Identification display recognition device, identification display recognition method, and manufacturing method of secondary battery

Abstract

The present invention relates to an identification display recognition device and an identification display recognition method that improve the recognition rate of an identification display marked on an electrode tab. The identification display recognition device according to the present invention includes an identification display reader that recognizes an identification display marked on an electrode tab of a unit cell or an electrode assembly, an electrode tab pressurizing unit that pressurizes the electrode tab so that one surface of the electrode tab on which the identification display is marked is vertically aligned with the identification display reader, and a control unit that controls the electrode tab pressurizing unit and the identification display reader so that the identification display reader recognizes the identification display after pressurization by the electrode tab pressurizing unit. The electrode tab pressurizing unit may be disposed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the unit cell or the electrode assembly. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a secondary battery using the identification display recognition device and the recognition method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an identification display recognition device and method capable of recognizing an identification display marked on an electrode tab. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a secondary battery using the above identification display recognition device and method.

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

[0003] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0014401 filed on February 2, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the document of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0004] In recent years, rechargeable secondary batteries have been widely used as an energy source for wireless mobile devices. In addition, secondary batteries are also attracting attention as an energy source for electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, etc., which are proposed as a solution to solve air pollution caused by existing gasoline vehicles, diesel vehicles, etc. that use fossil fuels.

[0005] Such secondary batteries are manufactured through a number of detailed processes, such as a process of coating and rolling an active material on a current collector for manufacturing the positive and negative electrodes, which are components, a notching process for forming an electrode tab, an electrode assembly manufacturing process for manufacturing an electrode assembly with the manufactured electrode and a separator, a packaging process for housing the electrode assembly in a case, and a charge-discharge process for imparting characteristics before shipment.

[0006] On the electrode tabs of the above electrodes (positive electrode and negative electrode), identification markings can be made for the confirmation and tracking of semi-finished products during the manufacturing process. When the electrode is introduced into a specific detailed process, the identification marking made on the electrode tab can be recognized to identify which electrode is currently being introduced into the process. Also, by linking the identification marking information with the detailed process information, it is possible to track which detailed process the current electrode has been introduced into.

[0007] However, since the thickness of the above electrode tab is very thin, it can be warped or wrinkled during the transfer process of the electrode. In particular, when a plurality of electrodes and a separator are laminated to form an electrode assembly, the floating and wrinkling of the electrode tab can become more severe due to various factors such as the deviation and misalignment of the electrode tab.

[0008] Thus, when the electrode tab with the identification marking is warped or wrinkled, irregular reflection of light may occur, and the focus of the identification marking reader may not be achieved when recognizing the identification marking. Or, the identification marking may not be located within the field of view of the above identification marking reader. In this case, poor identification marking recognition may occur, and in the future, it may become difficult to track semi-finished products within the manufacturing process.

[0009] Therefore, even if warping or the like of the electrode tab occurs, it is necessary to develop a technology for aligning the electrode tab so that the above identification marking can be constantly positioned within the field of view of the above identification marking reader.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0010]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0011] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an identification display recognition device, an identification display recognition method, and a method for manufacturing a secondary battery, which improve the recognition rate of an identification display reader by pressing an electrode tab to align the electrode tab with the identification display reader.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] The identification display recognition device of the present invention for solving the above problems includes an identification display reader (reader) that recognizes an identification display marked on an electrode tab of a unit cell or an electrode assembly, an electrode tab pressurizing unit that pressurizes the electrode tab so that one surface of the electrode tab on which the identification display is marked is vertically aligned with the identification display reader, and a control unit that controls the electrode tab pressurizing unit and the identification display reader so that the identification display reader recognizes the identification display after pressurization by the electrode tab pressurizing unit. The electrode tab pressurizing unit is inclined and arranged so as to have a predetermined angle with respect to the unit cell or the electrode assembly.

[0013] The identification display reader is arranged above the unit cell or the electrode assembly at the same angle as the angle at which the electrode tab pressurizing unit is arranged. The electrode tab pressurizing unit is movably coupled to the identification display reader and can pressurize the surface of the electrode tab on which the identification display is marked as the electrode tab pressurizing unit moves from the identification display reader toward the electrode tab.

[0014] The electrode tab pressurizing unit may include a plurality of pressurizing strings that pressurize the electrode tab at a pressurizing direction end of the electrode tab pressurizing unit.

[0015] The outer surface of the pressurizing string may be coated with FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene propylene) or PTFE (Poly Tetra Fluoro Ethylene).

[0016] The pressure string can be arranged parallel to the direction in which the electrode tab extends from the main body of the unit cell or the main body of the electrode assembly.

[0017] The pressure string can be arranged to press the surfaces of the electrode tabs spaced at a predetermined interval from both side ends of the identification display.

[0018] The electrode tab pressing unit includes a main body frame having a through hole and a plurality of string brackets installed on the main body frame so as to protrude in the pressing direction of the electrode tab pressing unit from the main body frame. The string brackets are arranged to face each other with the through hole therebetween, and both ends of the pressure string can be fixed to the string brackets facing each other respectively.

[0019] The pressure string is coupled to the string brackets so as to wrap the ends of the string brackets facing each other, and the ends of the string brackets can be provided with chamfered surfaces inclined toward the other string brackets facing each other.

[0020] The identification display reader can be inclined and arranged on the upper part of the unit cell or the electrode assembly so as to be arranged on the same axis as the through hole.

