Battery manufacturing system and battery manufacturing method

Abstract

A battery manufacturing system and a battery manufacturing method are provided. One system includes a first cutter configured to cut a first electrode sheet into first electrode portions having a first length, A second cutter configured to cut the second electrode sheet into a second electrode portion having a second length, A winder configured to wind the first electrode portion, the second electrode portion, and the separator described above to form an electrode assembly, The present invention may include an identification information assigning device configured to assign identification information to the electrode assembly based on the cut count value of the first electrode sheet and / or the cut count value of the second electrode sheet, and / or the first pattern indicator of the first electrode sheet and / or the second pattern indicator of the second electrode sheet.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0016070 filed on February 1, 2024, U.S. Patent Application 18 / 606780 filed on March 15, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0005048 filed on January 13, 2025, and all the contents disclosed in the documents of the patent applications are included as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as an energy source for various cordless devices such as mobile phones, notebook computers, and cordless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, due to improvements in energy density and economies of scale, the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has been significantly reduced, and as the driving range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to a level comparable to that of fuel vehicles, the main use of secondary batteries has shifted from mobile devices to mobility.

[0004] Secondary batteries are manufactured through an electrode process, an assembly process, and an activation process. Among them, the electrode process is the most crucial process for determining the yield and performance of battery cells. The electrode process can include a coating process, a roll pressing process, and a slitting process. In the coating process, an active material and an insulating material can be applied onto the surface of a current collector. In the roll pressing process, the electrode can be pressed by a pressure roll. The roll pressing process can determine the density, performance, and surface quality of the electrode. In the slitting process, the electrode can be cut into a plurality of electrodes according to the design of the battery cell.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Korean Published Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0134303 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a battery manufacturing method and a battery manufacturing system that improve quality traceability and data integrity in a battery manufacturing process using patterned electrodes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An exemplary battery manufacturing system of the present invention for solving the above problems is: A first cutter configured to cut a first electrode sheet into a first electrode portion having a first length, A second cutter configured to cut the second electrode sheet into a second electrode portion having a second length, A winder configured to wind the first electrode portion, the second electrode portion, and the separator between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion to form an electrode assembly, The present invention may include an identification information assigning device configured to assign identification information to the electrode assembly based on the cut count value of the first electrode sheet and / or the cut count value of the second electrode sheet, and / or the first pattern indicator of the first electrode sheet and / or the second pattern indicator of the second electrode sheet.

[0008] In one aspect, the above system may include one or more of the following features: The system controls the first cutter to cut the first electrode sheet to a first length for the first electrode portion, The process controller may further include a process controller configured to control the second cutter so as to cut the second electrode sheet to the second electrode portion by a second length.

[0009] The above process controller can be configured to perform the following: Determine whether at least one of the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion contains a defective portion; and If it is determined that at least one of the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion contains a defective portion, the defective portion is cut, the defective portion is wound with a separator to form a defective electrode assembly, and the defective electrode assembly is discharged.

[0010] The system includes a first pattern counter configured to count one or more patterns on the first electrode sheet moving between the first electrode roll and the winder, and to assign the first pattern indicator to one or more patterns on the first electrode sheet; The system may further include a second pattern counter configured to count one or more patterns on the second electrode sheet moving between the second electrode roll and the winder, and to assign the second pattern indicator to one or more patterns on the second electrode sheet.

[0011] The above system includes a first position measuring instrument configured to acquire first coordinate data indicating one or more positions of a first electrode sheet moving between a first electrode roll and a winder, The system may further include a second position measuring instrument configured to acquire second coordinate data indicating one or more positions of a second electrode sheet moving between a second electrode roll and a winder.

[0012] The above system includes a process controller configured to perform one or more processes between a first electrode roll containing a first electrode sheet and a winder, and between a second electrode roll containing a second electrode sheet and a winder, An identity information management server configured to perform data communication, or This can include a combination of a process controller and an identification information management server.

[0013] At least one first electrode measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument is provided between the first electrode roll and the winder. At least one second electrode measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument may be provided between the second electrode roll and the winder.

[0014] The system may further include a monitoring server configured to generate a first electrode roll map and a second electrode roll map. The first electrode roll map may include first position data of the first electrode sheet moving from the first electrode roll to the winder, and first process event data acquired in response to the movement of the first electrode sheet and associated with the first position data. The second electrode roll map may include second position data of the second electrode sheet moving from the second electrode roll to the winder, and second process event data acquired in response to the movement of the second electrode sheet and associated with the second position data.

[0015] The above monitoring server can generate monitoring data by associating the identification information of the electrode assembly with one or more of the following: 1) First pattern indicator of the first electrode sheet and / or second pattern indicator of the second electrode sheet 2) Lot identification information of the first electrode sheet and / or lot identification information of the second electrode sheet 3) At least one of the start coordinate value and end coordinate value of the first length and the start coordinate value and end coordinate value of the second length 4) Data relating to defects in the first electrode sheet and / or the second electrode sheet or defects in the electrode assembly. 5) First process event data associated with the first position data and / or second process event data associated with the second position data 6) Tray identification information of the tray on which the electrode assembly is loaded. 7) Data regarding the loading position of the electrode assembly on the tray. 8) Identification information of the can of the electrode can in which the above electrode assembly is housed

[0016] As an example, a battery manufacturing method is provided. The method includes cutting a first electrode sheet into a first electrode portion having a first length; cutting a second electrode sheet into a second electrode portion having a second length; winding the first electrode portion, the second electrode portion, and a separator between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion to form an electrode assembly; and attaching identification information to the electrode assembly based on a cut count value of the first electrode sheet and / or a cut count value of the second electrode sheet, and / or a first pattern indicator of the first electrode sheet and / or a second pattern indicator of the second electrode sheet.

[0017] In another aspect, the manufacturing method can include one or more of the following features or steps. The first electrode portion includes a first electrode coating portion belonging to a first pattern, the second electrode portion belongs to a second pattern, and can include a second electrode coating portion corresponding to the first electrode coating portion. The first electrode portion can include a first electrode coating portion belonging to a first pattern. The second electrode portion includes a plurality of electrode coating portions, and each of the electrode coating portions can belong to a different pattern. The second electrode portion can include an electrode non - coating portion between two electrode coating portions. The separator has a third length, and the third length may be greater than the first length and the second length. The first pattern indicator indicates the position of the first electrode sheet moving between the first electrode roll and the winder. The second pattern indicator can indicate the position of the second electrode sheet moving between the second electrode roll and the winder. The method further includes the step of obtaining first coordinate data indicating the position of the first electrode sheet moving between the first electrode roll and the winder, and second coordinate data indicating the position of the second electrode sheet moving between the second electrode roll and the winder. The first coordinate data and / or the second coordinate data can be associated with at least one of the following. i) Identification information of the electrode assembly; ii) The cut count value of the first electrode sheet and / or the cut count value of the second electrode sheet; or iii) The first pattern indicator and / or the second pattern indicator.

[0018] The first coordinate data includes at least one of the start coordinate value and the end coordinate value of the first length. The second coordinate data can include at least one of the start coordinate value and the end coordinate value of the second length.

[0019] The identification information of the electrode assembly can be associated with one or more of the following. 1) The first pattern indicator of the first electrode sheet and / or the second pattern indicator of the second electrode sheet 2) The lot identification information of the first electrode sheet and / or the lot identification information of the second electrode sheet 3) At least one of the start coordinate value and the end coordinate value of the first length, and the start coordinate value and the end coordinate value of the second length 4) Data regarding defects of the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet or defects of the electrode assembly 5) First process event data associated with the first position data and second process event data associated with the second position data 6) Tray identification information of the tray on which the electrode assembly is loaded 7) Data regarding the loading position of the electrode assembly on the tray. 8) Can identification information of the electrode can in which the above electrode assembly is housed

[0020] The above method includes the step of determining whether at least one of the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion contains a defective portion, If it is determined that at least one of the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion contains a defective portion, the method may further include the steps of cutting the defective portion, winding the defective portion with a separator to form a defective electrode assembly, and discharging the defective electrode assembly.

[0021] As one example, one or more non-temporary computer-readable media can be provided that contain instructions for battery manufacturing that can be performed by a processor. The above instructions may include the following: A step of cutting the first electrode sheet into a first electrode portion having a first length; A step of cutting the second electrode sheet into a second electrode portion having a second length; The steps of winding the first electrode portion, the second electrode portion, and the separator between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion to form an electrode assembly; and Cut count value of the first electrode sheet and / or cut count value of the second electrode sheet and / or A step of assigning identification information to the electrode assembly based on the first pattern indicator of the first electrode sheet and / or the second pattern indicator of the second electrode sheet.

[0022] In other respects, the above medium may include one or more of the following features or steps: The first electrode portion includes a first electrode coating portion belonging to a first pattern. The above-mentioned second electrode portion belongs to the second pattern and may include a second electrode coating portion corresponding to the above-mentioned first electrode coating portion.

[0023] As one example, a battery can be provided. The above battery is Housing and A first electrode including a first indicator corresponding to a first pattern of the first electrode sheet, A second electrode including a second indicator corresponding to the second pattern of the second electrode sheet, The device may include a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0024] The first electrode, the second electrode, and the separator described above form an electrode assembly, and the electrode assembly can be housed in the housing described above.

[0025] The electrode assembly may include a third indicator containing identification information for the electrode assembly. The housing may include a fourth indicator corresponding to the third indicator.

[0026] In other aspects, the first indicator can be marked on the surface of the first electrode. The first pattern includes a coated portion and an uncoated portion of the first electrode sheet. The first electrode may include at least a portion of the coating on the first electrode sheet. The fourth indicator may correspond to identification information on the housing. The second pattern may include the coating on the second electrode sheet. The separator may include a fifth indicator, which may be marked on the surface of the separator.

[0027] As an exemplary embodiment, the battery manufacturing system includes a first cutter that cuts a first electrode sheet, which has a pattern of repeatedly arranged coated and uncoated portions, by a first winding length after the first electrode sheet has been unwinded from a first electrode roll, A second cutter cuts the second electrode sheet by the second winding length after the second electrode sheet, which has a pattern of repeated arrangements of coated and uncoated portions, has been unwinded from the second electrode roll. A winder that manufactures an electrode assembly by winding together a first electrode sheet of the above-mentioned first winding length and a second electrode sheet of the second winding length with a separator in between, An identification information assigning device for assigning identification information to the electrode assembly based on i) and ii) below may be included. i) Cut count value of the first electrode sheet and cut count value of the second electrode sheet ii) The first pattern number of the first electrode sheet corresponding to the first winding length, and the second pattern number of the second electrode sheet corresponding to the second winding length.

[0028] The above system may further include a process controller that controls a first cutter to cut the first electrode sheet by a set first winding length, and controls a second cutter to cut the second electrode sheet by a set second winding length.

[0029] If one of the electrode sheets, the first electrode sheet of the first winding length and the second electrode sheet of the second winding length, is defective, only the defective electrode sheet is cut, and the cut defective electrode sheet is wound together with the separator to be discharged as a defective electrode assembly. The above-mentioned process controller can control the first cutter, the second cutter, and the winder.

[0030] The above system may further include a first pattern counter that counts the patterns on the first electrode sheet moving between the first electrode roll and the winder and assigns a first pattern number to each pattern, and a second pattern counter that counts the patterns on the second electrode sheet moving between the second electrode roll and the winder and assigns a second pattern number to each pattern.

[0031] The above system may further include a first position measuring instrument that acquires first coordinate data capable of continuously indicating the position on the first electrode sheet moving between the first electrode roll and the winder, and a second position measuring instrument that acquires second coordinate data capable of continuously indicating the position on the second electrode sheet moving between the second electrode roll and the winder.

[0032] The above identification information assigning device is Is it a process controller that controls each process equipment from the first electrode roll and the second electrode roll to the winder? It is an identification information management server connected to the above process controller in a data communication manner, or This could be a combination of the above-mentioned process controller and identification information management server.

[0033] At least one first electrode measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument may be provided between the first electrode roll and the winder, and at least one second electrode measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument may be provided between the second electrode roll and the winder.

