Apparatus and method for manufacturing electrode assembly

Abstract

This specification provides an electrode assembly manufacturing device including: a first machine vision device provided at a front end in a running direction of a first electrode from a winding core and configured to measure a first non-overlapping width between one widthwise end of the first electrode and one widthwise end of a first separator; and a second machine vision device provided at a front end in a running direction of a second electrode from the winding core and configured to measure a second non-overlapping width between one widthwise end of the second electrode and one widthwise end of the second separator; a control unit that collects vision data acquired from the first machine vision device and the second machine vision device, sets a non-overlapping width between the first separator and the second separator to zero based on the vision data, calculates a third non-overlapping width between the widthwise end of the first electrode and the widthwise end of the second electrode, and determines a meandering defect based on the calculated third non-overlapping width; a data processing unit that accumulates and processes defect determination data by machine learning; and an input unit that automatically inputs a meandering reference value based on data processed by the data processing unit.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0030407 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on March 8, 2021, and all contents disclosed in the documents of that Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode assembly. [Background technology]

[0003] In the manufacture of cylindrical secondary batteries, controlling meandering is an important factor, but if the positional accuracy of the electrodes and separators is reduced, meandering may occur during winding, which may lead to safety accidents such as fire.

[0004] When a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly is manufactured by winding a positive electrode, a separator, a negative electrode, and a separator on a core while the positive electrode, the separator, the negative electrode, and the separator are continuously supplied, the positions of the positive electrode, the separator, the negative electrode, and the separator are measured using an edge position sensor (EPS) and the meandering is controlled by comparing the measured values.

[0005] Relative comparison is usually performed by measuring the non-overlap width between the positive and negative electrodes with X-ray or by having an actual worker disassemble the jelly roll to check the actual product, but this has the problem of being inaccurate as it relies on the subjective judgment of the worker. However, such subjective judgment of the worker can sometimes lead to the problem of erroneously selecting jelly rolls with meandering as good products, which can result in accidents in which a large number of defective jelly rolls are produced in the subsequent process.

[0006] In addition, the meandering inspection of the jelly roll is only carried out temporarily by sampling inspection or when there is a change in the material, etc. However, there is a problem that the meandering inspection is not carried out except in such a temporary case.

[0007] As described above, the relative comparison that depends on the subjective judgment of the operator and the meandering inspection that is performed intermittently are inevitably incomplete, and therefore there is a need to improve them. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and an electrode assembly manufacturing method that realize automation are provided, thereby preventing meandering.

[0009] However, the problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned in this specification will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the description of the invention described below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, comprising: a first machine vision provided at a front end in a running direction of the first electrode from the core, the first machine vision measuring a first non-overlapping width between one end in a width direction of the first electrode and one end in a width direction of the first separator, and a second machine vision provided at a front end in a running direction of the second electrode from the core, the second machine vision measuring a second non-overlapping width between one end in the width direction of the second electrode and one end in the width direction of the second separator; a control unit that collects vision data obtained from the first machine vision and the second machine vision, sets a non-overlapping width between the first separator and the second separator to 0 through the vision data, calculates a third non-overlapping width between an end of the first electrode in a width direction and an end of the second electrode in a width direction, and determines a meandering defect based on the calculated third non-overlapping width; A data processing unit that accumulates and processes defective judgment data through machine learning; and an input unit for automatically inputting a meandering reference value based on data processed by the data processing unit; The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, comprising:

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, comprising the steps of: (A) measuring a first non-overlapping width between one end of the width direction of the first electrode and one end of the width direction of the first separator via a first machine vision provided at a front end of the running direction of the first electrode from the winding core, and measuring a second non-overlapping width between one end of the width direction of the second electrode and one end of the width direction of the second separator via a second machine vision provided at a front end of the running direction of the second electrode; (B) collecting vision data obtained from the first machine vision and the second machine vision, setting a non-overlapping width between the first separator and the second separator to 0 through the vision data, calculating a third non-overlapping width between an end of the first electrode in a width direction and an end of the second electrode in a width direction, and determining a meandering defect based on the calculated third non-overlapping width; (C) accumulating and processing the defective judgment data by machine learning; and (D) automatically inputting a meandering reference value based on the data processed via the data processing unit; The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to an aspect of the present invention, an apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode assembly can simultaneously determine whether a jelly-roll-shaped electrode assembly is defective when manufactured, thereby reducing the defective rate of secondary batteries having defective electrode assemblies.