[0021] The identification display can be a bar-code or a QR code (registered trademark: Quick Response code).

[0022] It includes an illumination member arranged between the identification display reader and the electrode tab, and the illumination member can be arranged on the same axis as the identification display reader.

[0023] Before the electrode tab is pressed by the electrode tab pressing unit, it can include an air injection part for injecting air onto the electrode tab.

[0024] As another aspect of the present invention, a method for recognizing an identification display of an electrode tab includes the steps of positioning a unit cell or an electrode assembly including an electrode tab marked with an identification display below an identification display reader; moving an electrode tab pressing unit toward the electrode tab to press the electrode tab so that the electrode tab is perpendicular to the identification display reader; and recognizing the identification display of the electrode tab by the identification display reader in a state where the electrode tab is perpendicular to the identification display reader.

[0025] Further, before the step of pressing the electrode tab by the electrode tab pressing unit, the method may further include a step of injecting air onto the electrode tab.

[0026] As another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a secondary battery includes: preparing a plurality of unit cells each including an electrode tab marked with an identification display; manufacturing an electrode assembly by stacking a plurality of unit cells with a separator interposed therebetween or winding a plurality of unit cells placed on a separator sheet around the separator sheet; positioning the electrode assembly below an identification display reader; pressing the electrode tab so that the electrode tab of the unit cell located at the upper part of the outermost contour of the electrode assembly is perpendicular to the identification display reader; and recognizing the identification display of the electrode tab by the identification display reader in a state where the electrode tab is perpendicular to the identification display reader.

[0027] The unit cell is one of a half cell, a monocell, and a bicell, and the electrode assembly may include unit cells of the same type or different types.

[0028] Before the step of manufacturing the electrode assembly, the method may further include a step of recognizing the electrode tab of the unit cell by a separate identification display reader.

Advantages of the Invention

[0029] According to the present invention, by eliminating warping, wrinkles, etc. of the electrode tab, the identification display marked on the electrode tab can be recognized more effectively.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail. Before that, the terms and words used in this specification and the claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be construed as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain his own invention in the best way.

[0032] In this application, terms such as "including" and "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood not to preclude in advance the presence or addition possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Also, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is "on" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly on" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is "under" another part, it includes not only the case where it is "directly under" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Also, in this application, being "disposed on" can include not only the upper part but also the case of being disposed on the lower part.

[0033] The identification display recognition device of the present invention can be arranged in the transfer path of the unit cell or the electrode assembly. When the unit cell or the electrode assembly is put into or discharged from a specific detailed process, by effectively recognizing the identification display marked on the electrode tab, it is possible to more easily ensure the traceability of the semi-finished product of the battery cell in the entire manufacturing process of the battery cell.

[0034] The above identification display can be marked on the electrode tab in the form of a bar-code, a QR code (registered trademark), or numbers. The above identification display can be marked on the electrode tab by printing it with ink or the like on the electrode tab, or by engraving it by intaglio or relief. When the above identification display is marked on one surface of the electrode tab and can be recognized by an identification display reader, the form of the above identification display or the method by which the identification display is marked on the electrode tab is not particularly limited.

[0035] In the present invention, the "unit cell" can be any one of one electrode (positive electrode or negative electrode), a half cell, a monocell, and a bicell. The above 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 tab by a notching process. The above half cell can be manufactured by laminating one electrode with a separator. The above monocell can be manufactured by sequentially laminating a positive electrode - separator - negative electrode. The above bicell can be manufactured by sequentially laminating two first electrodes and a second electrode having a polarity different from that of the first electrode with a separator interposed therebetween. For example, a bicell can be manufactured by laminating in the order of positive electrode - separator - negative electrode - separator - positive electrode. Or, a bicell can be manufactured by laminating in the order of negative electrode - separator - positive electrode - separator - negative electrode.

[0036] The "electrode assembly" in the present invention can be manufactured by laminating a plurality of unit cells with a separator interposed therebetween. For example, the above electrode assembly can be manufactured by laminating a plurality of bicells on a separator and winding up the separator.

[0037] Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation and illustration, the description will be centered around the "electrode assembly". That is, the description to be described later can be equally applied to the "unit cell".

[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the electrode assembly 10.

[0039] FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view of the electrode assembly 10, and FIG. 1(b) is a side view of the electrode assembly 10.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, the electrode assembly 10 includes a plurality of electrode tabs T. An identification display can be marked on each electrode tab T. The identification display reader can recognize the identification display I of the electrode tab T' arranged on the outermost periphery among the plurality of electrode tabs T. In this case, since the identification display I is exposed to the outside, it is easy for the identification display reader to recognize the identification display.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the electrode tab T can extend from the main body 11 of the electrode assembly 10 to both ends of the electrode assembly 10. However, depending on the design of the electrode assembly 10, the electrode tab T can extend to one end of the main body 11.

[0042] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the identification display recognition device of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0043] (First Embodiment) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the identification display recognition device 1000 of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the identification display recognition device 1000.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the identification display recognition device 1000 includes an identification display reader 100 that recognizes the identification display I marked on the electrode tab T of the electrode assembly 10, an electrode tab pressurizing unit 200 that pressurizes and aligns the electrode tab T, and a control unit 300 that controls the identification display reader 100 and the electrode tab pressurizing unit 200.

