electrode terminals in each unit cell is not large, the degree of bending or wrinkling of the electrode terminals is not serious. When the number of stacked electrode terminals is small, the visibility of the identification mark to the identification mark reader can be increased by supporting the electrode terminals by predetermined terminal guides. In this case, when the electrode terminal pressing unit 200 presses the electrode terminal of the unit cell, the electrode terminal may be damaged or bent in a direction opposite to the pressing direction. Therefore, the identification mark of each unit cell can be simply identified by a universal identification mark reader.

[0154] Next, the plurality of unit cells whose identification marks are identified can be moved from the workbench WS1 to perform a lamination process thereon to stack the plurality of unit cells with separators interposed therebetween, thereby completing the electrode assembly 10 in the form of a cell stack. Alternatively, the plurality of unit cells on the separator can be rolled up with the separator sheet to manufacture an electrode assembly in the form of a folded cell or a folded cell stack (S110).

[0155] The manufactured electrode assembly is moved from the workstation WS1 and placed under the identification mark reader (S120).

[0156] In the above-mentioned electrode assembly 10, a plurality of unit cells are arranged to overlap each other, and therefore the electrode tabs are likely to be deformed due to various factors, for example, when the electrode tabs are tilted to one side or pushed out during the stacking of the unit cells or during the rolling of the unit cells with the separator sheet SS. Therefore, the operation S130 of pressing the electrode tabs so that the electrode tabs of the uppermost unit cell of the electrode assembly are perpendicular to the identification mark reader should be performed. That is, as Figure 9 and Figure 14 As shown, the electrode contacts should be pressed to align so that the electrode contacts T' are perpendicular to the identification mark reader. Figure 9 and Figure 14As shown, the electrode contact pressing unit 200 of the identification mark recognition device 1000 can be used to align the upper surface of the electrode contact to be perpendicular to the identification mark reader.

[0157] In a state in which the electrode tab is perpendicular to the identification mark reader 100 , the identification mark reader 100 may recognize the identification mark on the electrode tab ( S140 ).

[0158] The identification mark I on the electrode tab T' of the uppermost unit cell of the electrode assembly may be a representative identification (ID) of the electrode assembly.

[0159] The representative ID may be associated with the information of the identification mark I on the electrode tab of each unit cell of the electrode assembly. That is, the type and data of the unit cells included in the electrode assembly can be identified by identifying the representative ID. In addition, the representative ID may include information about the manufacturing history, such as the batch number, each piece of process equipment, and production line information.

[0160] The ID may include a symbol indicating the serial number. The symbol may include, but is not limited to, Arabic numerals. The symbol may include any character that provides information about the serial number.

[0161] The electrode assembly whose representative ID has been identified can be moved to perform subsequent processing (S150). In this case, such an electrode assembly is moved to a workbench WS2 for subsequent processing by an unloader or a conveyor belt (not shown). In the subsequent processing (S160), various processes are performed on the electrode assembly. For example, a process of cutting the electrode joints and welded electrode leads of the electrode assembly 10, a process of placing the electrode assembly with welded electrode leads into a shell and injecting electrolyte to manufacture a so-called packaged battery cell, an activation process for providing electrical characteristics to the packaged battery cell, a process of assembling activated secondary battery cells to manufacture modules and battery packs, etc.

[0162] In the above-mentioned subsequent processing, an operation of identifying the representative ID of the electrode assembly may also be required. Therefore, similarly, in the subsequent processing, the electrode contact of the uppermost unit cell of the electrode assembly may be pressed to be perpendicular to the identification mark reader so that the identification mark reader can recognize the identification mark on the uppermost unit cell in this state.

[0163] Therefore, identification information of each unit cell and the electrode assembly including the unit cell can be accurately specified throughout the secondary battery manufacturing process. In addition, based on the identification information, the manufacturing history of various types of secondary batteries can be easily calculated.

[0164] The above description is merely an example of the technical concept of the present invention, and various modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the basic characteristics of the present invention.

[0165] Therefore, the drawings of the present invention set forth herein are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present invention, but are intended to describe the technical concept, and the scope of the technical concept of the invention is not limited by the drawings. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted based on the claims, and all technical concepts within the same scope as the present invention should be interpreted as included within the scope of the present invention.

[0166] In this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used only for convenience of description, and thus it is apparent that these terms may change depending on the position of an object or an observer.