[0013] In addition, the manufacturing apparatus and method of the electrode assembly according to the present invention can reduce human errors caused by operators, can check for meandering and reverse motion in real time without sampling, and can collect data to produce a non-defective product without meandering and reverse motion in a subsequent process.

[0014] However, the effects that can be obtained by the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned in this specification will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the description of the invention described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 shows a conventional electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows image data acquired through machine vision. [Figure 4] 4 shows a schematic diagram of how the data in FIG. 3 is accumulated and processed to calculate meandering. [Diagram 5] 1 shows a schematic diagram for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Although the present invention may be modified in various ways and may include various embodiments, a specific embodiment will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail based on the drawings. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiment, but includes all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives within the technical spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0017] In this specification, terms such as first, second, A, B, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component may be named a second component, and similarly, a second component may be named a first component, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0018] As used herein, terms such as "and / or" include combinations of multiple associated items or portions of multiple associated items.

[0019] In this specification, when a certain component is expressed in the singular, it may include a plural concept unless otherwise specified in this specification.

[0020] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the terms "comprise", "have", and the like refer to the mere presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, members, etc., described in this specification, or combinations thereof, and do not refer to the exclusion of other features, numbers, etc.

[0021] In this specification, the term "secondary battery" refers to a battery that can be used repeatedly for a long period of time by recharging. Secondary batteries can be classified into nickel-cadmium batteries, lithium-ion secondary batteries, etc., depending on the electrode active material. Secondary batteries can be classified into pouch-type, square-type, cylindrical-type secondary batteries, etc., depending on the shape.

[0022] In this specification, the secondary battery may include a battery can in which the electrode assembly is housed. The battery can may have a cylindrical shape.

[0023] In this specification, the term "cylindrical secondary battery" refers to a secondary battery having a cylindrical shape or a shape similar thereto. Cylindrical secondary batteries are widely used in large-capacity electronic and electrical devices due to their high energy density per volume, and may be used in a form in which a plurality of cylindrical secondary batteries are combined to form a battery pack.

[0024] In this specification, a cylindrical secondary battery may refer to a structure in which, for example, a rivet inserted through the bottom surface opposite the opening of a cylindrical secondary battery is used as the cathode, and the battery can itself is used as the anode.

[0025] In this specification, the secondary battery may include a battery can in which an electrode assembly is housed. The battery can may be cylindrical, and its size may be a circular diameter of both ends of 30 mm to 55 mm and a height of 60 mm to 120 mm. For example, the circular diameter x height of the cylindrical battery can may be 46 mm x 60 mm, 46 mm x 80 mm, 46 mm x 90 mm, or 46 mm x 120 mm.

[0026] Preferably, the cylindrical secondary battery may be, for example, a cylindrical secondary battery having a form factor ratio (defined as the diameter of the cylindrical secondary battery divided by its height, i.e., the ratio of height (H) to diameter (Φ)) of greater than about 0.4.

[0027] In this specification, the term "cylindrical secondary battery" may be, for example, 46110 cell, 48750 cell, 48110 cell, 48800 cell, or 46800 cell. In the numerical value indicating the form factor, the first two digits indicate the diameter of the cell, the next two digits indicate the height of the cell, and the final digit 0 indicates that the cross section of the cell is circular. When the cell height is 100 mm or more, three digits are required to indicate the cell height, so the final digit 0 can be omitted.

[0028] The cylindrical secondary battery of this specification may be, for example, a cylindrical secondary battery having a substantially cylindrical cell shape with a diameter of about 46 mm, a height of about 110 mm, and a form factor ratio of about 0.418.

[0029] The cylindrical secondary battery of this specification may be, for example, a battery cell having a substantially cylindrical shape with a diameter of about 48 mm, a height of about 75 mm, and a form factor ratio of about 0.640.

[0030] The cylindrical secondary battery of this specification may be, for example, a cylindrical secondary battery having a substantially cylindrical cell shape with a diameter of about 48 mm, a height of about 110 mm, and a form factor ratio of about 0.418.

[0031] The cylindrical secondary battery of this specification may be, for example, a battery cell having a substantially cylindrical shape with a diameter of about 48 mm, a height of about 80 mm, and a form factor ratio of about 0.600.