[0045] The above identification display reader 100 can recognize the identification display I marked on the electrode tab T by photographing or scanning the electrode tab T. The above identification display reader can be, for example, a barcode reader device. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and there is no particular limitation as long as it can recognize or photograph the identification display I.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the above identification display reader 100 can be arranged on the upper part of the electrode assembly 10. For this purpose, a mounting bracket M can be installed on the upper part where the electrode assembly 10 is transferred, and the identification display reader 100 can be coupled to the mounting bracket M. In this case, the above identification display reader 100 is arranged at the upper part of the outermost periphery of the electrode tab T of the above electrode assembly 10, and can recognize the identification display I of the electrode tab T facing the above identification display reader 100 as the representative identification display I of the electrode assembly 10.

[0047] Alternatively, although not shown, the above identification display reader 100 can be arranged at the lower part of the electrode assembly 10. In this case, the above identification display reader 100 can recognize the identification display I marked on the electrode tab T arranged at the lower part of the outermost periphery of the electrode assembly 10 as the representative identification display I of the electrode assembly 10.

[0048] The above mounting bracket M can be an ordinary metal bracket having a predetermined thickness. The shape and material of the above mounting bracket M are not particularly limited as long as the identification display reader 100 can be fixed to the upper or lower part of the transfer path of the electrode assembly 10.

[0049] The above identification display reader 100 can be connected to the above control unit 300 by wire or wirelessly. According to the operation signal of the above control unit 300, the above identification display reader 100 can photograph the electrode tab T and recognize the identification display I. Further, the above identification display reader 100 can transmit the obtained identification display I recognition information to the above control unit 300.

[0050] The electrode tab pressing unit 200 presses the electrode tab such that one surface of the electrode tab marked with the identification display I is vertically aligned with the identification display reader 100.

[0051] The electrode tab pressing unit 200 is disposed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the unit cell or the electrode assembly 10. As shown in FIG. 1, in the electrode assembly 10, the thickness of the main body portion 11 is thicker than the portion where the electrode tab T protrudes. The same applies to the unit cell. Therefore, when the electrode tab pressing unit 200 presses the electrode tab T perpendicularly to the electrode assembly 10, the electrode tab T continues to be pressed in a state of first contacting the main body portion 11, so that the main body portion 11 may be damaged (such as breakage of the separator film, damage to the electrode active material, etc.). However, when the electrode tab pressing unit 200 is disposed to be inclined, the pressing surface of the electrode tab pressing unit 200 can first contact the electrode tab T to minimize damage to the main body portion 11.

[0052] Also, when the electrode tab pressing unit 200 is inclined excessively, deformation (warping, bending) of the electrode tab T may become more severe due to the pressing of the electrode tab pressing unit 200. Therefore, the predetermined angle can be preferably selected within a range that can prevent deformation (such as warping, bending, etc.) of the electrode tab T due to the pressing of the electrode tab pressing unit 200.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the electrode tab pressing unit 200 may include a plurality of pressing strings 230 that press the electrode tab T at the pressing direction end of the electrode tab pressing unit.

[0054] By providing the pressing string 230, when the electrode tab pressing unit 200 is pressed, the electrode tab pressing unit 200 can be in line contact with the electrode tab T via the pressing string 230. Therefore, by adopting the pressing string 230 instead of other pressing members or aligning members that are in point contact with the electrode tab T, the pressing force of the electrode tab pressing unit 200 can be sufficiently applied to the electrode tab T. Also, by adopting the pressing string 230 instead of other pressing members or aligning members that must be in surface contact with the electrode tab T, damage to the electrode tab T can be minimized.

[0055] The pressing string 230 can be arranged parallel to the direction in which the electrode tab T extends from the main body of the unit cell or the main body 11 of the electrode assembly 10. When deformation of the electrode tab T such as warping or wrinkling of the electrode tab T occurs, the end portion of the electrode tab T is displaced. If the pressing string 230 is arranged perpendicular to the direction in which the electrode tab T extends, there may be a case where the end portion of the electrode tab T cannot be pressed depending on the degree of displacement of the end portion of the electrode tab T. However, when the pressing string 230 is arranged parallel to the direction in which the electrode tab T extends, a plurality of pressing strings 230 can be in line contact perpendicular to the end portion of the electrode tab T. Therefore, the end portion can be pressed in a direction opposite to the direction in which the end portion of the electrode tab T is displaced, and the electrode tab T can be effectively aligned.

[0056] The plurality of pressing strings 230 must be preferably arranged so as not to hide the identification display I in the field of view of the identification display reader 100 when the electrode tab T of the electrode tab pressing unit 200 is pressed. For this purpose, the pressing string 230 is preferably arranged to press the surface of the electrode tab T spaced apart from both side ends of the identification display I by a predetermined interval.

[0057] The number and arrangement form of the pressing strings 230 can be preferably selected so as not to hide the identification display I in the field of view of the identification display reader 100.

[0058] The above-mentioned pressure string 230 may have its outer surface coated with FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene propylene) or PTFE (Poly Tetra Fluoro Ethylene). The above-mentioned FEP and PTFE are materials with extremely low coefficient of friction. Therefore, coating the outer surface of the pressure string 230 with the above-mentioned FEP or PTFE can minimize the damage to the electrode tab T due to the friction between the pressure string 230 and the electrode tab T when the electrode tab T is pressurized.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3, the above-mentioned electrode tab pressurizing unit 200 may include a main body frame 210 having a through hole 211 and a string bracket 220 on which the pressure string 230 is installed.