[0034] The above system includes a first electrode roll map, which is a simulated electrode, containing first position data of the first electrode sheet moving from the first electrode roll to the winder, and first process event data acquired in accordance with the movement of the first electrode sheet and associated with the first position data. The system may further include a monitoring server that generates a second electrode roll map, which includes second position data of the second electrode sheet moving from the second electrode roll to the winder, and second process event data acquired in accordance with the movement of the second electrode sheet and associated with the second position data.

[0035] The monitoring server described above can generate monitoring data for battery manufacturing by associating the identification information of the electrode assembly with one or more of the following: 1) The first pattern number of the first electrode sheet and the second pattern number of the second electrode sheet 2) Lot identification information of the first electrode sheet and lot identification information of the second electrode sheet 3) Cut count value of the first electrode sheet and cut count value of the second electrode sheet 4) At least one of the start coordinate values ​​and end coordinate values ​​of the first winding length and the start coordinate values ​​and end coordinate values ​​of the second winding length. 5) Data relating to defects in the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet or defects in the electrode assembly. 6) First process event data associated with the first position data and second process event data associated with the second position data 7) Tray identification information of the tray on which the electrode assembly is loaded. 8) Data regarding the loading position of the electrode assembly on the tray. 9) Can identification information of the electrode can in which the above electrode assembly is housed

[0036] Another aspect of the present invention is the battery manufacturing method, The first step involves unwinding a first electrode sheet having a pattern in which coated and uncoated portions are repeatedly arranged from the first electrode roll, and then cutting it by the first winding length; and unwinding a second electrode sheet having a pattern in which coated and uncoated portions are repeatedly arranged from the second electrode roll, and then cutting it by the second winding length; A second step involves manufacturing an electrode assembly by winding together a first electrode sheet of the above-mentioned first winding length and a second electrode sheet of the above-mentioned second winding length with a separator in between. A third step may be to assign identification information to the electrode assembly based on i) and ii) below. i) Cut count value of the first electrode sheet and cut count value of the second electrode sheet ii) The first pattern number of the first electrode sheet corresponding to the first winding length, and the second pattern number of the second electrode sheet corresponding to the second winding length.

[0037] The first electrode sheet having the first winding length includes a first electrode coating portion belonging to one pattern, and the second electrode sheet having the second winding length may belong to one pattern and include a second electrode coating portion corresponding to the first electrode coating portion.

[0038] The first electrode sheet having the first winding length includes a first electrode coating portion belonging to one pattern, and the second electrode sheet having the second winding length may include two second electrode coating portions belonging to adjacent patterns, and an uncoated portion located between the two second electrode coating portions.

[0039] The first electrode sheet having the first winding length and the second electrode sheet having the second winding length can be wound together with a separator having a third winding length to manufacture the electrode assembly.

[0040] The above first pattern number intermittently indicates the position on the first electrode sheet as it moves between the first electrode roll and the winder performing the winding. The above second pattern number can intermittently indicate the position on the second electrode sheet as it moves between the second electrode roll and the winder.

[0041] The above manufacturing method further includes the step of acquiring first coordinate data that can continuously indicate the position on the first electrode sheet moving between the first electrode roll and the winder, and second coordinate data that can continuously indicate the position on the second electrode sheet moving between the second electrode roll and the winder. The first and second coordinate data mentioned above can be associated with at least one of the following: i) Identification information of the electrode assembly ii) Cut count value of the first electrode sheet and cut count value of the second electrode sheet iii) The first pattern number and the second pattern number mentioned above

[0042] The above first coordinate data includes at least one of the start coordinate value and end coordinate value of the above first winding length, The above-mentioned second coordinate data may include at least one of the start coordinate value and end coordinate value of the above-mentioned second winding length.

[0043] The identification information of the electrode assembly described above can be associated with one or more of the following: 1) The first pattern number of the first electrode sheet and the second pattern number of the second electrode sheet 2) Lot identification information of the first electrode sheet and lot identification information of the second electrode sheet 3) Cut count value of the first electrode sheet and cut count value of the second electrode sheet 4) At least one of the start coordinate values ​​and end coordinate values ​​of the first winding length and the start coordinate values ​​and end coordinate values ​​of the second winding length. 5) Data relating to defects in the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet or defects in the electrode assembly. 6) First process event data associated with the first position data and second process event data associated with the second position data 7) Tray identification information of the tray on which the electrode assembly is loaded. 8) Data regarding the loading position of the electrode assembly on the tray. 9) Can identification information of the electrode can in which the above electrode assembly is housed

[0044] If one of the electrode sheets, the first electrode sheet with the first winding length and the second electrode sheet with the second winding length, is defective, only the defective electrode sheet is cut, the cut defective electrode sheet is wound together with the separator, and the defective electrode assembly is discharged. The identification information for the defective electrode assembly can be assigned based on the cut count value and pattern indicator of the defective electrode sheet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0045] According to the present invention, identification information (ID) can be assigned to electrode assemblies manufactured in the winding process. This prevents the occurrence of a gray area between the winding process and subsequent processes where the electrode assembly cannot be traced.

[0046] In particular, positional data (pattern indicator data, pattern number data, coordinate data) that reflects the pattern position of electrodes with patterns can be associated with identification information. This makes it easier to track the quality of electrodes processed in the winding process and the electrode process preceding the winding process.

[0047] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, for example, identification information for electrode assemblies contained in cylindrical or prismatic batteries can be acquired, and this identification information can be matched with identification information for workpieces (e.g., electrodes) or semi-finished products or finished products in pre- and post-winding processes. This facilitates quality control and quality tracking throughout the entire battery manufacturing process.

[0048] The effects obtained from exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure belong, from the following description. That is, unintended effects associated with carrying out exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can also be derived by a person of ordinary skill in the art from exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0049] [Figure 1] An exemplary embodiment of a battery manufacturing system is shown. [Figure 2] A visualized roll map and patterned electrodes are shown. [Figure 3] An exemplary embodiment of a battery manufacturing system is shown. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of how electrodes and separators are wound to a predetermined length by a winder. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of electrodes and separators being wound by a winder. [Figure 6] This indicates that the identification information of the electrode assembly is associated with other information. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating a battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating a battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0050] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. As a premise, terms and words used herein and in the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their general or dictionary meanings, but rather in a manner consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their own invention.

[0051] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention; thus, there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of filing.

[0052] Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0053] The embodiments of the present invention are provided to give a more complete explanation to those skilled in the art; therefore, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically for the sake of clarity. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes and proportions.

[0054] Figure 1 shows a battery manufacturing system 10 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0055] Referring to Figure 1, the battery manufacturing system 10 may include a coating device 11, a roll pressing device 12, a slitting device 13, a winding device 14, an intermediary server (Event integration facility: EIF) 181, a monitoring server 180, and a display device 190.

[0056] The battery manufacturing system 10 can be configured to manufacture battery cells (e.g., cylindrical battery cells, prismatic battery cells, or pouch cells) by performing a series of roll-to-roll processes. Electrode sheets unwinded from the input electrode rolls can be processed by one of the following: the die coater of the coating apparatus 11, the pressure roll of the roll pressing apparatus 12, and the slitting knife of the slitting apparatus 13. The processed electrode sheets can then be wound onto the electrode rolls. Thus, the processing of the coating apparatus 11, the roll pressing apparatus 12, and the slitting apparatus 13 for producing battery electrodes can be called a roll-to-roll process. The winding apparatus 14 can wind together the first electrode sheet (e.g., negative electrode sheet) unwinded from the first electrode roll (e.g., negative electrode roll), the second electrode sheet (e.g., positive electrode sheet) unwinded from the second electrode roll (e.g., positive electrode roll), and the separator sheet unwinded from the separator roll.

[0057] The winding device 14 can provide an electrode assembly for a cylindrical battery cell (e.g., a jelly roll type electrode assembly) by winding a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator interposed between them, and then separating them after reaching the winding target length.

[0058] The intermediary server (EIF) 181 may be a device for communication between the process controllers of the manufacturing equipment and the server system. The server 180 can be coupled to the server system. For example, each process controller and the server system may be coupled to each other and may communicate directly or indirectly with each other. This allows process event data generated in the coating equipment 11, roll pressing equipment 12, slitting equipment 13, and winding equipment 14 to be transmitted to the monitoring server 180 and / or the server system.

[0059] The monitoring server 180 can generate monitoring data for battery manufacturing. For example, the monitoring data may include a roll map containing process event data. The roll map data may include data representing process events and coordinate values ​​matched to the data. The coordinate values ​​may indicate positions on electrodes. The monitoring server 180 can transmit visualization commands to the display device 190, which can visualize the roll map and display the visualized roll map VRM.

[0060] Roll maps can be generated in lot units. A lot is a production unit in a roll-to-roll process, and an example of a lot is an electrode roll separated after achieving the target winding length for each process. Similarly, an example of a lot is an electrode roll loaded into the unwinder for each process. The monitoring server 180 can generate and store roll maps for each process (e.g., a coating process, a roll pressing process, or a slitting process).

[0061] A roll map can be a type of simulated electrode that mimics a moving physical electrode (e.g., a physical electrode moving between an unwinder and a rewinder). For example, a roll map can be displayed on a display device including a two-dimensional or three-dimensional graphic interface. For instance, a roll map can be displayed on one or more mobile or fixed display devices (e.g., a computer monitor, laptop screen, touchscreen, tablet, or mobile phone). Additionally or alternatively, the display device may include a wearable display device (e.g., a head-mounted display) for displaying the roll map as virtual reality or augmented reality content on the graphic interface.

[0062] Since process events generally occur as a process progresses, process event data associated with process events can include time-series data. For example, a process controller for each process can control the overall flow of each process (or stage). Therefore, it is possible to obtain events that occur due to the temporal flow of the process, or the point in time when the data was generated. That is, process event data can include a value representing the event and a time value matched to it. Thus, process event data can include time-series data obtained at each process.

[0063] Furthermore, process event data may include equipment data acquired at each process equipment. Equipment data can be acquired from each process controller that controls each process. Process controllers are control devices used for maintaining, managing, automatically controlling, and monitoring the process system in each sub-process of the electrode process (e.g., coating process, roll pressing process, slitting process), assembly process (e.g., electrode stacking process, winding process), activation process, module / pack process, etc. For example, a process PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) can be used as a process controller.

[0064] Such a process controller can control equipment related to the progress of each process, such as the drive of motors necessary for electrode movement and motor rotation speed. Alternatively, it can manage process parameters required for each process. As example process parameters, in a coating process, it can control the electrode drying temperature and / or electrode temperature, and in a roll pressing process, it can adjust the roll pressing pressure, etc. Therefore, the equipment data can include various process parameter data managed by the process controller in each process.

[0065] Furthermore, process event data can include process-related measurement data and / or inspection data acquired at each stage of the process. For example, in a coating process, the amount of electrode slurry loaded can be measured, or a reference point marked on the electrode can be measured. In a roll pressing process, the electrode thickness after roll pressing can be measured. Also, a visual inspection device (e.g., a vision inspection device) can be commonly used in processes such as coating, roll pressing, and slitting. Measurement data and / or inspection data include all data inspected or measured by predetermined measuring instruments and / or inspection devices at each stage of the process.

[0066] Such process event data is generated in accordance with the progress of various processes performed on the electrode, and this process event data can be acquired for each individual process.

[0067] Referring again to Figure 1, the electrode assemblies manufactured by winding in the winding apparatus 14 are transported and can be housed in a case or housing such as a can. The can (or housing) may be assigned a can ID, which is a type of battery cell ID. Therefore, historical data on the manufacturing of the battery cells can be retrieved based on the can ID.

[0068] Incidentally, before an electrode assembly is placed in a can, multiple electrode assemblies may be stored in trays along the logistics flow, or the trays may be transported and transferred to the can. If multiple electrode assemblies get mixed up during this process, even if can IDs are assigned during the can manufacturing process, it becomes difficult to determine which materials (electrodes, separators, etc.) make up the electrode assembly placed in the can. In other words, a gray zone occurs between the winding process and the can manufacturing process where it is impossible to track the electrode assemblies. As a result, even if roll maps are generated in each sub-process before the winding process and process event data and coordinate data CD related to the electrodes in each sub-process are secured, it becomes impossible to track this data in relation to the electrodes and other components of the electrode assembly in the various processes between each sub-process and the can manufacturing process.