[0032] The cylindrical secondary battery of this specification may be, for example, a battery cell having a substantially cylindrical shape with a diameter of about 46 mm, a height of about 80 mm, and a form factor ratio of about 0.575.

[0033] The cylindrical secondary battery of this specification may be, for example, a cylindrical secondary battery having a substantially cylindrical cell shape with a diameter of about 46 mm, a height of about 90 mm, and a form factor ratio of 0.511.

[0034] Additionally, the term "first electrode" refers to the cathode (or positive electrode) and the term "second electrode" refers to the anode (or negative electrode), although vice versa.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0036] Hereinafter, the prior art and preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] 1 shows a conventional electrode assembly manufacturing device, in which a winding core 12 is wound while rotating clockwise, and a first electrode 1, a first separator 3-1, a second electrode 2, and a second separator 3-2 are moved to the winding core 12, and an EPS 13-1 for measuring a non-overlap width between the first electrode 1 and the first separator 3-1, and an EPS 13-2 for measuring a non-overlap width between the second electrode 2 and the second separator 3-2 are provided. EPS is an abbreviation for Edge position sensor, and is provided at the front end of the travel distance of the electrodes (first electrode and second electrode) and the separators (first separator and second separator) at the end in the width direction of the electrodes or separators, and serves to measure the positions of the electrodes and the separators. Here, an operator observes the non-overlapping width between the first electrode 1 and the first separator 3-1, and the non-overlapping width between the second electrode 2 and the second separator 3-2 from the two EPSs 13-1 and 13-2, and calculates the meandering reference value by combining the non-overlapping width values. However, human error can occur at each step, and if an operator inputs an incorrect meandering reference value, a problem occurs in which a product is judged to be good despite having a poor meandering.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, comprising: a first machine vision provided at a front end in a running direction of the first electrode from the core, the first machine vision measuring a first non-overlapping width between one end in a width direction of the first electrode and one end in a width direction of the first separator, and a second machine vision provided at a front end in a running direction of the second electrode from the core, the second machine vision measuring a second non-overlapping width between one end in the width direction of the second electrode and one end in the width direction of the second separator; a control unit that collects vision data obtained from the first machine vision and the second machine vision, sets a non-overlapping width between the first separator and the second separator to 0 through the vision data, calculates a third non-overlapping width between an end of the first electrode in a width direction and an end of the second electrode in a width direction, and determines a meandering defect based on the calculated third non-overlapping width; A data processing unit that accumulates and processes defective judgment data through machine learning; and an input unit for automatically inputting a meandering reference value based on data processed by the data processing unit; The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, comprising:

[0039] 2 in relation to the above embodiment, first and second machine visions 8-1 and 8-2 are provided at the front ends in the running direction of the electrodes 1 and 2 and the separators 3-1 and 3-2. Here, the first machine vision 8-1 measures a first non-overlapping width between an end in the width direction of the first electrode 1 and an end in the width direction of the first separator 3-1, and the second machine vision 8-2 measures a second non-overlapping width between an end in the width direction of the second electrode 2 and an end in the width direction of the second separator 3-2.

[0040] In the above embodiment, the "width direction" refers to the direction of the short side of each of the first electrode, the second electrode, the first separator, and the second separator. Usually, it refers to the direction perpendicular to the length direction.

[0041] Moreover, the vision data acquired by the control unit 9 from the first machine vision 8-1 and the second machine vision 8-2 is shown in Fig. 3. Moreover, referring to Fig. 4, a reference line is set in which the non-overlap width between the first separator 3-1 and the second separator 3-2 is set to 0, and a third non-overlap width between the end in the width direction of the first electrode 1 and the end in the width direction of the second electrode 2 is calculated based on the first non-overlap width and the second non-overlap width.

[0042] In addition, the control unit 9 judges whether or not there is a defect for the calculated third non-overlapping width, and the data processing unit 10 accumulates and processes the defect judgment data by machine learning, and based on the data processed via the data processing unit 10, the input unit 11 automatically inputs a meandering reference value (the width of one or more of the first electrode, the second electrode, the first separator, and the second separator).

[0043] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the above embodiment can measure the non-overlapping width in real time by providing a machine vision at the front end in the traveling direction of the electrodes and separators, and the meandering reference value is automatically inputted as defect determination data is accumulated and processed by machine learning. Therefore, the non-overlapping width is measured by an operator, the presence or absence of a defect is determined, and the meandering reference value is automatically inputted, thereby minimizing human error.