[0060] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the electrode tab pressurizing unit 200, FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the electrode tab pressurizing unit 200, FIG. 6 is a front view of the electrode tab pressurizing unit 200, and FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the state where the pressure string 230 is coupled to the string bracket 220.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the above-mentioned main body frame 210 may have a rectangular frame shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the shape of the main body frame 210 may be preferably selected as long as the string bracket 220 can be installed thereon.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the above-mentioned through hole 211 may be provided at the center 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 can be reduced.

[0063] Further, the through hole 211 extends in the height direction of the main body frame 210. That is, the main body frame 210 may include the through hole 211 and have a rectangular frame shape with a hollow center. Therefore, even when the electrode tab pressing unit 200 presses the electrode tab T, the identification display reader 100 can easily recognize the identification display I through the through hole 211.

[0064] The pressing string 230 can be installed on the inner wall surface of the through hole 211. However, in this case, when the electrode tab T is pressed, the conveyor that transfers the electrode assembly 10 may contact the outer peripheral surface of the main body frame 210 and damage the conveyor. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, it is preferable to provide a plurality of string brackets 220 installed on the main body frame 210 so as to protrude from the main body frame 210 in the electrode tab pressing direction of the electrode tab pressing unit 200.

[0065] The string brackets 220 can be arranged so as to face each other with the through hole 211 therebetween. At this time, both ends of the pressing string 230 are respectively fixed to the string brackets 220 facing each other, so that the pressing string 230 can be positioned at the pressing direction end of the electrode tab pressing unit 200.

[0066] Since both ends of the pressing string 230 are fixed to the string brackets 220, it is preferable to provide an even number. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the string brackets 220 can be provided in a pair that is symmetric to each other. However, this is only a preferred example, and the number of installed string brackets 220 is not particularly limited as long as both ends of the pressing string 230 can be easily fixed.

[0067] The string brackets 220 are arranged at a predetermined interval with the through holes 211 therebetween. Also, since the electrode tab pressing unit 200 is arranged in an inclined manner, the string brackets 220 are also arranged in an inclined manner. Therefore, if the string brackets 220 are installed on the main body frame 210 with an excessive separation from each other, the string brackets 220 may impact the transfer equipment (for example, a conveyor) of the electrode assembly 10 during the pressing process of the electrode tab T. In this case, the transfer equipment may be damaged by the string brackets 220. Therefore, the distance at which the string brackets 220 are separated from each other can be preferably set so that the string brackets 220 do not contact the transfer equipment of the electrode assembly 10 when the electrode tab pressing unit 200 presses the electrode tab T. Also, the length of the pressing string 230 can be determined according to the separation distance of the string brackets 220.

[0068] The string bracket 220 can be a plate having a predetermined thickness in a square shape. The shape and thickness of the string bracket 220 can be suitably changed according to the design of the string bracket 220 or the electrode tab pressing unit 200.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 7, the string bracket 220 may be provided with screw coupling holes 221 for installing the pressing string 230.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 7, both ends of the pressing string 230 can be wound around bolts B, and the bolts B are screwed into the screw coupling holes 221, whereby the pressing string 230 can be coupled to the string bracket 220. However, such a coupling method is only an example, and other coupling methods can also be preferably selected as long as the pressing string 230 can be fixed to the string bracket 220.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 7, the pressing string 230 can be coupled to wrap the ends of the opposing string brackets. That is, one end of the pressing string 230 can be fixed to the screw coupling hole 221, and the pressing string body extending from both ends thereof can be bent toward the other string bracket 220 disposed opposite.

[0072] In this case, the pressing string 230 can be excessively bent by the edge of the end of the string bracket 220, and stress can be applied to the pressing string 230. To minimize that, as shown in FIG. 7, it may include a chamfer surface 222 inclined toward the other opposing string bracket 220.

[0073] The chamfer surface 222 can be formed by chamfering the end surface of the string bracket 220.

[0074] FIG. 7 shows that the chamfer surface 222 is a flat surface. However, the chamfer surface can be manufactured in the shape of a convex curved surface in the pressing direction.

[0075] The electrode tab pressing unit 200 can be movably coupled to the identification display reader 100 from the identification display reader 100. As the electrode tab pressing unit 200 is moved from the identification display reader 100 toward the electrode tab T, the electrode tab pressing unit 200 can press the surface of the electrode tab T on which the identification display is marked.

[0076] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the identification display reader 100 can be arranged to be located on the same axis as the electrode tab pressurizing unit 200. For this purpose, the identification display reader 100 can be arranged at the upper part of the electrode assembly 10 at the same angle as the angle at which the electrode tab pressurizing unit is arranged. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the through hole 211 and the identification display reader 100 are arranged on the same axis. At this time, it goes without saying that the identification display reader 100 can be arranged at the upper part of the unit cell.

[0077] By arranging the identification display reader 100 and the electrode tab pressurizing unit 200 on the same axis, the interference of the structure of the electrode tab pressurizing unit 200 can be minimized when the identification display I of the identification display reader 100 is recognized. Thereby, even when the electrode tab pressurizing unit 200 pressurizes the electrode tab T, the identification display I can be arranged in the visual field of the identification display reader 100 through the through hole 211. Also, by arranging the identification display reader 100 and the electrode tab pressurizing unit 200 at the same angle, the layout design of the identification display reader 100 and the electrode tab pressurizing unit 200 can be made simpler.