[0069] According to the technical concept of the present invention, identification information (ID) can be assigned to electrode assemblies manufactured in the winding process in order to prevent the occurrence of gray areas. The identification information can be assigned based on the cut count value and / or pattern number (or pattern indicator) of the electrodes included in the electrode assembly.

[0070] The winding process can mean the process in which electrodes and separators are wound in a winder. Additionally or alternatively, the winding process may include any of the processes in which the unwinded electrode sheets and separator sheets on the electrode rolls and separator rolls are processed and cut and then wound in a winder. That is, the unwinding process, inspection and / or measurement process, cutting process, and winding process in a winder are all included in the winding process. In one embodiment, a roll map may be created to simulate the electrodes moving during the winding process. As described above, the roll map can simulate the moving physical electrodes (e.g., physical electrodes moving between an unwinder and a rewinder). In one embodiment, the roll map may be displayed on a display device including a two-dimensional or three-dimensional graphic interface. In one embodiment, the roll map may include various data collected during electrode and / or battery manufacturing. Additionally or alternatively, the roll map may include data related to the electrode manufacturing process according to this disclosure. For example, the data can be displayed on the aforementioned display device and stored on one or more servers (e.g., server 180) for processing and tracking.

[0071] The winding process roll map includes position data and process event data indicating the position of each electrode moving during the winding process. Identification information for the electrode assembly can be associated with the electrode position data and process event data. The position data and process event data for each electrode introduced into the winding process can be compared with the roll map data (e.g., position data and process event data) generated in each sub-process prior to the winding process.

[0072] Furthermore, the identification information of the electrode assemblies can be associated with data acquired in subsequent processes after the winding process (e.g., data related to the tray on which the electrode assemblies are loaded, can ID, etc.). Therefore, data associated with each electrode assembly can be retrieved between the winding process and subsequent processes based on the identification information, making it easy to track quality between the winding process and subsequent processes. As described above, the data generated during the winding process can be included in a roll map displayed on a screen and can be stored, processed, and / or tracked.

[0073] In conclusion, by using the identification information of the electrode assembly as a medium, all historical data related to the quality and manufacturing of the electrodes can be tracked throughout the winding process and all its preceding and succeeding processes. This enables efficient process control and quality control throughout the entire battery manufacturing process, resulting in the production of more reliable batteries.

[0074] Figure 2 shows the visualized roll map and patterned electrodes.

[0075] In Figure 2, arrow X indicates the longitudinal direction (travel direction) of the electrode (roll map), and arrow Y indicates the width direction of the electrode (roll map).

[0076] The visualized roll map VRM in Figure 2(a) can include multiple visualization segments VS1, VS2, VS3, VS4, VS5, and VS6, corresponding to multiple sections of the electrode sheet. Each of the multiple visualization segments VS1, VS2, VS3, VS4, VS5, and VS6 can include a start coordinate, an end coordinate, and a color.

[0077] Representative values ​​of the measurement data CMD associated with the coordinates of visualization intervals VS1, VS2, VS4, and VS6 can be displayed in color C1, representative values ​​of the measurement data CMD associated with the coordinates of visualization interval VS3 can be displayed in color C2, and representative values ​​of the measurement data CMD associated with the coordinates of visualization interval VS5 can be displayed in color C3.

[0078] Color C1 may indicate that the representative values ​​for visualization intervals VS1, VS2, VS4, and VS6 are normal; color C2 may indicate that the representative value for visualization interval VS3 is excessive; and color C3 may indicate that the representative value for visualization interval VS3 is very excessive. Color C4 may indicate that the representative value is insufficient; and color C5 may indicate that the representative value is very insufficient. In embodiments, "normal or sufficient" may be defined as data that satisfies or falls within one or more predetermined manufacturing tolerance characteristics or ranges of the electrode manufacturing process according to the Disclosure. Conversely, excessive or insufficient data may be defined as data that does not satisfy or falls outside one or more predetermined manufacturing tolerance characteristics or ranges of the electrode manufacturing tolerance.

[0079] Thus, since a roll map can represent the position of electrodes using coordinates and visualize measurement data corresponding to each position (for example, electrode slurry loading amount data), the efficiency of electrode production management can be improved by using the roll map and the data it contains.

[0080] Figure 2(b) shows a pattern electrode having a pattern in which coated portions 2 and uncoated portions 1 are repeatedly arranged.

[0081] In a subsequent process, the patterned electrode is slit in the width direction with respect to the uncoated portions 1 between the coated portions 2. The slit electrode coated portions 2 can be stacked with electrode coated portions of other polarities and separators to form an electrode assembly, or they can be wound together with electrode coated portions of other polarities and separators to form an electrode assembly in the form of a jelly roll.

[0082] For example, pattern electrodes used for small batteries can be slit in the width direction and along the longitudinal direction of the pattern electrode to form multiple electrode lanes L1 to L20, as shown in Figure 2(b).

[0083] In one embodiment, the electrode sheet may have electrode coatings formed continuously or adjacently along its longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the electrode sheet may include a pattern electrode with electrode coatings formed intermittently (e.g., at intervals). Therefore, a roll map method like that shown in Figure 2(a), which continuously indicates the longitudinal position of the electrode using length coordinates, may not be suitable for a pattern electrode. For example, the uncoated portion of a pattern electrode has a measured value of zero, such as the loading amount, and is not a significant portion that affects actual battery performance. However, there is little need to connect the measurement data to coordinates and display such portions in detail. Furthermore, the electrode assembly of the pattern electrode is produced according to the length and width of the electrode coatings 2 that constitute the pattern. That is, the electrode production performance processing is aggregated into the quantity of electrode coatings 2 or the quantity of patterns including electrode coatings 2. Thus, the pattern electrode is produced and managed based on the pattern, and position data needs to be assigned according to the characteristics of the pattern electrode in which electrode coatings and uncoated portions are intermittently coated. The present invention provides a battery manufacturing method and a battery manufacturing system that can generate monitoring data based on pattern data (pattern indicator or pattern number), which is positional data suitable for such pattern electrodes.

[0084] Figure 3 shows a battery manufacturing system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0085] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which electrodes and separators are wound to a predetermined length by a winder.

[0086] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example in which electrodes and separators are wound by a winder.

[0087] Figure 6 shows how the identification information of the electrode assembly is associated with other information.

[0088] Referring to Figure 3, the battery manufacturing system 1000 may include unwinders UWN, UWP, UWS1, UWS2, first position measuring instruments 111N, 112N, second position measuring instruments 111P, 112P, first pattern counter 120N, second pattern counter 120P, various measuring instruments and / or inspection instruments 130, first cutter 140N, second cutter 140P, winder 150, identification information management server 160, process controller 170, and monitoring server 180.

[0089] In this specification, for the sake of clarity, data acquired for the first electrode sheet ESN, and equipment related to the first electrode sheet ESN will be designated as "first," while data acquired for the second electrode sheet ESP, and equipment related to the second electrode sheet ESP will be designated as "second."

[0090] The first electrode roll ERN can be loaded into an unwinder UWN. The unwinder UWN can be configured to unwind, for example, a first electrode sheet ESN, which is a negative electrode sheet, from the first electrode roll ERN.

[0091] The second electrode roll ERP can be loaded into an unwinder UWP. The unwinder UWP can be configured to unwind, for example, a second electrode sheet ESP, which is a positive electrode sheet, from the second electrode roll ERP.

[0092] Separator Roll SR1 can be loaded into Unwinder UWS1, and Separator Roll SR2 can be loaded into Unwinder UWS2. Each Unwinder UWS1 and UWS2 can be configured to unwind each Separator Sheet SS1 and SS2.

[0093] The first electrode sheet ESN, the second electrode sheet ESP, and the two separator sheets SS1 and SS2 are guided by guide rolls (not shown in Figure 3) and can move toward the cutters 140N, 140P, and winder 150. Multiple guide rolls may be provided, corresponding to the movement path of each sheet. Each sheet guided by each guide roll can converge in front of the cutters 140N and 140P.

[0094] The first electrode roll ERN and the second electrode roll ERP may each be one of the electrode rolls that have been transferred to the battery manufacturing system 1000 after being processed in previous sub-processes (e.g., coating process, roll pressing process, slitting process). The electrode roll may include defect tags (NG tags) attached in previous sub-processes (e.g., roll pressing process or slitting process). Instead of defect tags, markings for defective areas can be made directly on the electrode. Therefore, the electrode roll may include defect marking areas marked on the electrode in previous sub-processes. The electrode roll may also include reference points marked on the electrode at predetermined intervals in previous sub-processes (e.g., coating process). Furthermore, the electrode roll may include connecting sections that link electrode portions that have been cut by previous sub-processes, between sub-processes, or by fracture or defect removal after a sub-process. For example, connecting tape (adhesive tape) may be attached to the connecting sections. By detecting the positions of the reference point, connection point, and defect marking point (including defect tag) of each electrode unwound from each electrode roll by the unwinder during the winding process, it is possible to understand the length changes of each electrode sheet in previous sub-processes. The length changes can be displayed on the roll map. The monitoring server 180 stores the roll map information of each previous sub-process. Therefore, process control in the winding process can be efficiently performed using the roll map information of each sub-process. Furthermore, as will be described later, if events occurring in the electrode sheet moving during the winding process are detected and the positions of the reference point, connection point, and defect marking point change as a result of the event, this can be displayed on the winding process roll map, which contains the process event data for the winding process. In addition, by comparing the winding process roll map with the roll maps of each previous sub-process, it is possible to understand the changes on the electrodes that occurred between various processes.

[0095] The first electrode sheet ESN and the second electrode sheet ESP are patterned electrode sheets as shown in Figure 2(a).

[0096] To locate the position of a pattern on a pattern electrode sheet, a pattern number or pattern indicator is assigned to each pattern on the electrode sheet. A single pattern may include one electrode coating portion 2 and one uncoated portion 1 that is continuous with or adjacent to the coating portion. However, since the part that functions as the actual battery is the electrode coating portion 2, a pattern number or pattern indicator can be assigned based on each pattern in the electrode coating portion 2. For each pattern in the electrode coating portion 2, the pattern number or pattern indicator can be incremented or decremented to obtain pattern number or pattern indicator data PND1, PND2. Alternatively, the pattern position can be obtained according to one or more sequences or orders of pattern numbers or pattern indicators. That is, one or more patterns in the electrode coating portion 2 can be associated with one or more pattern numbers or pattern indicators based on the coordinate position of the patterns in the electrode coating portion 2. Pattern numbers or pattern indicators are not necessarily represented only by Arabic numerals. Where possible, the order (pattern number or pattern indicator) can also be represented by alphabets, other letters or symbols, or a combination of numbers, symbols, and letters.

[0097] To distinguish the positions of patterns on the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet, the pattern number or pattern indicator assigned to the pattern on the first electrode sheet is called the first pattern number or first pattern indicator, and the pattern number or pattern indicator assigned to the pattern on the second electrode sheet is called the second pattern number or second pattern indicator. Therefore, the first pattern number or pattern indicator can intermittently (or at intervals) indicate the position on the first electrode sheet as it moves between the first electrode roll and the winder. Similarly, the second pattern number or pattern indicator can intermittently indicate the position on the second electrode sheet as it moves between the second electrode roll and the winder.

[0098] In one embodiment, the first pattern counter 120N can count patterns on the first electrode sheet ESN as it moves between the first electrode roll ERN and the winder 150.

[0099] The second pattern counter 120P can count patterns on the second electrode sheet ESP as it moves between the second electrode roll ERP and the winder 150.

[0100] The pattern counter can be installed in the same or adjacent position as the first cutter 140N and the second cutter 140P adjacent to the winder 150. Therefore, when the cutter acquires a cut count value, the pattern counter can also count the pattern number or pattern indicator of the electrode sheet being cut.