[0044] According to a further embodiment, a third machine vision is provided at a front end of the first electrode in a running direction from the winding core, and is configured to inspect at least one of a first electrode coating edge at the other end of the first electrode in the width direction and a bend of a first electrode tab; The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus further includes one or both of a fourth machine vision device provided at a front end of the second electrode in a running direction from the winding core and configured to inspect at least one of a second electrode coating edge at the other end of the second electrode in a width direction and a bend of a second electrode tab.

[0045] 2 and 5 in relation to the above embodiment, the third machine vision 8-3 is disposed on the side of the first machine vision 8-1, and the fourth machine vision 8-4 is disposed on the side of the second machine vision 8-2. In the jelly roll electrode assembly 100, the first machine vision 8-1 measures a first non-overlapping width 110 between one end of the first electrode in the width direction and one end of the first separator in the width direction, and the second machine vision 8-2 measures a second non-overlapping width 130 between one end of the second electrode in the width direction and one end of the second separator in the width direction. In addition, the third machine vision 8-3 inspects at least one of the first electrode coating edge 120 at the other end of the first electrode in the width direction and whether the first electrode tab is bent, and the fourth machine vision 8-4 inspects at least one of the second electrode coating edge 140 at the other end of the second electrode in the width direction and whether the second electrode tab is bent. Optionally, the fourth machine vision may inspect the alignment between the first separator 3-1 and the second separator 3-2.

[0046] According to a further embodiment, there is provided an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus including a first guide roller that guides the first electrode and the first separator so that they come into contact with each other, and a second guide roller that guides the second electrode and the second separator so that they come into contact with each other, at a portion spaced 5 mm or more and 60 mm or less from the winding core.

[0047] Alternatively, the first guide roller and the second guide roller can be independently provided at a distance from the core of 5 mm or more, 10 mm or more, 15 mm or more, 20 mm or more, 25 mm or more, or 30 mm or more. Alternatively, the first guide roller and the second guide roller can be independently provided at a distance from the core of 60 mm or less, 55 mm or less, 50 mm or less, 45 mm or less, 40 mm or less, or 35 mm or less.

[0048] 2 in relation to the above embodiment, a first guide roller 5-1 and a second guide roller 5-2 are independently installed at a position spaced 5 mm to 60 mm from the winding core 12 so that the first electrode and the first separator come into contact with each other. The first guide roller 5-1 guides the first electrode 1 and the first separator 3-1 so that they come into contact with each other, and the second guide roller 5-2 guides the second electrode 2 and the second separator 3-2 so that they come into contact with each other.

[0049] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the above embodiment provides an effect of accurately measuring a first non-overlapping width between a first electrode and a first separator, and a second non-overlapping width between a second electrode and a second separator.

[0050] According to a further embodiment, a first electrode supply line, a first separator supply line, a second electrode supply line, and a second separator supply line; The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus further includes a winding core that rotates and winds up the first electrode, the first separator, the second electrode, and the second separator while fixing one end of each of the first electrode, the first separator, the second electrode, and the second separator in a longitudinal direction.

[0051] In relation to the above embodiment, and referring to FIG. 2, a first electrode 1 is supplied through a first electrode supply line 4-1, a second electrode 2 is supplied through a second electrode supply line 4-2, a first separator 3-1 is supplied through a first separator supply line 4-3, and a second separator 3-2 is supplied through a second separator supply line 4-4.

[0052] The first electrode 1, the first separator 3-1, the second electrode 2, and the second separator 3-2 are wound up by rotating the winding core 12 while their respective ends in the longitudinal direction are fixed to the winding core 12.

[0053] Optionally, the winding core 12 can rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the "length direction" means the direction of the long sides of each of the first electrode, the second electrode, the first separator, and the second separator.

[0055] According to a further embodiment, there is provided an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, further including a transfer motor provided between the first electrode supply line, the first separator supply line, the second electrode supply line, and the second separator supply line and the winding core, respectively, for feeding the first electrode, the first separator, the second electrode, and the second separator into the winding core, respectively.

[0056] In relation to the above embodiment, and referring to FIG. 2, the first electrode 1, the first separator 3-1, the second electrode 2, and the second separator 3-2 are wound by rotating the winding core 12 while their respective longitudinal ends are fixed to the winding core 12, and the first electrode 1, the first separator 3-1, the second electrode 2, and the second separator 3-2 are fed onto the winding core 12 by a transfer motor 6.