[0167] (reference numerals)

[0168] 10: Electrode assembly

[0169] 100: Identification Tag Reader

[0170] 200: Electrode connector pressing unit

[0171] 210: Main frame

[0172] 220: Column support

[0173] 230: Press the pipe string

[0174] 300, 300': Controller

[0175] 400: Linear motion mechanism

[0176] 500: Lighting components

[0177] 600: Air Injector

[0178] 1000, 2000: Identification mark identification device

[0179] I: Identification mark

[0180] T, T', T": Electrode connector

Claims

1. An identification mark recognition device, the identification mark recognition device comprising: an identification mark reader configured to identify an identification mark on an electrode connector of a unit cell or an electrode assembly; an electrode contact pressing unit, the electrode contact pressing unit being configured to press the electrode contact so that a surface of the electrode contact marked with the identification mark is aligned relative to the identification mark reader; as well as a controller configured to control the electrode contact pressing unit and the identification mark reader to allow the identification mark reader to recognize the identification mark after the electrode contact is pressed by the electrode contact pressing unit; Wherein, the electrode terminal pressing unit is arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the unit cell or the electrode assembly.

2. The identification mark recognition device according to claim 1, wherein: The identification mark reader is arranged above the unit cell or the electrode assembly at the same angle as the electrode contact pressing unit, so that the identification mark reader and the electrode contact pressing unit are located on the same axis, The electrode contact pressing unit is coupled to the identification mark reader to be movable from the identification mark reader, and As the electrode tap pressing unit moves from the identification mark reader toward the electrode tap, the electrode tap pressing unit presses the surface of the electrode tap marked with the identification mark.

3. The identification mark recognition device according to claim 1, wherein: The electrode terminal pressing unit is provided with a plurality of pressing columns configured to press the electrode terminal at an end portion of the electrode terminal pressing unit in a pressing direction.

4. The identification mark recognition device according to claim 3, wherein: The outer surfaces of the plurality of pressing columns are coated with fluorinated ethylene propylene FEP or polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE.

5. The identification mark recognition device according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of pressing pins are arranged parallel to a direction in which the electrode tab extends from a main body of the unit cell or a main body of the electrode assembly.

6. The identification mark recognition device according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of pressing pins are arranged to press a surface of the electrode contact spaced a predetermined distance from both sides of the identification mark.

7. The identification mark recognition device according to claim 3, wherein: The electrode terminal pressing unit comprises: a main frame having a through hole; and a plurality of column supports, the plurality of column supports being mounted on the main frame so as to protrude from the main frame in a pressing direction of the electrode terminal pressing unit, wherein the plurality of column supports are arranged to face each other, and the through holes are interposed between the plurality of column supports, and Both ends of the plurality of pressing columns are fixed on the plurality of column supports facing each other.

8. The identification mark recognition device according to claim 7, wherein: The plurality of pressing columns are coupled to the plurality of column supports to cover ends of the plurality of column supports facing each other, and The end portion of each of the plurality of column supports facing each other is provided with a chamfered surface inclined toward the other column support.

9. The identification mark recognition device according to claim 7, wherein: The identification mark reader is obliquely disposed above the unit cell or the electrode assembly to be on the same axis as the through hole.

10. The identification mark recognition device according to claim 1, wherein: The identification mark includes a barcode or a quick response QR code.

11. The identification mark recognition device according to claim 1, further comprising an illumination member between the identification mark reader and the electrode connector, in, The illumination member is on the same axis as the identification mark reader. 12 . The identification mark recognition device according to claim 1 , further comprising an air injector configured to inject air to the electrode tab before the electrode tab is pressed by the electrode tab pressing unit.

13. A method for identifying an identification mark, the method comprising the following steps: placing a unit cell or an electrode assembly including an electrode contact marked with an identification mark under an identification mark reader; Moving the electrode contact pressing unit toward the electrode contact to press the electrode contact so that the electrode contact is perpendicular to the identification mark reader; as well as In a state where the electrode connector is perpendicular to the identification mark reader, the identification mark on the electrode connector is identified by the identification mark reader.

14. The identification mark recognition method according to claim 13, wherein: The electrode connector pressing unit is provided with a plurality of pressing columns at an end portion in a pressing direction of the electrode connector pressing unit. When the electrode connector pressing unit moves toward the electrode connector, the electrode connector is pressed by the plurality of pressing columns. 15 . The identification mark recognition method according to claim 13 , further comprising spraying air toward the electrode contact before the electrode contact pressing unit presses the electrode contact.

16. A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, the method comprising the following steps: preparing a plurality of unit cells including electrode tabs marked with identification marks; Manufacturing an electrode assembly by stacking the plurality of unit cells with a separator sandwiched therebetween or rolling the plurality of unit cells placed on a separator sheet with the separator sheet; placing the electrode assembly below an identification tag reader; Pressing the electrode connector of the uppermost unit cell of the electrode assembly to be perpendicular to the identification mark reader; as well as In a state where the electrode connector is perpendicular to the identification mark reader, the identification mark on the electrode connector is identified by the identification mark reader.

17. The secondary battery manufacturing method according to claim 16, wherein: The plurality of unit cells include half cells, single cells or double cells, and The electrode assembly includes unit cells of the same type or unit cells of different types.

18. The secondary battery manufacturing method according to claim 16, further comprising the following steps: Before manufacturing the electrode assembly, the electrode taps of the unit cells are identified by a separate identification mark reader.

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