[0078] In this embodiment, the electrode tab pressurizing unit 200 reciprocates linearly. The identification display recognition device 1000 of this embodiment may include a linear movement mechanism 400 for the linear movement of the electrode tab pressurizing unit.

[0079] The linear movement mechanism 400 can be a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder whose linear movement direction is changed according to the supply direction of the fluid. However, the linear movement mechanism 400 is not limited thereto, and is not particularly limited as long as it can linearly reciprocate by the operation signal of the control unit 300.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, one end of the linear movement mechanism 400 is coupled to the mounting bracket M, and the other end can be coupled to the electrode tab pressing unit 200 by the connection bracket C. In this case, when the linear movement part (for example, a cylinder rod) of the linear movement mechanism 400 moves linearly, the connection bracket C moves linearly. At this time, since the electrode tab pressing unit 200 is coupled to the connection bracket C, the electrode tab pressing unit 200 also moves linearly together with the connection bracket C. In this way, the electrode tab pressing unit 200 is movably coupled to the identification display reader 100 from the identification display reader 100 via the linear movement mechanism 400.

[0081] The material or shape of the connection bracket C is not particularly limited as long as it can provide a suitable mounting surface for the electrode tab pressing unit 200 to be coupled to the linear movement mechanism 400.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the identification display recognition device 1000 of the present embodiment may further include an illumination member 500 disposed between the identification display reader 100 and the electrode tab T.

[0083] The illumination member 500 can irradiate light onto one surface where the identification display I of the electrode tab T is marked, and assist the identification display I recognition of the identification display reader 100.

[0084] The illumination member 500 may include an illumination frame 510 in which a light source is installed, and an illumination glass 520 installed at the center thereof.

[0085] The illumination frame 510 can be manufactured in a rectangular frame shape with a hollow center. A light source for generating light can be installed inside the illumination frame 510. At this time, the illumination glass 520 covers the hollow center of the illumination frame 510, and can protect the light source from external pollution sources (such as dust).

[0086] The above-described lighting member 500 can be arranged on the same axis as the above-described identification display reader 100. As described above, since the lighting member 500 and the identification display reader 100 are arranged in a straight line, the amount of light reflected by the electrode tab T and collected by the identification display reader 100 can be maximized. Therefore, the identification display reader 100 can recognize the above-described identification display I more clearly.

[0087] The above-described lighting member 500 can also be arranged on the same axis as the above-described electrode tab pressing unit, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the lighting frame 510 is connected to the connecting bracket C, and the electrode tab pressing unit 200g can be coupled to the lighting frame 510. For this purpose, the main body frame 210 of the electrode tab pressing unit 200 may be provided with a connecting block 212 for coupling to the lighting frame 510.

[0088] The connecting block 212 may be provided with a coupling hole 212a. By passing a separate fastening member such as a bolt through the coupling hole 212a and fixing it to the lighting frame 510, the electrode tab pressing unit 200 and the lighting member 500 can be coupled.

[0089] Before the identification display of the identification display reader 100, the electrode tab pressing unit 200 aligns the electrode tab T so that the surface on which the identification display I of the electrode tab T is marked is perpendicular to the identification display reader 100. In this way, by aligning the electrode tab T at a fixed position, the identification display recognition rate of the identification display reader 100 can be improved.

[0090] The above-described identification display recognition device 1000 includes the above-described identification display reader 100 and a control unit 300 that controls the above-described linear movement mechanism 400.

[0091] The control unit 300 can be an equipment control program that controls the equipment for each detailed process. Or it can be individual software installed in the overall process control system.

[0092] Figs. 8 to 10 are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the identification display recognition device 1000 of the present embodiment, and Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the identification display recognition device 1000 of the present embodiment.

[0093] First, the electrode assembly 10 is transferred by a conveyor or the like and placed below the identification display reader 100 (S10). Of course, it is possible for the unit cells to be placed below the identification display reader 100.

[0094] As shown in Fig. 8, among the electrode tabs T of the electrode assembly 10, the outermost electrode tab T' arranged in the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly 10 may be warped due to displacement, deviation, etc.

[0095] When the electrode assembly 10 is placed below the identification display reader 100, the control unit 300 controls the linear movement mechanism 400 so that the electrode tab pressing unit 200 moves toward the electrode tab T, as shown in Fig. 8.

[0096] The electrode tab pressing unit 200 presses the outermost electrode tab T' or a plurality of electrode tabs T until the outermost electrode tab T' is aligned perpendicular to the identification display reader 100 (S20). In this case, as shown in Fig. 9, the deformation of the outermost electrode tab T' is eliminated, and the identification display reader 100 can easily recognize the identification display I of the electrode tab T'.

[0097] The linear movement stroke of the linear movement mechanism 400 for the electrode tab pressing unit 200 to press the electrode tab T can be preset and stored in the control unit 300. The control unit 300 can drive the linear movement mechanism 400 by the stored stroke and control so that the electrode tab pressing unit 200 can press the electrode tab T constantly.

[0098] At this time, the linear movement stroke of the linear movement mechanism 400 can be preferably selected in consideration of the overall thickness of the electrode tab T of the electrode assembly 10 disposed below the identification display reader 100, the distance between the identification display reader 100 and the electrode tab T, and whether the electrode tab pressing unit 200 contacts the transfer equipment of the electrode assembly. For example, if the above stroke is excessively increased, the string bracket 220 of the electrode tab pressing unit 200 may impact the transfer equipment and damage the transfer equipment.