[0057] According to a further embodiment, there is provided an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, further comprising a third guide roller provided between the first electrode supply line, the first separator supply line, the second electrode supply line, and the second separator supply line and the transfer motor to move the first electrode, the first separator, the second electrode, and the second separator from the supply lines to the transfer motor.

[0058] In relation to the above embodiment, and referring to FIG. 2, the third guide roller 5-3 enables the first electrode 1, the second electrode 2, the first separator 3-1, and the second separator 3-2 to be smoothly turned from their respective supply lines 4-1 to 4-4 to the transfer motor 6.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, comprising a cutter disposed between the core and the transfer motor, the cutter cutting the electrode assembly fed onto the core.

[0060] A cutter (not shown), referring to FIG. 2, is disposed between the winding core 12 and the transport motor 6 and serves to cut the electrode assembly.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, wherein the cutter slides between the winding core and the transfer motor.

[0062] According to the above embodiment, since the cutter is a sliding model, the cutting position can be adjusted to control the ends of the electrodes and / or separators.

[0063] In relation to the above embodiment, and referring to FIG. 2, a cutter (not shown) is movable between the winding core 12 and the transport motor 6 and serves to cut the electrode assembly.

[0064] According to a further embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, comprising lighting between the transport motor and the first machine vision and / or the second machine vision.

[0065] According to further embodiments, the lighting may be of constant current and / or bar type.

[0066] According to a further embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, wherein the lighting is a bar-type lighting of a constant current type.

[0067] In connection with the above embodiment, and referring to FIG. 2, the lighting 7 is disposed between the transport motor 6 and the first machine vision 8-1 and / or the second machine vision 8-2.

[0068] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the above embodiment provides an advantage of providing a stable image to machine vision.

[0069] According to a further embodiment, there is provided the apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, wherein the lighting is provided at a portion spaced apart from the winding core by a distance of 130 mm to 170 mm.

[0070] According to further embodiments, the lighting 7 can be provided at a distance from the winding core 12 of 130 mm or more, 135 mm or more, 140 mm or more, or 145 mm or more.

[0071] According to further embodiments, the lighting 7 may be provided at a distance from the winding core 12 of 170 mm or less, 165 mm or less, 160 mm or less, or 155 mm or less.

[0072] According to a further embodiment, the lighting 7 can be provided at a distance of 150 mm from the winding core 12 .

[0073] According to a further embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, wherein the measurement portions of the first machine vision and the second machine vision are spaced apart from the winding core by 1 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

[0074] According to further embodiments, the measurement portions of the first machine vision 8-1 and the second machine vision 8-2 may be spaced apart from the winding core 12 by 1 mm or more, 5 mm or more, 10 mm or more, or 15 mm or more.

[0075] According to further embodiments, the measurement portions of the first and second machine visions may be spaced from the winding core 12 by 50 mm or less, 45 mm or less, 40 mm or less, 35 mm or less, 30 mm or less, or 25 mm or less.

[0076] According to a further embodiment, the measurement portions of the first and second machine vision may be spaced 20 mm from the winding core 12 .

[0077] In relation to the above embodiment and referring to FIG. 2, the measurement portions of the first machine vision 8-1 and the second machine vision 8-2 are spaced apart in a region close to the winding core 12 (1 mm or more and 50 mm or less) at the front ends in the running direction of the first electrode, the first separator, the second electrode, and the second separator.

[0078] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the above embodiment replaces the conventional system in which an operator directly monitors the positions of the electrodes and separators via an EPS provided on the winding core, and measures an area between 10 mm and 50 mm from the winding core via machine vision, thereby providing the effect of reducing human error.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the steps of: (A) measuring a first non-overlapping width between one end of the first electrode in the width direction and one end of the first separator through a first machine vision provided at a front end of the first electrode in the running direction from the winding core; and measuring a second non-overlapping width between one end of the second electrode in the width direction and one end of the second separator through a second machine vision provided at a front end of the second electrode in the running direction; (B) collecting vision data obtained from the first machine vision and the second machine vision, setting a non-overlapping width between the first separator and the second separator to 0 through the vision data, calculating a third non-overlapping width between an end of the first electrode in a width direction and an end of the second electrode in a width direction, and determining a meandering defect based on the calculated third non-overlapping width; (C) accumulating and processing the defective judgment data by machine learning; and (D) automatically inputting a meandering reference value based on the data processed via the data processing unit; The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, comprising:

[0080] In relation to the above embodiment, In step (A), a first machine vision 8-1 is provided at the front end in the running direction of the first electrode 1 and the first separator 3-1, and a second machine vision 8-2 is provided at the front end in the running direction of the second electrode 2 and the second separator 3-2. Here, a first non-overlapping width between one end in the width direction of the first electrode 1 and one end in the width direction of the first separator 3-1 is measured via the first machine vision 8-1, and a second non-overlapping width between one end in the width direction of the second electrode 2 and one end in the width direction of the second separator 3-2 is measured via the second machine vision 8-2.