[0101] The first pattern counter 120N and the second pattern counter 120P may include a pitch sensor and a trigger board. The pitch sensor can measure the length of each pattern, i.e., the pitch of each pattern.

[0102] According to exemplary embodiments, the pitch sensor is or may include a photoelectric sensor. The photoelectric sensor consists of a light emitter and a light receiver. When the light emitted by the light emitter is blocked or reflected by the object to be detected, the amount of light reaching the light receiver changes. The light receiver detects this change and converts it into an electrical signal for output. The amount of light emitted from the light emitter that reaches the light receiver changes with respect to the boundary between the electrode coated portion 2 and the uncoated portion 1 on the pattern electrode. This allows the pattern counters 120N and 120P equipped with the pitch sensor to distinguish between the electrode coated portion 2 and the uncoated portion on the pattern electrode. An optical fiber sensor can be used as the photoelectric sensor. An optical fiber sensor uses an optical fiber instead of a lens in a photoelectric sensor, and since the optical fiber, which is the detection part, has no electrical parts at all, it has advantages such as excellent environmental resistance, including noise immunity.

[0103] The pitch sensor can transmit the length of the pattern it senses to the trigger board. The trigger board can generate count information for each pattern based on the length of each pattern received from the pitch sensor. The trigger board can increment the BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) code by 1 each time the count value for each pattern length increases. The trigger board can convert the generated count values ​​for each pattern length into BCD code format and transmit it to the process controller or server.

[0104] In this embodiment, pattern number data or pattern indicators PND1 and PND2 and coordinate data CD can be used together to display the longitudinal position of the electrode sheet. For example, as the main position data, pattern number or pattern indicator data PND1 and PND2, which include pattern numbers or pattern indicators that intermittently indicate the position on the electrode sheet, can be acquired, and coordinate data CD, which includes coordinate values ​​that can continuously indicate the longitudinal position, can be acquired. The difference between the coordinate values ​​and the above coordinate values ​​directly indicates the position of the electrode sheet or the distance of a specific section. Therefore, by acquiring coordinate data, position information regarding the electrode sheet can be obtained more accurately by eliminating the influence of the electrode sheet's movement speed without performing additional calculations. By associating such coordinate data with pattern number or pattern indicator data PND, or with measurement data and / or inspection data, or with measurement data and / or inspection data associated with pattern number or pattern indicator data PND, state information for the electrode sheet can be obtained more accurately and reliably.

[0105] Furthermore, the length of the electrode coating section, the length of the uncoated section, and the length of the pattern can be quickly determined based on the difference in coordinate values ​​between the start and end points of each pattern, the difference in coordinate values ​​between the start and end points of the coated section, and the difference in coordinate values ​​between the start and end points of the uncoated section. By comparing the determined pattern length with the set pattern pitch, patterns with excessive or insufficient pitch can be easily identified.

[0106] The first pattern number data PND1, which includes the first pattern number or pattern indicator acquired by the first pattern counter 120N, and the second pattern number data PND2, which includes the second pattern number or pattern indicator acquired by the second pattern counter 120P, can be transmitted to the process controller 170.

[0107] To acquire coordinate data, the system is equipped with first position measuring instruments 111N and 112N, and second position measuring instruments 111P and 112P.

[0108] The first position measuring instruments 111N and 112N can acquire first coordinate data that can continuously indicate the position on the first electrode sheet ESN as it moves between the first electrode roll ERN and the winder 150.

[0109] Of the first position measuring instruments, the first position measuring instrument 111N installed on the unwinder UWN side can be configured to sense the amount of electrode sheet ESN unwound from the electrode roll ERN by the unwinder. This allows the first position measuring instrument 111N to be configured to generate an unwinding amount signal indicating the amount of electrode sheet ESN unwound. The first position measuring instrument 111N can convert the unwinding amount signal to directly acquire input amount data (coordinate data). Alternatively, the first position measuring instrument 111N can transmit the unwinding amount signal to the process controller 170, which can then convert the signal to collect first coordinate data.

[0110] A first position measuring instrument 112N is installed on the first cutter 140N side near the guide roll where each sheet converges. The first position measuring instrument 111N can be configured to sense the amount of the first electrode sheet ESN being moved to the winder 150. This allows the first position measuring instrument 112N to be configured to sense the amount of the first electrode sheet ESN being moved to the winder 150 that has been consumed. The first position measuring instrument 112N can convert the consumption amount signal to directly acquire first coordinate data. Alternatively, the first position measuring instrument 112N can transmit the consumption amount signal to the process controller 170, which can then convert the signal to collect coordinate data.

[0111] The second position measuring instruments 111P and 112P can acquire second coordinate data CD2 that can continuously indicate the position on the second electrode sheet ESP as it moves between the second electrode roll ERP and the winder 150.

[0112] Of the second position measuring instruments 111P and 112P, the second position measuring instrument 111P installed on the unwinder UWP side can acquire second coordinate data of the second electrode sheet ESP based on the unwinding amount signal. Of the second position measuring instruments 111P and 112P, the second position measuring instrument 112P installed on the second cutter 140P side can acquire second coordinate data based on the exhaust amount signal.

[0113] The first position measuring instruments 111N, 112N and the second position measuring instruments 111P, 112P may be rotary encoders capable of representing the position signal of an electrode sheet moving in accordance with the amount of rotation of the unwinder or guide roll as an encoder value. Alternatively, they may be linear encoders that represent the position signal corresponding to the displacement of the electrode sheet as an encoder value. The encoders may be configured to be in contact with or non-contact with the electrode sheet. The encoders may be equipped with a predetermined calculation unit capable of converting encoder values ​​into coordinate values. Alternatively, a controller may be transmitted the encoder values ​​and convert them into coordinate values ​​via predetermined calculations. Considering the load on the process controller, it may be preferable to convert directly to coordinate values ​​with the encoder.

[0114] The first electrode sheet ESN advances a certain distance Xn further toward the first cutter 140N from the first position measuring instrument 112N installed on the first cutter 140N side. Therefore, the coordinate values ​​of the first electrode sheet ESN relative to the first cutter 140N can be calibrated by adding a certain distance Xn to the coordinate values ​​of the first electrode sheet ESN collected based on the sensing signal of the first position measuring instrument 112N installed on the first cutter 140N side.

[0115] The second electrode sheet ESP moves a certain distance Xp further toward the second cutter 140P from the second position measuring instrument 112P installed on the second cutter 140P side. Therefore, the coordinate values ​​of the second electrode sheet ESP relative to the second cutter 140P can be calibrated by adding a certain distance Xp to the coordinate values ​​of the second electrode sheet ESP collected based on the sensing signal of the second position measuring instrument 112P installed on the second cutter 140P side.

[0116] The pattern number or pattern indicator data of the first electrode sheet ESN and the second electrode sheet ENP, acquired by the first pattern counter 120N and the second pattern counter 120P, can be transmitted directly to the monitoring server 180 or to the monitoring server 180 via the process controller 170.

[0117] Furthermore, the coordinate data of the first electrode sheet ESN and the second electrode sheet ENP acquired by the first position measuring instruments 111N, 112N and the second position measuring instruments 111P, 112P can be transmitted directly to the monitoring server 180 or to the monitoring server 180 via the process controller 170.

[0118] Furthermore, each pattern number or pattern indicator and the coordinate values ​​of the corresponding portion of the electrode sheet can be associated with each other. Pattern number or pattern indicator data and coordinate data can be associated with each other based on the same time or time interval in which each data was acquired. The association between pattern numbers or pattern indicators and coordinate values ​​can be performed by one of the processing units, process controllers, or servers of the measuring and / or inspection equipment described later.

[0119] Furthermore, the coordinate data and its associated pattern number or pattern indicator can be associated with at least one of the following: the identification information of the electrode assembly described later, the cut count value of the first electrode sheet, and / or the cut count value of the second electrode sheet. In this disclosure, "and / or" is defined to include both concatenation and separation options. For example, A and / or B may be interpreted to include both "A and B" and "A or B".

[0120] According to an exemplary embodiment, the battery manufacturing system 1000 of this embodiment may include an additional position measuring instrument capable of sensing the position signals of each separator sheet SS1, SS2.

[0121] The first electrode sheet ESN, moved to the first cutter 140N by the guide roll, is cut by the first cutter 140N by a first winding length W1.

[0122] The second electrode sheet ESP, moved to the second cutter 140P by the guide roll, is cut by the second cutter 140P by a second winding length W2.

[0123] The unwinders UWN and UWP, guide rolls, first cutter 140N, second cutter 140P, and winder 150 can be controlled by the process controller 170.

[0124] The cutters 140N and 140P may comprise a predetermined cutting section (e.g., a cutting blade) and a mechanism for moving the cutting section. The cutters 140N and 140P may also include a sensor (e.g., a photoelectric sensor) capable of distinguishing between coated and uncoated areas on an electrode sheet. The first cutter 140N and the second cutter 140P may include a cut counter (not shown) equipped with, for example, a trigger board (not shown) for calculating cut count values. The trigger board can generate cut count information based on each winding length (first winding length or second winding length). The trigger board can increment the count value according to the winding length of each received electrode sheet. The trigger board can convert the generated cut count values ​​for each electrode sheet into BCD code format and transmit them to a process controller.

[0125] The first cutter 140N can cut the first electrode sheet ESN by a first winding length W1 according to the instructions of the process controller 170.

[0126] The second cutter 140P can cut the first electrode sheet ESN by the first winding length W1 according to the instructions of the process controller 170.

[0127] The process controller 170 can control the first cutter 140N to cut the first electrode sheet ESN by a first winding length W1. The process controller 170 can also control the second cutter 140P to cut the second electrode sheet ESP by a second winding length W2. The process controller 170 can control each cutter based on information regarding the first winding length W1, the second winding length W2, and the third winding length W3. The process controller 170 may include information regarding the overall electrode sheet transfer path (distance) from the first electrode sheet ESN released from the first electrode roll ERN to the first cutter 140N, the overall electrode sheet transfer path (distance) from the second electrode sheet ESP released from the second electrode roll ERP to the second cutter, and the separator transfer path (distance) from each separator roll to the cutter. For example, the process controller 170 can receive signals or data from the first and second position measuring instruments described above regarding the amount of each electrode sheet unwound (feed-in amount) and signals or data regarding the amount reaching the cutters 140N and 140P (consumed amount). Based on these signals and data, the process controller 170 can determine the total transport distance of each electrode sheet. Furthermore, based on information regarding each winding length and information regarding the pattern length (pattern pitch), the process controller 170 can determine how many portions of the electrode sheet corresponding to each winding length are within the total transport distance of each electrode sheet. Therefore, the process controller 170 can control each cutter so that it cuts each electrode sheet by the corresponding winding length.

[0128] The cut count values ​​of the first electrode sheet cut by the first cutter 140N and the cut count values ​​of the second electrode sheet cut by the second cutter 140P can be transmitted to the process controller 170.

[0129] To inspect the first electrode sheet ESN and the second electrode sheet ENP, at least one first electrode measuring instrument and / or inspector is provided between the first electrode roll and the winder, and at least one second electrode measuring instrument and / or inspector is provided between the second electrode roll and the winder.

[0130] For the sake of explanation, Figure 3 shows only one measuring instrument and / or tester 130, but measuring instruments and / or testers may be provided for each electrode sheet.

[0131] According to exemplary embodiments, the measuring instrument and / or inspector 130 may be a reference point measuring instrument for measuring the position of reference points marked on each electrode sheet. Alternatively, the measuring instrument and / or inspector 130 may be a visual inspection instrument (e.g., a vision inspection instrument) for inspecting defects on each electrode sheet. Alternatively, the measuring instrument and / or inspector 130 may be a seam sensor 131 for detecting connecting tapes on each electrode sheet. The measuring instrument and / or inspector 130 is not limited to the types described above.

[0132] Each measuring instrument and / or testing instrument 130 may include a sensing unit 130S and a processing unit 130P. The sensing unit 130S and the processing unit 130P can be connected by wire or wireless.