[0099] When the outermost electrode tabs T' are aligned, the control unit 300 controls the identification display reader 100 so that the identification display reader 100 recognizes the identification display marked on the outermost electrode tabs T' as shown in FIG. 9 (S30). At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the through hole 211 and the identification display reader 100 are arranged on the same axis. Therefore, the identification display reader 100 can easily recognize the identification display I through the through hole 211.

[0100] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 300 controls the linear movement mechanism 400 so that the electrode tab pressing unit 200 returns to its original position (S40).

[0101] When the electrode tab pressing unit 200 returns to its original position and the pressing on the electrode tabs T and T' is released, the electrode assembly 10 can be transferred to the next process by a conveyor or the like (S50).

[0102] (Second Embodiment) FIGS. 12 to 15 are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the identification display recognition device 2000 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the identification display recognition device 2000 of the present embodiment.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 12, the outermost electrode tab T'' of the electrode assembly 10 may be excessively warped. In this case, if the electrode tab T'' is immediately pressurized, the electrode tab T'' may be additionally deformed in the deformed direction, and the electrode tab T'' may be damaged. Therefore, before pressurizing the electrode tab T'', it is necessary to eliminate the degree of warping of the electrode tab T'' to some extent.

[0104] In this embodiment, the identification display recognition device 2000 is different from the identification display recognition device 1000 of the first embodiment in that it further includes an air injection unit 600 that injects air onto the electrode tab before pressurizing the electrode tab. In addition, the configurations overlapping with those of the identification display recognition device 1000 of the first embodiment can also be applied in the same manner in this embodiment, so specific descriptions are omitted.

[0105] The air injection unit 600 can be an air nozzle that injects compressed air.

[0106] The installation position of the air injection unit 600 is not particularly limited as long as it can inject compressed air in the direction in which the outermost electrode tab T'' spreads.

[0107] In this embodiment, by displacing the electrode tab T'' that is excessively deformed (such as warped) through the air injection unit 600 in the direction opposite to the deformed direction, the excessive deformation of the electrode tab T'' can be eliminated to some extent. Thereby, the damage to the electrode tab T'' caused by pressurizing the electrode tab T'' can be minimized. Therefore, the electrode tab pressurizing unit 200 can pressurize the electrode tab T more stably. In addition, foreign substances such as dust that may adhere to the identification display I or the illumination glass 520 of the illumination member 500 can be removed through the injected air. In this case, the identification display recognition rate of the identification display reader 100 can be further improved.

[0108] The air injection of the air injection unit 600 can be controlled by the control unit 300'.

[0109] The control by the control unit 300' can be performed in the same manner as the control of the control unit 300 according to the first embodiment. For example, a step (S11) of pre-aligning the electrode tabs can be added between the above step S10 and step S20, and the remaining steps (S30 to S50) can be controlled identically to the first embodiment.

[0110] Specifically, when the electrode assembly 10 is located below the identification display reader 100 (S10), as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 300' can control the air injection unit 600 to pre-align the outermost electrode tab T'' (S11).

[0111] After that, the control unit 300' controls the linear movement mechanism 400 to pressurize and align the electrode tabs with the electrode tab pressurizing unit 200 (S20).

[0112] At this time, as shown in FIG. 13, the air injection by the air injection unit 600 can be maintained until the electrode tab pressurizing unit 200 pressurizes the electrode tab T.

[0113] Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the identification display reader 100 recognizes the identification display I marked on the electrode tab T'' (S30). At this time, the air injection unit 600 can continuously inject air. Or, the air injection can be terminated when the pressurization of the electrode tab pressurizing unit 200 is completed. If the air injection unit 600 pre-aligns the electrode tab T and after the pressurization of the electrode tab T by the electrode tab pressurizing unit 200 is completed, the end point of the air injection is not particularly limited.

[0114] After that, when the recognition of the identification display I is completed, as shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 300' returns the electrode tab pressurizing unit 200 to its original position (S40).

[0115] Finally, the electrode assembly 10 can be transferred to the next process by a conveyor or the like.

[0116] As described above, by aligning the electrode tab T perpendicular to the identification display reader 100, the recognition rate of the identification display I marked on the electrode tab T can be improved. Further, as in the present embodiment, an air injection unit 600 may be further provided to pre-align the electrode tab T. In this case, the electrode tab T can be pressurized more stably.

[0117] (Third Embodiment) FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a process of manufacturing a stack cell, and FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a process of manufacturing a folding cell or a stack folding cell.

[0118] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a part of a secondary battery manufacturing process using an identification display recognition device, and FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the manufacturing method of the secondary battery according to the third embodiment.

[0119] FIG. 17 shows a process of manufacturing an electrode assembly 10 in the form of a stack cell by stacking unit cells. The unit cells to be stacked may be of the same type (for example, monocells MC). However, different types of unit cells (for example, half cells) may be included in the stack of the same type of unit cells. For example, half cells can be placed at the uppermost end and / or the lowermost end of the monocell stack. The electrode assembly 10 in the form of a stack cell may include a fixing tape X for fixing the unit cells. Each unit cell includes an electrode tab T marked with an identification display I on its upper surface. The electrode tab T' of the unit cell (for example, monocell MC or half cell) stacked at the uppermost end of the stack cell is provided with the identification display I.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 18, a plurality of unit cells (for example, bicells BC) are placed on a long separator sheet SS. In this state, the separator sheet SS is sequentially folded. That is, the bicell BC is wound around the separator sheet SS to manufacture an electrode assembly 10 in the form of a so-called folding cell or a stack folding cell.