[0081] Also, vision data obtained from the first machine vision 8-1 and the second machine vision 8-2 are collected, and the results are shown in Fig. 3. Also, referring to Fig. 4, a reference line is set by setting the non-overlap width between the first separator 3-1 and the second separator 3-2 to 0, and a third non-overlap width between an end in the first non-overlap width direction and an end in the second non-overlap width direction is calculated, and a meandering defect is determined based on the calculated third non-overlap width.

[0082] The defective data is accumulated and processed by machine learning, and the meandering reference value is automatically input based on the processed data. Here, the meandering reference value may be one or more of the widths of the first electrode, the second electrode, the first separator, and the second separator, or one or more of the running speeds and input amounts of the electrodes and the separators.

[0083] The manufacturing method of the electrode assembly according to the above embodiment can measure the non-overlapping width in real time by installing a machine vision at the front end of the traveling direction of the electrodes and the separator, and the meandering reference value is automatically inputted as defect determination data is accumulated and processed by machine learning. Therefore, the non-overlapping width is measured by an operator, the presence or absence of a defect is determined, and the meandering reference value is automatically inputted, thereby minimizing human error.

[0084] According to a further embodiment, prior to step (A), (A-1) supplying a first electrode, a first separator, a second electrode, and a second separator to a first electrode supply line, a first separator supply line, a second electrode supply line, and a second separator supply line, respectively; and (A-2) A step of fixing the longitudinal ends of each of the first electrode, the first separator, the second electrode, and the second separator to a core. The method for manufacturing the electrode assembly further includes:

[0085] Referring to FIG. 2, step (A-1) involves supplying a first electrode 1 through a first electrode supply line 4-1, supplying a second electrode 2 through a second electrode supply line 4-2, supplying a first separator 3-1 through a first separator supply line 4-3, and supplying a second separator 3-2 through a second separator supply line 4-4.

[0086] In step (A-2), ends in the length direction of each of the first electrode 1, the first separator 3-1, the second electrode 2, and the second separator 3-2 are fixed to the winding core 12.

[0087] The details of the method for manufacturing the electrode assembly according to the embodiment have been described above.

[0088] In a further embodiment, the step (B) comprises: (B-1) inspecting at least one of a first electrode coating edge and a bend of a first electrode tab at the other end in the width direction of the first electrode via a third machine vision provided at a front end in the running direction of the first electrode from the winding core; and (B-2) inspecting at least one of a second electrode coating edge and a bend of a second electrode tab at the other end in the width direction of the second electrode through a fourth machine vision provided at a front end in the running direction of the second electrode from the winding core. The method for manufacturing the electrode assembly further includes one or both of the steps:

[0089] The details of the method for manufacturing the electrode assembly according to the embodiment have been described above.

[0090] Although the above describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be implemented in various modified forms within the scope of the claims and the detailed description of the invention, which also belong to the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1...1st electrode 2...Second electrode 3-1 First separator 3-2 Second separator 4-1: First electrode supply line 4-2 Second electrode supply line 4-3 First separator supply line 4-4 Second separator supply line 5-1: First guide roller 5-2 Second guide roller 5-3 Third guide roller 6. Transport motor 7. Lighting 8-1...First Machine Vision 8-2 Second Machine Vision 8-3 3rd Generation Machine Vision 8-4...4th Machine Vision 9. Control section 10 Data Processing Section 11 Input section 12 ···Core 13-1, 13-2...EPS(Edge Position Sensor) 100 Jelly roll electrode assembly 110 First non-overlapping width 120 First electrode coating edge 130 2nd non-overlapping width 140 2nd electrode coating edge