[0133] The sensing unit 130S may include imaging devices such as a TDI (Time Delay and Integration) camera or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. The sensing unit 130S can be configured to generate an inspection signal IS indicating the surface of each electrode sheet ESN, ESP, or a measurement signal MS measuring dimensions, width, etc. The sensing unit 130S can transmit the inspection signal IS and the measurement signal MS to the processing unit 130P.

[0134] The processing unit 130P can be configured to determine a determination value indicating the presence or absence of defects in the electrode sheets ESP and ESN based on the inspection signal IS and / or the measurement signal MS. The processing unit 130P can also be configured to generate a determination value for the electrode sheets ESP and ESN by processing the inspection signal IS and / or the measurement signal MS based on a set algorithm.

[0135] The processing unit 130P can be configured to collect measurement data and / or inspection data associated with position based on the inspection signal IS and / or measurement signal MS and position data (pattern number or pattern indicator data PND and coordinate data CD). For example, the processing unit 130P can collect measurement data and / or inspection data PNMD / PNID associated with pattern number data or pattern indicator. In this case, the pattern number or pattern indicator data PND1, PND2 can be transmitted to the processing unit 130P directly from the first pattern counter and the second pattern counter, or via the process controller 170.

[0136] For example, the processing unit 130P can collect measurement data and / or inspection data CMD / CID associated with coordinate data. In this case, the coordinate data CD1 and CD2 can be transmitted to the processing unit 130P directly from the first and second position measuring instruments, or via the process controller 170.

[0137] For example, the processing unit 130P can collect measurement data and / or inspection data PNCMD / PNCID associated with pattern number or pattern indicator data and coordinate data. In this case, the pattern number or pattern indicator data, coordinate data, and measurement data and / or inspection data can be associated with each other based on the same time or time interval.

[0138] The processing unit 130P can transmit measurement data and / or inspection data associated with position data (pattern number or pattern indicator data PND and / or coordinate data CD) to the server 180 directly or via the process controller 170.

[0139] Each first electrode sheet ESN portion of the cut first winding length W1 is moved to the winder 150 together with the separator sheet SS1. Similarly, each second electrode sheet ESP portion of the cut second winding length W2 is moved to the winder 150 together with the separator sheet SS2. Each separator sheet is moved to the winder 150 without being pre-cut so that it can support the moving electrode sheets.

[0140] The winder 150 can be configured to wind together a first electrode sheet ESN, a separator sheet SS1, a second electrode sheet ESP, and a separator sheet SS2. This can provide an electrode assembly EA for a battery (e.g., a cylindrical battery). The electrode assembly EA can include a winding structure of the first electrode sheet ESN, a separator sheet SS1, a second electrode sheet ESP, and a separator sheet SS2. The first electrode sheet ESN and the second electrode sheet ESP can be electrically isolated by separator sheets SS1 and SS2. This can prevent short circuits between the first electrode sheet ESN and the second electrode sheet ESP despite the winding of each sheet. The separator sheets can be cut by a separator cutter, which is not shown after winding.

[0141] In one embodiment, the first electrode sheet ESN and the second electrode sheet ESP can be cut first and then wound together with the separator sheet.

[0142] Alternatively, after winding each electrode sheet and separator, the connections between the ends of the wound electrode assembly and each electrode sheet, and between the ends and the separator, can be cut. In this case, after the separator sheet SS2, the second electrode sheet ESP, the separator sheet SS1, and the first electrode sheet ESN have each reached their target winding length, the corresponding cutters can cut the separator sheet SS2, the second electrode sheet ESP, the separator sheet SS1, and the first electrode sheet to separate the electrode assembly EA.

[0143] The manufactured electrode assemblies EA can be discharged outside the electrode assembly manufacturing unit. The discharged electrode assemblies EA can be inspected by a separate inspection device 135 and then transferred to trays T by a predetermined transfer device TM. Electrode assemblies EA identified as defective by the inspection device 135 can be discharged to a defective storage port S2 and stored there.

[0144] As an addition or replacement, electrode assemblies EA determined to be normal may be stored in storage port S1. Electrode assemblies EA in storage port S1 may be transferred to tray T, for example, by being grasped by a gripper TMH of a transfer device TM, according to a logistics transport schedule. Tray T contains storage locations for multiple electrode assemblies EA. Each electrode assembly EA may be stored sequentially according to the transport order, or in a specific location within tray T according to a separate loading algorithm. For example, if there are multiple rows X1, X2, ..., Xn and columns Y1, Y2, ..., Yn within tray T, the tray loading location for an electrode assembly EA may be identified as a sequence of matrix pairs displayed at the intersection of the rows and columns.

[0145] The electrode rolls ERN and ERP loaded into the unwinder constitute a lot. When each electrode roll is loaded into the unwinder, the identification information (e.g., lot number) of each lot can be read by a predetermined reader (e.g., a BCR reader). Alternatively, the lot identification information of the electrode roll can be input into the equipment or system by manual input by an operator. Alternatively, a code indicating lot identification information may be included in reference points, defect markings, etc., marked on the electrodes. Alternatively, when a seam sensor 131, which is one of the measuring instruments placed on the movement path of the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet, detects the connecting tape CT, the lot numbers of the first and second electrode rolls can be updated based on the detection signal. As a result, the coordinate values ​​of the first electrode sheet ESN and the second electrode sheet ESP can be reset based on the seam detection signal.

[0146] This makes it possible to obtain lot identification information for the first electrode sheet ESN and the second electrode sheet ESP that are fed into the winding process. Furthermore, based on the lot identification information, it is possible to obtain past manufacturing history information for the first and second electrode sheets, such as roll map information.

[0147] Since the completed electrode assembly EA is loaded onto a tray, the identification information of the tray T (e.g., tray ID) can be associated with the electrode assembly EA being loaded. Furthermore, the loading position of the electrode assembly on the tray can be determined.

[0148] Incidentally, as mentioned above, if multiple electrode assemblies EA get mixed up during the process of being placed in a tray in the logistics flow, even if a can ID is assigned during the can manufacturing process, it becomes impossible to determine which materials (electrodes, separators, etc.) make up the electrode assembly EA placed in the can. For this reason, even if there is manufacturing history information such as roll map information for the electrodes in each sub-process before the winding process, it becomes difficult to associate it with the manufacturing history information of the electrodes contained in the electrode assembly EA loaded in the tray T or can.

[0149] To prevent this, the battery manufacturing system 1000 of the present invention includes an identification information assigning device for assigning identification information to an electrode assembly EA.

[0150] The identification information of an electrode assembly EA needs to be associated with information that can identify the electrodes included in the electrode assembly EA. In the winding process, multiple electrode sheet portions are cut and wound. Therefore, the identification information of the electrode assembly EA can be assigned based on information that can identify the first electrode sheet portion with a first winding length W1 and the second electrode sheet portion with a second winding length W2.

[0151] According to an exemplary embodiment, identification information for the electrode assembly EA can be assigned based on i) and ii) below. i) Cut count value of the first electrode sheet and cut count value of the second electrode sheet ii) A first pattern number or pattern indicator of the first electrode sheet corresponding to the first winding length, and a second pattern number or pattern indicator of the second electrode sheet corresponding to the second winding length.

[0152] The cut count values ​​of the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet can be obtained by the first cutter 140N and the second cutter 140P.

[0153] The first pattern number or pattern indicator of the first electrode sheet corresponding to the first winding length, and the second pattern number or pattern indicator of the second electrode sheet corresponding to the second winding length, can be obtained by the first pattern counter 120N and the second pattern counter 120P.

[0154] The process controller 170 can assign identification information (ID) to the winded electrode assembly EA based on the received cut count values ​​of the first electrode sheet ESN and the second electrode sheet ESP, the first pattern number or pattern indicator of the first electrode sheet corresponding to the first winding length, and the second pattern number or pattern indicator of the second electrode sheet corresponding to the second winding length. That is, for example, if a specific portion of the first electrode sheet ESN is cut to a first winding length W1, and the order of cutting is counted by a specific cut count value, and a specific pattern number or pattern indicator of the pattern included in the specific portion of the first electrode sheet ESN is counted by the first pattern number or pattern indicator, then specific identification information (ID) can be assigned to the winded electrode assembly EA including the first electrode sheet ESN of the specific portion.

[0155] Similarly, if a specific portion of the second electrode sheet ESP is cut to a second winding length W2, the order of cutting is counted by a specific cut count value, and a specific pattern number or pattern indicator of a pattern contained in a specific portion of the second electrode sheet ESP is counted by the second pattern number or pattern indicator, then a specific identification information (ID) can be assigned to the wound electrode assembly EA including the specific portion of the second electrode sheet ESP.

[0156] In some embodiments, identification information can be assigned to electrodes provided from a first electrode sheet ESN and electrodes provided from a second electrode sheet ESP in order to form the electrode assembly according to the present disclosure. For example, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a pattern number or pattern indicator and / or cut count value associated with the first electrode sheet ESN can be assigned to the electrodes from the first electrode sheet ESN. In some embodiments, the assigned ID may be a virtual ID or a physical ID. A physical ID can be provided as a marking on the electrode, provided that sufficient space (e.g., an uncoated area) is provided on the electrode. Similarly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a pattern number or pattern indicator and / or cut count value associated with the second electrode sheet ESP can be assigned to the electrodes from the second electrode sheet ESP. In some embodiments, the assigned ID may be a virtual ID or a physical ID. A physical ID can be provided as a marking on the electrode, provided that sufficient space (e.g., an uncoated area) is provided on the electrode.

[0157] In some embodiments, the separators provided for forming the electrode assembly in accordance with the Disclosure may be assigned identification information. For example, according to embodiments of the Disclosure, coordinate values ​​and / or cut count values ​​associated with the separator may be assigned to the separator. In one embodiment, the assigned ID may be a virtual ID or a physical ID. The physical ID may be provided to the separator as a marking.

[0158] In one embodiment, the ID of the electrode assembly EA can be physically displayed and assigned to the electrode assembly. Alternatively, the ID of the electrode assembly EA may be a virtual ID to which the process controller 170 virtually assigns identification information.

[0159] Since the process controller 170 can communicate data with the first cutter 140N, the second cutter 140P, the first pattern counter 120N, and the second pattern counter 120P, it can assign an ID to the electrode assembly EA based on the cut count values ​​of the first and second electrode sheets and the first and second pattern numbers or pattern indicators. In other words, the process controller 170 can function as an identification information assigning device.

[0160] Additionally, the process controller 170 can control the unwinder, cutter, and winder, etc. Therefore, if the process controller 170 is also given the function of calculating and issuing IDs for assigning IDs to electrode assemblies EA, it may be overloaded. In this case, there is a risk that the control speed of the process controller 170 may slow down. To prevent this, a dedicated server for assigning and managing identification information can be added. Referring to Figure 3, an identification information management server 160 is provided, which is data-communicatively connected to the process controller 170. The identification information management server 160 may be, for example, an ECS (Edge Computer System) and / or an EDC (Equipment Data Collection) server.

[0161] The identification information management server 160 receives the cut count values ​​and pattern numbers or pattern indicators of the first and second electrode sheets from the process controller 170 and can issue virtual IDs to the corresponding electrode assemblies EA. In this case, the identification information assignment device for the electrode assemblies can be the identification information management server 160.

[0162] Alternatively, the entire combination of the process controller 170 and the identification information management server 160 can be called an identification information assignment device.

[0163] The process controller 170 and / or the identification information management server 160, or the monitoring server 180 described later, can further associate coordinate data with the identification information, cut count value, and pattern number (data). For example, coordinate values ​​corresponding to the first winding length of the first electrode sheet (at least one of the start coordinate value and end coordinate value of the first winding length) obtained from the first position measuring instruments 111N and 112N, which are rotary encoders, The coordinate values ​​corresponding to the second winding length of the second electrode sheet, obtained from the second position measuring instruments 111P and 112P (at least one of the start and end coordinate values ​​of the second winding length), The coordinate values ​​are associated with the cut count value and pattern number or pattern indicator (data) acquired at the same time as the acquisition of the above coordinate values, thereby allowing them to be associated with the identification information of the electrode assembly.