[0121] The unit cells wound and stacked on the separation membrane sheet SS also each include an electrode tab T marked with an identification display I on the upper surface. The electrode tab T' of the unit cell (for example, the bicell BC) stacked at the uppermost end of the stack folding cell is also provided with the identification display I.

[0122] FIG. 19 discloses a part of the secondary battery manufacturing process for manufacturing the electrode assembly 10 with unit cells. Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, for manufacturing the electrode assembly 10, first, a plurality of unit cells each including an electrode tab T marked with an identification display I are prepared (S100).

[0123] The above unit cells can be transferred to a work stage WS1 for manufacturing the electrode assembly. For example, a plurality of unit cells can be introduced onto the work stage WS1 by a conveyor or a loader (not shown). As described above, the above unit cell is one of a half cell, a monocell, and a bicell. Also, the above electrode assembly can include unit cells of the same type or different types.

[0124] Before the above electrode assembly manufacturing step, it may further include a step (S101) of recognizing the electrode tabs of the above unit cells by a separate identification display reader 100. In this case, the identification display reader 100 can be of the same type as or different from the one included in the identification display recognition device 1000 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. By recognizing the identification display I of the electrode tab of each unit cell, it is possible to grasp the type, specifications, etc. of the unit cells included in the electrode assembly manufactured with the above unit cells.

[0125] In this case, when recognizing the identification display I of each unit cell, it may not be necessary to apply the electrode tab pressing unit 200 provided in the identification display recognition device 1000 in the first and second embodiments. Since each unit cell does not have a large number of stacked electrode tabs, the phenomenon of the electrode tabs warping or becoming wrinkled is not severe. When the number of stacked layers is small, by supporting the electrode tabs with a predetermined tab guide, the visibility of the identification display by the identification display reader can be enhanced. In this case, when pressing the electrode tabs of the unit cell with the electrode tab pressing unit 200, there is rather a risk that the electrode tabs will warp or be damaged in the opposite direction. Therefore, when recognizing the identification display of each unit cell, it is sufficient to identify it with a normal identification display reader.

[0126] Next, a plurality of unit cells whose identification display has been recognized are moved on the work stage WS1, and can become the electrode assembly 10 in the form of a stack cell through a lamination process of laminating a plurality of unit cells with a separation film interposed therebetween. Alternatively, an electrode assembly in the form of a folding cell or a stack folding cell can be manufactured by winding a plurality of unit cells placed on a separation film sheet around the separation film sheet (S110).

[0127] The manufactured electrode assembly is moved on the work stage WS1 and positioned below the identification display reader (S120).

[0128] The above-described electrode assembly 10 has a plurality of unit cells stacked thereon. During the process of stacking the unit cells or winding the unit cells around the separator sheet SS, the electrode tabs are likely to be deformed due to various factors such as bias and misalignment of the electrode tabs. Therefore, it is necessary to perform a step (S130) of pressing the electrode tabs so that the electrode tabs of the unit cells located at the upper part of the outermost contour of the above electrode assembly are perpendicular to the above identification display reader. That is, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 14, it is necessary to align the electrode tabs by pressing the electrode tabs so that the electrode tab T' is perpendicular to the identification display reader. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 14, the electrode tab pressing unit 200 or the identification display recognition device 1000 may be used so that the upper surface of the electrode tab and the identification display reader are vertically aligned.

[0129] In a state where the above electrode tab is perpendicular to the above identification display reader 100, the above identification display reader can recognize the identification display of the above electrode tab (S140).

[0130] The identification display I provided on the electrode tab T' of the unit cell located at the upper part of the outermost contour of the above electrode assembly may be a representative ID representing the above electrode assembly.

[0131] The above representative ID may be associated with the information included in the identification display I of the electrode tabs of each unit cell included in the electrode assembly. That is, by grasping the representative ID, the types, specifications, etc. of the unit cells included in the electrode assembly can be grasped. Further, the representative ID may include information regarding various manufacturing histories such as lot numbers, each process facility, production line information, etc.

[0132] The above ID may include symbols indicating order. The above symbols may include Arabic numerals, but are not limited thereto. The above symbols may include any characters that can provide information regarding order.

[0133] The electrode assembly for which the representative ID has been recognized can be moved to a subsequent process (S150). In this case, an unloader or conveyor (not shown) can move the above electrode assembly to the work stage WS2 of the subsequent process. In the subsequent process (S160), various processes are performed on the electrode assembly. For example, a process of cutting the electrode tabs of the electrode assembly 10 and welding the electrode leads, a process of putting the electrode assembly with the welded electrode leads into a case and injecting an electrolytic solution to make a so-called packaging cell, an activation process for imparting electrical characteristics to the packaging cell, a process of assembling the activated secondary battery cells into modules and packs, etc. are performed.

[0134] Even in such a plurality of subsequent processes, the operation of identifying the representative ID of the above electrode assembly may be required. Therefore, even in the subsequent process, the electrode tab is pressed so that the electrode tab of the unit cell located at the upper part of the outermost contour of the above electrode assembly is perpendicular to the identification display reader, and in this state, the identification display reader can recognize the identification display of the above electrode tab.