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, comprising: a first machine vision provided at a front end in a running direction of a first electrode from the winding core, the first machine vision measuring a first non-overlapping width between one end in a width direction of the first electrode and one end in a width direction of a first separator, and a second machine vision provided at a front end in a running direction of a second electrode from the winding core, the second machine vision measuring a second non-overlapping width between one end in the width direction of the second electrode and one end in the width direction of a second separator; a control unit that collects vision data obtained from the first machine vision and the second machine vision, sets a non-overlapping width between the first separator and the second separator to 0 via the vision data, calculates a third non-overlapping width between an end of the first electrode in a width direction and an end of the second electrode in a width direction, and determines a meandering defect based on the calculated third non-overlapping width; A data processing unit that accumulates and processes defective judgment data by machine learning; and An input unit that automatically inputs a meandering reference value to the manufacturing device based on the data processed by the data processing unit. An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, comprising:

2. a third machine vision system provided at a front end of the first electrode in a running direction from the core and configured to inspect at least one of a first electrode coating edge at the other end of the first electrode in a width direction and a bend of a first electrode tab; and 2. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a fourth machine vision device provided at a front end of the second electrode in a running direction from the core and configured to inspect at least one of a second electrode coating edge and a bend of a second electrode tab at another end portion in a width direction of the second electrode.

3. 3. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a first guide roller for guiding the first electrode and the first separator so as to contact each other, and a second guide roller for guiding the second electrode and the second separator so as to contact each other, at a portion spaced 5 mm or more and 60 mm or less from the winding core.

4. a first electrode supply line, a first separator supply line, a second electrode supply line, and a second separator supply line; 4. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the winding core that rotates and winds up the first electrode, the first separator, the second electrode, and the second separator while fixing one end of each of the first electrode, the first separator, the second electrode, and the second separator in a longitudinal direction.

5. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising: a transfer motor provided between the first electrode supply line, the first separator supply line, the second electrode supply line, and the second separator supply line and the winding core, respectively, for feeding the first electrode, the first separator, the second electrode, and the second separator into the winding core, respectively.

6. 6. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a third guide roller provided between the first electrode supply line, the first separator supply line, the second electrode supply line, and the second separator supply line and the transfer motor to move the first electrode, the first separator, the second electrode, and the second separator from the supply lines to the transfer motor.

7. 7. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a cutter provided between the core and the transfer motor for cutting the electrode assembly fed onto the core.

8. 8. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 7, wherein the cutter slides between the core and the transfer motor.

9. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5 , further comprising a light between the transport motor and the first machine vision and the second machine vision.

10. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the lighting is a bar-type lighting of a constant current type.

11. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the lighting is provided at a position spaced apart from the winding core by 130 mm or more and 170 mm or less.

12. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the measurement portions of the first machine vision and the second machine vision are spaced apart from the winding core by 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

13. A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly using an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, comprising: (A) measuring a first non-overlapping width between one end of the first electrode in the width direction and one end of the first separator in the width direction via a first machine vision provided at a front end of the first electrode in the running direction from the winding core, and measuring a second non-overlapping width between one end of the second electrode in the width direction and one end of the second separator in the width direction via a second machine vision provided at a front end of the second electrode in the running direction; (B) collecting vision data obtained from the first machine vision and the second machine vision, setting a non-overlapping width between the first separator and the second separator to 0 through the vision data, calculating a third non-overlapping width between an end of the first electrode in a width direction and an end of the second electrode in a width direction, and determining a meandering defect based on the calculated third non-overlapping width; (C) accumulating and processing the defective judgment data by machine learning in a data processing unit; and (D) automatically inputting a meandering reference value into the manufacturing device based on the data processed via the data processing unit. A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, comprising:

14. Prior to the step (A), (A-1) supplying the first electrode, the first separator, the second electrode, and the second separator to a supply line for the first electrode, a supply line for the first separator, a supply line for the second electrode, and a supply line for the second separator, respectively; and (A-2) A step of fixing the longitudinal ends of the first electrode, the first separator, the second electrode, and the second separator to the core. The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 13, further comprising:

15. The step (B) comprises: (B-1) inspecting at least one of a first electrode coating edge and a bend of a first electrode tab at the other end in the width direction of the first electrode through a third machine vision provided at a front end in the running direction of the first electrode from the winding core; and (B-2) inspecting at least one of the second electrode coating edge and the bend of the second electrode tab at the other end in the width direction of the second electrode through a fourth machine vision provided at the front end in the running direction of the second electrode from the winding core. The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising one or both of the following:

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