[0164] As a result, the process controller 170 and / or the identification information management server 160, or the monitoring server 180 described later, may, for example, associate the start and end coordinate values ​​of the first winding length W1 of the first electrode sheet with the start and end coordinate values ​​of the second winding length W2 of the second electrode sheet, or assign an identification information ID to the corresponding electrode assembly EA based on this association.

[0165] In this way, once the ID of the electrode assembly EA is determined, the cut count value and position data (pattern number or pattern indicator, coordinate value) of the electrodes included in that electrode assembly can be identified. Based on this cut count value and position data, the manufacturing history of each sub-process before the winding process can be tracked. Furthermore, based on the ID of the electrode assembly EA, the defect inspection, transfer, tray loading, and can storage processes of the electrode assembly are performed. Therefore, the manufacturing history of processes after the winder 150 can also be easily tracked based on the identification information of the electrode assembly EA.

[0166] On the other hand, the process controller 170 and / or the identification information management server 160 can manage the identification information of the electrode assembly EA in association with the process event data of each electrode. For example, since the measurement data and / or inspection data acquired by various measuring instruments and / or inspection instruments in the process from the unwinder to the winder are associated with position data (pattern number data, coordinate data), the identification information of the electrode assembly associated with the position data can be associated with the measurement data and / or inspection data via the position data.

[0167] The process controller 170 controls each device provided for the winding process and transmits the data acquired by each device to the monitoring server 180. The identification information management server 160 also transmits the identification information ID assigned to the electrode assembly EA to the monitoring server 180.

[0168] The process controller 170 can transmit measurement data and / or inspection data PNMD / PNID associated with pattern numbers or pattern indicators, measurement data and / or inspection data CMD / CND associated with coordinate data, and measurement data NC and / or inspection data PNCMD / PNCND associated with pattern numbers or pattern indicators and coordinate data to the monitoring server 180 via an intermediary server such as EIF. The monitoring server 180 can generate a first electrode roll map which may include a graphic or data representation of the electrode, including first position data (pattern number or pattern indicator data, coordinate data) of the first electrode sheet moving from the first electrode roll to the winder, and first process event data associated with the first position data.

[0169] The monitoring server 180 can also generate a second electrode roll map containing second position data (pattern number or pattern indicator data, coordinate data) of the second electrode sheet moving from the second electrode roll to the winder, and second process event data associated with the second position data. The second electrode roll map may include a graphic or data representation of the electrode.

[0170] According to an exemplary embodiment, the monitoring server 180 may be a data processing system that supports various activities necessary to manage battery manufacturing, such as work schedule management, work instructions, quality control, and work performance aggregation. The monitoring server 180 may be, for example, a Manufacturing Execution System (MES). The monitoring server 180 may be configured to input, process, output, and communicate data necessary for electrode manufacturing, such as coating processes, pressing processes, and manufacturing processes.

[0171] According to another exemplary embodiment, the monitoring server 180 may be configured to store and process raw measurement data. The monitoring server 180 can manage the quality of electrode sheet processing by continuously monitoring the electrode sheet processing based on the measurement data. According to an exemplary embodiment, the monitoring server 180 may be a Statistical Process Controller (SPC). By collecting and analyzing manufacturing data in near real time, the monitoring server 180 can identify problem conditions in a timely manner and provide alarms to operators before potential problems occur.

[0172] According to other exemplary embodiments, the monitoring server 180 may be, for example, a data warehouse that can store necessary role maps for a long period of time based on the product's quality assurance period, etc.

[0173] In other exemplary embodiments, the monitoring server 180 may perform all of the functions of the MES, SPC, and data warehouse, or it may be provided separately from the MES, SPC, and data warehouse for role map generation.

[0174] Referring to Figure 4, it is shown that the first electrode sheet ESN with a first winding length W1 and the second electrode sheet ESP with a second winding length W2 are wound together with a separator with a third winding length W3 to form an electrode assembly EA.

[0175] For electrical safety or insulation purposes when forming an electrode assembly EA in the form of a jelly roll, the first to third winding lengths can be determined differently. For example, the winding length of the separator located between the first and second electrode sheets (third winding length W3) can be made greater than the winding lengths of the other electrode sheets. In this case, the separator is located on the radially outermost side of the jelly roll type electrode assembly, preventing direct contact between the first and second electrode sheets and thus preventing an electrical short circuit. Alternatively, for example, the winding length of the first electrode sheet, which is the negative electrode (first winding length W1), can be made greater than the winding length of the second electrode sheet, which is the positive electrode (second winding length W2).

[0176] Referring to Figure 4, the first electrode sheet with a first winding length W1 includes a first electrode coating portion belonging to a first pattern (first pattern number or pattern indicator (1)). Uncoated portions exist on both sides of the first electrode coating portion. The combined length of the first electrode coating portion and the uncoated portions on both sides is set to the first winding length W1. The process controller 170 and the first cutter 140N store the first winding length W1.

[0177] The second electrode sheet ESP with a second winding length W2 includes a second electrode coating portion belonging to a second pattern (second pattern number or pattern indicator (a)). Uncoated portions exist on both sides of the second electrode coating portion. The combined length of the second electrode coating portion and the uncoated portions on both sides is set to the second winding length W2. The process controller 170 and the second cutter 140P store the second winding length W2. In this way, the electrode assembly EA can be manufactured with one first electrode coating portion and one second electrode coating portion (one pattern each) corresponding to the first winding length W1 and the second winding length W2, respectively.

[0178] Pattern numbers or pattern indicators are not necessarily displayed using only Arabic numerals; they can also be displayed using letters, other characters or symbols, or a combination of numbers and letters, as long as the sequence can be clearly indicated.

[0179] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 5, the first electrode sheet with a first winding length is identical in that it includes a first electrode coating portion belonging to a first pattern (first pattern number or pattern indicator (1)), but the second electrode sheet with a second winding length includes two second electrode coating portions belonging to adjacent patterns (second pattern number or pattern indicators (a), (b)) respectively, and an uncoated portion located between the two second electrode coating portions. That is, in this case, one pattern number or pattern indicator corresponds to two pattern numbers or pattern indicators. Since the second electrode sheet is provided with 1 / 2 patterns of second electrode coating portions having two pattern numbers, the overall length of the second electrode coating portion of the second electrode sheet is approximately the same as that of one pattern. When manufacturing an electrode assembly by winding in a pattern arrangement as shown in Figure 5, there are no uncoated portions at either end of the second electrode coating portion. Therefore, the risk of short circuits caused by contact with the current collector (uncoated portion) that may occur when the separator interposed between the two electrode sheets is damaged can be reduced.

[0180] Furthermore, in terms of energy density, the electrode assembly EA wound in the form shown in Figure 5 has some advantages.

[0181] Figure 6 shows the monitoring data generated by the monitoring server 180. The monitoring server 180 can generate monitoring data for battery manufacturing by associating the identification information of the electrode assembly with one or more of the following: 1) The first pattern number or pattern indicator of the first electrode sheet and / or the second pattern number or pattern indicator of the second electrode sheet 2) Lot identification information of the first electrode sheet and / or lot identification information of the second electrode sheet 3) Cut count value of the first electrode sheet and / or cut count value of the second electrode sheet 4) At least one of the start and end coordinate values ​​of the first winding length and the start and end coordinate values ​​of the second winding length 5) Data regarding defects in the first electrode sheet and / or the second electrode sheet or defects in the electrode assembly. 6) First process event data associated with the first position data and / or second process event data associated with the second position data 7) Tray identification information of the tray on which the electrode assembly is loaded. 8) Data regarding the loading position of electrode assemblies on the tray 9) Can identification information of the electrode can in which the electrode assembly is housed.

[0182] The top of Figure 6 shows the roll map of the first and second electrode sheets (negative electrode sheet and positive electrode sheet) moving during the winding process generated by the monitoring server 180.

[0183] The roll map of the negative electrode (sheet) displays the first pattern numbers or pattern indicators (1) to (10), and coordinate values ​​are displayed for each major point. However, the monitoring server 180 stores continuous coordinate values ​​(e.g., roll map coordinate values) matched to time values ​​along the longitudinal direction of the negative electrode sheet. Therefore, as shown in the table at the bottom of Figure 6, the monitoring server 180 can retrieve and associate (associate) detailed coordinate values ​​corresponding to each pattern section (e.g., start coordinate values, end coordinate values ​​for each winding length, or start coordinate values, end coordinate values ​​for each pattern). The roll map of the negative electrode (sheet) also shows the linkage tape CT and appearance defects AD detected by the measuring instrument and / or inspector. The linkage tape CT can be detected by the seam sensor 131. The negative electrode sheet is not a single lot, but rather two lots (VO1 and VO2) connected by linkage tape CT. Therefore, when linkage tape CT is detected, the coordinate values ​​of the electrode sheet of the second lot VO2 are reset and start again from O.

[0184] The roll map of the positive electrode (sheet) displays the second pattern numbers or pattern indicators (a) to (j), and coordinate values ​​are displayed for each major point. As shown in the table at the bottom of Figure 6, the monitoring server 180 can retrieve and associate (associate) the detailed coordinate values ​​corresponding to each pattern section. Connecting tape CTs and appearance defects AD also appear on the roll map of the positive electrode (sheet). Connecting tape CTs can be detected by the seam sensor 132. The positive electrode sheet is also connected by two lots (E23 and E24) via connecting tape CTs. Therefore, when a connecting tape CT is detected, the coordinate values ​​of the electrode sheet of the second lot E24 are reset and start again from O.

[0185] As shown in Figure 6, the ID of the jelly roll (J / R) electrode assembly was assigned as J1 based on the pattern number or pattern indicator (1), (a), the negative electrode cut count (Cut No) value of 696, and the positive electrode cut count value of 710. Thus, the IDs of the electrode assemblies were assigned from J1 to J12 based on the pattern number or pattern indicator and cut count value of each electrode. As described above, the process controller and the identification information management server can assign IDs. The ID of a jelly roll (J / R) shaped electrode assembly can be a virtual or physical ID. A physical ID can be displayed on the fitted surface of the electrode assembly.

[0186] 1) The lot identification information can be obtained, for example, when each electrode roll is loaded into the corresponding unwinder, and can therefore be associated with the identification information of the electrode assembly EA.

[0187] Furthermore, the start and end coordinates of the electrodes (sheets) corresponding to each pattern number can be associated with the ID of the electrode assembly, as shown in the table in Figure 6.

[0188] Furthermore, referring to the bottom of the table in Figure 6, the tray ID and its loading position (row and column) where the electrode assembly with a specific ID is loaded are also displayed. Information regarding the tray ID and loading position can also be transmitted to the monitoring server 180, which can associate this information with the ID of the electrode assembly. Although not shown in Figure 6, for example, if identification information (e.g., can ID) is assigned to the electrode can containing the electrode assembly, the can ID can also be associated with the above information. The can ID can be assigned, for example, according to the tray loading position shown in Figure 6.

[0189] Figure 6 shows the data for a winded electrode assembly, where the negative and positive electrodes each correspond to one pattern (e.g., a number or indicator) (see Figure 4). Thus, each electrode is associated with one first pattern number or pattern indicator and one second pattern number or pattern indicator.

[0190] However, when manufacturing an electrode assembly in the configuration shown in Figure 5, it is also possible to associate one first pattern number or pattern indicator of the negative electrode with two second pattern numbers or pattern indicators of the positive electrode.

[0191] As shown in the roll map at the top of Figure 6, the negative electrode displays first process event data associated with first position data (e.g., first pattern number or pattern indicator, first coordinate data CD1). For example, linked tape CT displayed at a specific location and appearance defect AD are also examples of process event data. In addition to defects, other measurement data and / or inspection data such as loading amount and web thickness can also be displayed on the roll map of the negative electrode.

[0192] Similarly, the positive electrode also displays second process event data associated with second position data (second pattern number or pattern indicator, second coordinate data).

[0193] Furthermore, the presence or absence of defects can be determined from the measurement data and / or inspection data acquired by the measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument 130, and such determination values ​​can also be acquired by the monitoring server 180 via the process controller 170. Depending on the type of measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument 130, the type of defect can also be determined. Therefore, data regarding defects in the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet can be associated with the identification information of the electrode assembly EA.