[0135] Thereby, throughout the entire secondary battery manufacturing process, the identification information of each unit cell and the electrode assembly including the unit cell can be accurately specified. Also, based on the identification information, it becomes possible to easily grasp the manufacturing history of various secondary batteries.

[0136] The above description merely exemplarily explains the technical idea of the present invention, and those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0137] Therefore, the drawings disclosed in the present invention are for the purpose of explanation rather than for limiting the technical idea of the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by such drawings. The protection scope of the present invention needs to be interpreted by the scope of the claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope need to be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of the present invention.

[0138] On the one hand, in this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, but these terms are for convenience of explanation and it is obvious that they can vary depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc.

Explanation of Signs

[0139] 10: Electrode assembly 100: Identification display reader 200: Electrode tab pressurizing unit 210: Main body frame 220: String bracket 230: Pressurizing string 300, 300’: Control unit 400: Linear movement mechanism 500: Lighting member 600: Air injection part 1000, 2000: Identification display recognition device I: Identification display T, T’, T’’: Electrode tab

Claims

1. an identification reader for recognizing an identification marked on an electrode tab of a unit cell or an electrode assembly; an electrode tab pressurizing unit that presses the electrode tab so that one surface of the electrode tab marked with the identification mark and the identification mark reader are vertically aligned; a control unit that controls the electrode tab pressurizing unit and the identification mark reader so that the identification mark reader recognizes the identification mark after the electrode tab pressurizing unit presses the electrode tab, The electrode tab pressing unit is disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the unit cell or the electrode assembly.

2. the identification reader is disposed on the upper portion of the unit cell or electrode assembly at the same angle as the electrode tab pressing unit so as to be coaxial with the electrode tab pressing unit, the electrode tab pressurizing unit is coupled to the identification reader so as to be movable from the identification reader; The identification recognition device of claim 1 , wherein the electrode tab pressure unit applies pressure to the identification-marked surface of the electrode tab as the electrode tab pressure unit moves from the identification reader toward the electrode tab.

3. The identification mark recognition device according to claim 1 , wherein the electrode tab pressing unit comprises a plurality of pressing strings for pressing the electrode tabs at ends of the electrode tab pressing unit in a pressing direction.

4. 4. The identification recognition device according to claim 3, wherein the pressure string has an outer surface coated with FEP or PTFE.

5. The identification recognition device according to claim 3 , wherein the pressure string is arranged parallel to a direction in which the electrode tabs extend from a main body of a unit cell or a main body of an electrode assembly.

6. 4. The identification recognition device according to claim 3, wherein the pressure string is arranged to apply pressure to surfaces of electrode tabs spaced apart from both side ends of the identification by a predetermined distance.

7. the electrode tab pressurizing unit includes a body frame having a through hole, and a plurality of string brackets installed on the body frame to protrude from the body frame in a pressurizing direction of the electrode tab pressurizing unit, The string brackets are arranged to face each other with the through hole therebetween, The identification mark recognition device according to claim 3 , wherein both ends of the pressure string are fixed to string brackets facing each other.

8. the pressure string is coupled to the string brackets so as to wrap around the ends of the string brackets facing each other; 8. The identification recognition device according to claim 7, wherein an end of the string bracket is provided with a chamfered surface that is inclined toward the opposing other string bracket.

9. The identification recognition device according to claim 7 , wherein the identification reader is disposed at an incline on the upper portion of the unit cell or the electrode assembly so as to be coaxial with the through-hole.

10. The identification recognition device according to claim 1 , wherein the identification is a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark).

11. the identification recognition device includes an illumination member disposed between the identification reader and an electrode tab; The identification recognition device according to claim 1 , wherein the illumination member is disposed coaxially with the identification reader.

12. 12. The identification mark recognition device according to claim 1, further comprising an air injection unit that injects air onto the electrode tab before the electrode tab is pressed by the electrode tab pressurizing unit.

13. Positioning a unit cell or electrode assembly having an electrode tab marked with an identification mark under an identification reader; an electrode tab pressurizing unit moves toward the electrode tab to pressurize the electrode tab so that the electrode tab is perpendicular to the identification reader; and A method of identifying an electrode tab, the method comprising: having the electrode tab be perpendicular to the identification reader, the identification reader recognizing the electrode tab's identification.

14. The electrode tab pressing unit includes a plurality of pressing strings at a pressing direction end of the electrode tab pressing unit, The method for identifying identification marks according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of pressure strings pressurize the electrode tabs as the electrode tab pressure unit moves toward the electrode tabs.

15. The method for recognizing identification marks according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising the step of injecting air onto the electrode tab before the step of the electrode tab pressurizing unit pressurizing the electrode tab.

16. providing a plurality of unit cells having electrode tabs marked with identification indicia; manufacturing an electrode assembly by stacking a plurality of unit cells with a separator interposed therebetween or by wrapping a plurality of unit cells placed on a separator sheet around the separator sheet; positioning the electrode assembly underneath an identification reader; applying pressure to the electrode tabs of the unit cells located at the outermost top of the electrode assembly so that the electrode tabs are perpendicular to the identification reader; and A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, comprising: a step of having the identification reader recognize the identification of the electrode tab in a state in which the electrode tab is perpendicular to the identification reader.

17. the unit cell being one of a half cell, a mono cell, and a bi cell; The method of claim 16, wherein the electrode assembly includes unit cells of the same type or different types.

18. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising the step of identifying the electrode tabs of the unit cells by a separate identification reader before the step of manufacturing the electrode assembly.

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