[0194] Defects in electrode sheets ESN and ESP can be identified by defect tags or markings attached to the actual electrodes in a sub-process prior to the winding process (e.g., roll pressing or slitting process). Alternatively, if a connecting tape connecting broken portions is detected during the winding process, the electrode sheet portion with the connecting tape can be considered defective. Or, a portion determined to be defective by measuring instruments and / or inspection instruments during the winding process can be considered a defective electrode.

[0195] On the other hand, when a defective electrode sheet (ESN or ESP) is wound with a separator sheet, it becomes a defective electrode assembly and is discarded into the defective storage port S2. In this case, the normal electrode sheet and separator sheet that were wound with the defective electrode sheet are also wasted.

[0196] Therefore, the process controller can control the first cutter, the second cutter, and the winder so that if there is a defect in one of the electrode sheets (first electrode sheet of first winding length and second electrode sheet of second winding length), only the defective electrode sheet is cut, and the cut defective electrode sheet is wound together with a separator and discharged as a defective electrode assembly.

[0197] For example, when a defective electrode sheet approaches the winder 150, the process controller 170 can generate a signal to control the unwinder, guide roll, or other drive mechanism to interrupt the unwinding of other electrode sheets that are not defective. This allows only the defective electrode sheet portion to be wound by the winder 150 without winding the normal electrode sheets. The electrode assembly of this defective electrode sheet (J3, J6, J8, J10 in Figure 6) can then be discharged to the defect storage port S2.

[0198] In this case, the identification information (J3, J6, J8, J10) for the defective electrode assembly can be assigned based on the cut count value and pattern number of the defective electrode sheet. That is, the ID of the defective electrode assembly is not associated with the pattern number of the non-defective electrode sheet. In this case, if the cut counter of the cutter operates for a non-defective electrode sheet (i.e., operates without an electrode sheet), the cut count value increases, and if the cut counter does not operate, the cut count value for the non-defective electrode sheet may not increase.

[0199] The process controller 170 or the controllers or processors associated with the battery manufacturing systems 10 and 1000, corresponding to embodiments related to Figures 1 to 7, may include appropriate logic, circuits, interfaces, or code configured to perform some or all of the functions or tasks of tracking, monitoring, and manufacturing electrodes, electrode assemblies, and batteries, and generating role maps, by executing instructions stored in one or more memories or servers (e.g., 160, 180, 181). For example, the process controller 170 or the controllers or processors associated with the battery manufacturing systems 10 and 1000 may include, but are not limited to, processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microprocessors, microcontrollers, composite instruction set computing (CISC) processors, application-specific integrated (ASIC) processors, reduced instruction set (RISC) processors, very long instruction word (VLIW) processors, state machines, data processing units, graphics processing units (GPUs), and other processors or control circuits. As an addition or alternative, the process controller 170 or controllers associated with the battery manufacturing systems 10 and 1000, or multiple processors, electrodes, electrode assemblies, and batteries, may be located in one or more server systems described in the embodiments above, capable of performing some or all of the functions or tasks of tracking, monitoring, and manufacturing and generating a roll map. The servers described according to embodiments of this disclosure may include physical servers or cloud servers. In one embodiment, multiple servers may provide data and analytical results to the operator through a diverse framework. The framework may include protocols to support data transmission, and a display device 190 (see, for example, Figure 1) may visualize the data through a user interface, providing updated visualizations, for example, when new data is calculated on server 180. The protocols supporting data transmission may be HTML, JavaScript, and / or JSON.

[0200] The role map can be stored in a database or one of the servers described in the embodiments above, or in a separate storage medium. The database or storage medium may be, for example, memory. Multiple memory sources may be provided as needed. The memory may be volatile or non-volatile. Examples of volatile memory include random access memory (RAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), etc. Examples of non-volatile memory include read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically changeable ROM (EAROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, etc. The examples of memory listed above are merely illustrative and are not limited to such examples. Alternatively, the storage medium may be a hard disk, CD-ROM, USB memory, solid-state drive (SSD), or similar.

[0201] The role maps and related data stored on the storage medium can be freely used for battery manufacturing, quality control, analysis, and problem tracking.

[0202] Also described are computer-readable media on which instruction words configured to perform one or more computers in one of the methods described herein are stored. In one embodiment, the computer-readable media may be non-temporary. The computer-readable media may include volatile or non-volatile, removable or non-removable media embodied in a method or technique that can store information such as computer-readable instruction words, data structures, program modules, or other data. Generally, the functions of the computing devices described herein may be embodied as computing logic embodied in hardware or software instruction words, which are in C, C++, COBOL, JAVA TMMicrosoft .NET languages ​​such as PHP, Perl, Python, Ruby, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, VBScript, ASPX, and C#. TM Computing logic can be written in a programming language and / or a similar programming language. Computing logic can be written in a programming language that is compiled or interpreted into an executable program. Generally, the functions described in this disclosure can be embodied in logic modules or circuits that can be duplicated, merged with other modules, or divided into sub-modules to provide greater processing capabilities. Computing logic can be stored in any type of computer-readable medium (e.g., non-temporary media such as memory or storage media) or computer storage device, and can be stored and executed by one or more general-purpose or special-purpose processors, thereby generating a special-purpose computing device configured to provide the functions described in this disclosure.

[0203] One or more aspects of Figures 1 to 7 may be integrated into or combined with one or more aspects of the embodiments shown in this disclosure. Furthermore, detailed disclosures of similar or identical elements already described may be omitted for brevity.

[0204] However, such omissions are not undeclarative or unacceptable, and unless the similar or identical elements already described do not match the disclosures expressly made in this disclosure, the descriptions in this disclosure shall prevail in this case.

[0205] The applications and functions disclosed in previous and subsequent embodiments can be achieved in accordance with this disclosure by programming the process controller 170 or any controller or processor associated with the battery manufacturing systems 10 and 1000. That is, the process controller 170 or any controller or processor associated with the battery manufacturing systems 10 and 1000 can, in previous and subsequent embodiments, utilize, for example, a computer-readable medium on which instructions are stored that are configured to perform all the methods described herein.

[0206] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0207] Referring to Figures 3 to 7, the first electrode roll ERN and the second electrode roll ERP each unwind the patterned first electrode sheet ESN and the patterned second electrode sheet ESP, respectively, and move them toward the winder 150. In addition, the separator sheets corresponding to each electrode roll are also unwinded and moved toward the winder 150.

[0208] The process controller 170 can move the electrode sheet and separator sheet by operating the unwinders corresponding to each electrode roll and separator roll.

[0209] The first electrode sheet ESN and the second electrode sheet ESP, which are moving to the winder 150, can be inspected and measured by a predetermined measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument. The measurement data and / or inspection data acquired by the measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument can be transmitted to the monitoring server 180 via the process controller 170.

[0210] Each electrode sheet that has been inspected and / or measured can be moved by a corresponding guide roll and merged with a separator sheet. In this process, the first electrode sheet ESN can be cut by the first cutter 140N to a first winding length W1, and the second electrode sheet ESP can be cut by the second cutter 140P to a second winding length W2 (P110 step).

[0211] The first electrode sheet portion with a first winding length W1 and the second electrode sheet portion with a second winding length W2 are wound in the winder 150 via a separator to complete the electrode assembly EA in the form of a jelly roll (step P120). The winder 150 may be equipped with a separate cutter for cutting the separator sheet. At this time, the first electrode sheet with the first winding length and the second electrode sheet with the second winding length can be wound together with a separator of a third winding length L3 to produce an electrode assembly.

[0212] The device for assigning a predetermined identification number to the completed electrode assembly EA is: Identification information can be assigned to the electrode assembly based on i) and / or ii) below. i) Cut count value of the first electrode sheet and / or cut count value of the second electrode sheet ii) The first pattern number of the first electrode sheet corresponding to the first winding length and the second pattern number of the second electrode sheet corresponding to the second winding length

[0213] The cut count value can be obtained by a cut counter provided in the cutter or the like, and the cut count value can be transmitted to the process controller 170, the identification information management server 160, or the monitoring server 180.

[0214] The pattern numbers or pattern indicators of the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet can be acquired by the first pattern counter and the second pattern counter. The acquired pattern numbers or pattern indicators can be transmitted to the process controller 170, the identification information management server 160, or the monitoring server 180.

[0215] The process controller 170, the identification information management server 160, or a combination thereof, which is an identification information assigning device, can assign, for example, a virtual identification information (ID) to the completed electrode assembly EA based on the cut count value and / or pattern number or pattern indicator (step P130). The ID may be a virtual ID or a physical ID that can be provided on the surface of the electrode assembly EA.

[0216] In this case, the process may further include the step of obtaining first coordinate data CD1 that can continuously indicate the position on the first electrode sheet moving between the first electrode roll and the winder, and second coordinate data that can continuously indicate the position on the second electrode sheet moving between the second electrode roll and the winder.

[0217] The first coordinate data and the second coordinate data can be associated with at least one of the following: i) Identification information for the electrode assembly ii) Cut count value of the first electrode sheet and / or cut count value of the second electrode sheet iii) First pattern number or pattern indicator and second pattern number or pattern indicator

[0218] The first coordinate data includes at least one of the start and end coordinate values ​​of the first winding length, and the second coordinate data CD2 may include at least one of the start and end coordinate values ​​of the second winding length.

[0219] The identification information of the electrode assembly EA can be associated by the monitoring server 180 with one or more of the following (step P140): 1) The first pattern number or pattern indicator of the first electrode sheet and / or the second pattern number or pattern indicator of the second electrode sheet 2) Lot identification information of the first electrode sheet and / or lot identification information of the second electrode sheet 3) Cut count value of the first electrode sheet and / or cut count value of the second electrode sheet 4) At least one of the start and end coordinate values ​​of the first winding length and the start and end coordinate values ​​of the second winding length 5) Data regarding defects in the first electrode sheet and / or the second electrode sheet or defects in the electrode assembly. 6) First process event data associated with the first position data and / or second process event data associated with the second position data 7) Tray identification information of the tray on which the electrode assembly is loaded. 8) Data regarding the loading position of electrode assemblies on the tray 9) Can identification information of the electrode can in which the electrode assembly is housed.

[0220] On the other hand, to save material, if one of the electrode sheets—the first electrode sheet of the first winding length and the second electrode sheet of the second winding length—is defective, only the defective electrode sheet can be cut, and the cut defective electrode sheet can be wound together with a separator to be discharged as a defective electrode assembly.

[0221] In this case, the identification information for the defective electrode assembly can be assigned based on the cut count value and pattern number of the defective electrode sheet.

[0222] Figure 8 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 800 of a battery manufacturing method relating to an aspect of the present disclosure. For example, method 800 can be carried out according to one or more embodiments and one or more systems described with reference to Figures 1 to 8.

[0223] In step 802, the first electrode sheet can be cut into a first electrode portion having a first length. In step 804, the second electrode sheet can be cut into a second electrode portion having a second length. In step 806, the first electrode portion, the second electrode portion, and the separator between the first and second electrode portions can form an electrode assembly. In step 808, the electrode assembly can be assigned identification information according to: the cut count value of the first electrode sheet and / or the cut count value of the second electrode sheet; and / or the first pattern indicator of the first electrode sheet and / or the second pattern indicator of the second electrode sheet.

[0224] Steps 802–808 are illustrative, and other alternatives may be provided in which one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different order without departing from the claims of the present invention.

[0225] In other respects, a method for manufacturing a battery may include one or more of the following features or steps:

[0226] The first electrode portion may include a first electrode coating portion included in the first pattern, and the second electrode portion may include a second electrode coating portion included in the second pattern. The second electrode coating portion may correspond to the first electrode coating portion. The first electrode sheet may include a first electrode coating portion included in the first pattern. The second electrode sheet may include multiple electrode coating portions. The multiple electrode coating portions may be separate patterns. The second electrode sheet may include an uncoated portion located between two of the multiple electrode coating portions. The separator may have a third length. The third length may be greater than the first and second lengths.

[0227] A first pattern indicator can indicate the position where the first electrode sheet moves between the first electrode roll and the winder. A second pattern indicator can indicate the position where the second electrode sheet moves between the second electrode roll and the winder. The method for manufacturing the battery may further include the following:

[0228] A step of obtaining first coordinate data indicating the position where the first electrode sheet moves between the first electrode roll and the winder, and / or second coordinate data indicating the position where the second electrode sheet moves between the second electrode roll and the winder. The first coordinate data and / or second coordinate data can be associated with one or more of the following: i) Identification information for the electrode assembly; ii) Cut count value of the first electrode sheet and / or cut count value of the second electrode sheet; or iii) First pattern indicator and / or second pattern indicator.

[0229] The first coordinate data may include at least one of the start or end coordinate values ​​for the first length. The second coordinate data may include at least one of the start or end coordinate values ​​for the second length. The identification information for the electrode assembly may be associated with at least one of the following: 1) First pattern indicator of the first electrode sheet and second pattern indicator of the second electrode sheet; 2) Lot identification information for the first electrode sheet and lot identification information for the second electrode sheet; 3) At least one of the start and end coordinate values ​​of the first length, and the start and end coordinate values ​​of the second length; 4) Data regarding defects in the first electrode sheet, the second electrode sheet, or the electrode assembly; 5) First process event data associated with the first position data and second process event data associated with the second position data; 6) Tray identification information for the tray on which the electrode assemblies are loaded; 7) Position data of the loading position of the electrode assembly on the tray; or 8) Can identification information for the electrode can containing the electrode assembly.

[0230] This method may also include the following: A step of determining whether at least one of the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion contains a defective portion; If it is determined whether at least one of the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion contains a defective portion: The steps are to cut the defective portion; wind the defective portion with a separator to form a defective electrode assembly; and discharge the defective electrode assembly.

[0231] The systems, methods, and batteries described in relation to Figures 1-8 of this disclosure can improve existing battery manufacturing, monitoring, and tracking technologies. Specifically, the systems 10, 1000, (multiple) batteries, processes, and methods of this disclosure are aimed at improving existing battery technology fields and can be substantially applied to the battery manufacturing, monitoring, and tracking technologies by utilizing the systems 10, 1000 and the methods, processes, and functions disclosed in relation to Figures 1-8 of this disclosure. Therefore, for example, the combined steps of the methods described with reference to Figures 7 and 8 can improve the quality for traceability and data integrity in battery manufacturing processes that use patterned electrodes in a non-conventional manner. Thus, the manufacturing reliability of processed products, semi-finished products, and finished products can be improved throughout the entire battery manufacturing process.

[0232] In general, all processes discussed in this disclosure, for example, those shown with reference to Figures 1-8, and the systems and / or interfaces described in connection with Figures 1-8, which are generally understood to be computer-implementable, can be executed or implemented by one or more processors of a computer system. A process or process step performed by one or more processors may also be called an operation. One or more processors can access and be configured to perform instructions (e.g., software or computer-readable code) that cause them to perform a process when executed by one or more processors. Instructions can be stored in the memory of the computer system. Processors may be central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), or other types of processing units.

[0233] The computer devices or systems described with reference to Figures 1-8, and all other systems that perform the task of tracking and monitoring manufacturing data for one-8 or one or more batteries and / or battery components, may include one or more computing devices. If one or more processors in a computer system are embodied in multiple processors, the multiple processors may be contained in a single computing device or distributed across multiple computing devices. If a computer system includes multiple computing devices, the memory of the computer system may include the memory of each of the computing devices among the multiple computing devices.

[0234] According to the method of the present invention, quality tracking of electrodes and electrode assemblies including the electrodes can be performed not only within the winding process but also between the winding process and the processes before and after it, using identification information of the electrode assembly as a medium. This improves the manufacturing reliability of workpieces, semi-finished products, and finished products throughout the entire battery manufacturing process.

[0235] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described herein are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of filing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0236] 10, 1000: Battery manufacturing system 111N, 112N: First position measuring instrument 111P:112P: Second position measuring instrument 120N: First pattern counter 120P: Second pattern counter 130: Measuring instruments and / or testing instruments 140N: First cutter 140P: Second cutter 150: Winder 160: Identification Information Management Server 170: Process Controller 180: Server

Claims

1. A first cutter configured to cut a first electrode sheet into a first electrode portion having a first length, A second cutter configured to cut the second electrode sheet into a second electrode portion having a second length, A winder configured to wind the first electrode portion, the second electrode portion, and the separator between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion to form an electrode assembly, Cut count value of the first electrode sheet and / or cut count value of the second electrode sheet A battery manufacturing system comprising an identification information assigning device configured to assign identification information to the electrode assembly based on and / or a first pattern indicator of the first electrode sheet and / or a second pattern indicator of the second electrode sheet.

2. The first cutter is controlled to cut the first electrode sheet to the first electrode portion by a first length, The battery manufacturing system according to claim 1, further comprising a process controller configured to control a second cutter so as to cut the second electrode sheet to a second length for the second electrode portion.

3. The battery manufacturing system according to claim 2, wherein the process controller is configured to perform the following: Determine whether at least one of the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion contains a defective portion; and If it is determined that at least one of the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion contains a defective portion, the defective portion is cut, the defective portion is wound with a separator to form a defective electrode assembly, and the defective electrode assembly is discharged.

4. A first pattern counter is configured to count one or more patterns on the first electrode sheet moving between the first electrode roll and the winder, and to assign the first pattern indicator to one or more patterns on the first electrode sheet. The battery manufacturing system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a second pattern counter configured to count one or more patterns on the second electrode sheet moving between a second electrode roll and a winder, and to assign the second pattern indicator to one or more patterns on the second electrode sheet.

5. A first position measuring instrument configured to acquire first coordinate data indicating one or more positions of a first electrode sheet moving between a first electrode roll and a winder, The battery manufacturing system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second position measuring instrument configured to acquire second coordinate data indicating one or more positions of a second electrode sheet moving between a second electrode roll and a winder.

6. A process controller configured to perform one or more steps between a first electrode roll containing a first electrode sheet and a winder, and between a second electrode roll containing a second electrode sheet and a winder, An identity information management server configured to perform data communication, or A battery manufacturing system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a combination of a process controller and an identification information management server.

7. At least one first electrode measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument is provided between the first electrode roll and the winder. The battery manufacturing system according to claim 5, wherein at least one second electrode measuring instrument and / or inspection instrument is provided between the second electrode roll and the winder.

8. A monitoring server configured to generate a first electrode roll map and a second electrode roll map, The first electrode roll map includes first position data of the first electrode sheet moving from the first electrode roll to the winder, and first process event data acquired in accordance with the movement of the first electrode sheet and associated with the first position data. The battery manufacturing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second electrode roll map includes second position data of a second electrode sheet moving from the second electrode roll to the winder, and second process event data acquired in accordance with the movement of the second electrode sheet and associated with the second position data.

9. The battery manufacturing system according to claim 8, wherein the monitoring server generates monitoring data by associating the identification information of the electrode assembly with one or more of the following. 1) First pattern indicator of the first electrode sheet and / or second pattern indicator of the second electrode sheet 2) Lot identification information of the first electrode sheet and / or lot identification information of the second electrode sheet 3) At least one of the start coordinate value and end coordinate value of the first length and the start coordinate value and end coordinate value of the second length 4) Data relating to defects in the first electrode sheet and / or the second electrode sheet or defects in the electrode assembly. 5) First process event data associated with the first position data and / or second process event data associated with the second position data 6) Tray identification information of the tray on which the electrode assembly is loaded 7) Data relating to the loading position of the electrode assembly on the tray 8) Can identification information of the electrode can in which the electrode assembly is housed

10. The first electrode sheet is cut into first electrode portions having a first length, The steps include cutting the second electrode sheet into a second electrode portion having a second length, The steps include winding the first electrode portion, the second electrode portion, and the separator between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion to form an electrode assembly, Cut count value of the first electrode sheet and / or cut count value of the second electrode sheet and / or A battery manufacturing method comprising the step of assigning identification information to the electrode assembly based on a first pattern indicator of the first electrode sheet and / or a second pattern indicator of the second electrode sheet.

11. The first electrode portion includes a first electrode coating portion belonging to the first pattern, The battery manufacturing method according to claim 10, wherein the second electrode portion belongs to a second pattern and includes a second electrode coating portion corresponding to the first electrode coating portion.

12. The first electrode portion includes a first electrode coating portion belonging to the first pattern, The second electrode portion includes a plurality of electrode coating portions, each of which belongs to a different pattern. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 10, wherein the second electrode portion includes an uncoated electrode portion between two electrode coated portions.

13. The separator has a third length, The third length is greater than the first and second lengths of the separator, and the battery manufacturing method according to claim 10.

14. The first pattern indicator indicates the position of the first electrode sheet as it moves between the first electrode roll and the winder. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the second pattern indicator indicates the position of the second electrode sheet moving between the second electrode roll and the winder.

15. The process further includes the step of obtaining first coordinate data indicating the position of a first electrode sheet moving between a first electrode roll and a winder, and second coordinate data indicating the position of a second electrode sheet moving between a second electrode roll and the winder. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the first coordinate data and / or second coordinate data are associated with at least one of the following: i) Identification information of the electrode assembly; ii) The cut count value of the first electrode sheet and / or the cut count value of the second electrode sheet; or iii) The first pattern indicator and / or the second pattern indicator.

16. The first coordinate data includes at least one of the start coordinate value and end coordinate value of the first length, The battery manufacturing method according to claim 15, wherein the second coordinate data includes at least one of the start coordinate value and end coordinate value of the second length.

17. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the identification information of the electrode assembly is associated with one or more of the following: 1) First pattern indicator of the first electrode sheet and / or second pattern indicator of the second electrode sheet 2) Lot identification information of the first electrode sheet and / or lot identification information of the second electrode sheet 3) At least one of the start coordinate value and end coordinate value of the first length and the start coordinate value and end coordinate value of the second length 4) Data relating to defects in the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet or defects in the electrode assembly. 5) First process event data associated with the first position data and second process event data associated with the second position data 6) Tray identification information of the tray on which the electrode assembly is loaded 7) Data relating to the loading position of the electrode assembly on the tray 8) Can identification information of the electrode can in which the electrode assembly is housed

18. A step of determining whether at least one of the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion contains a defective portion, A battery manufacturing method according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising the steps of: determining that at least one of the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion includes a defective portion; cutting off the defective portion; winding the defective portion with a separator to form a defective electrode assembly; and discharging the defective electrode assembly.

19. A medium containing one or more non-temporary computer-readable media containing instructions for battery manufacturing that can be performed by a processor, wherein the instructions include: A step of cutting the first electrode sheet into a first electrode portion having a first length; A step of cutting the second electrode sheet into a second electrode portion having a second length; The steps of winding the first electrode portion, the second electrode portion, and the separator between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion to form an electrode assembly; and Cut count value of the first electrode sheet and / or cut count value of the second electrode sheet and / or A step of assigning identification information to the electrode assembly based on a first pattern indicator of the first electrode sheet and / or a second pattern indicator of the second electrode sheet.

20. The first electrode portion includes a first electrode coating portion belonging to the first pattern, The medium according to claim 19, wherein the second electrode portion belongs to a second pattern and includes a second electrode coating portion corresponding to the first electrode coating portion.

21. Housing and A first electrode including a first indicator corresponding to a first pattern of the first electrode sheet, A second electrode including a second indicator corresponding to a second pattern of the second electrode sheet, The system includes a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode, The first electrode, the second electrode, and the separator form an electrode assembly, and the electrode assembly is housed in the housing. The electrode assembly includes a third indicator containing identification information of the electrode assembly, The housing includes a battery, which includes a fourth indicator corresponding to the third indicator.

22. The battery according to claim 21, wherein the first indicator is marked on the surface of the first electrode.

23. The first pattern includes a coated portion and an uncoated portion of the first electrode sheet. The battery according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the first electrode includes at least a portion of the coating of the first electrode sheet.

24. The battery according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the fourth indicator corresponds to identification information of the housing.

25. The battery according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the second pattern includes a coating portion of the second electrode sheet.

26. The separator includes a fifth indicator, The battery according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the fifth indicator is marked on the surface of the separator.

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