Device and method for manufacturing secondary battery

Abstract

A secondary battery manufacturing device according to the present invention, which includes a function to prevent incorrect input of an electrode assembly to be reworked, comprises a transfer unit that transfers the electrode assembly to be reworked to a predetermined inspection position via a rail, an inspection unit that inspects the input direction of the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly at the inspection position, an input unit that inputs the electrode assembly that has passed the inspection into a process line, and a display unit that displays the inspection result.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus and a method for preventing the mis-insertion of an electrode assembly to be reworked. Background Technology

[0002] With rising energy prices due to the depletion of fossil fuels and growing concern over environmental pollution, the need for eco-friendly alternative energy sources is becoming increasingly important. Various power generation technologies, such as nuclear, solar, wind, and tidal power, are being researched, and energy storage devices for the efficient use of this generated energy are also receiving significant attention.

[0003] In particular, the need for batteries is surging due to technological development and increasing demand for a wide range of products, from portable electronic devices such as smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, drones, and energy storage systems (ESS), and active research is underway to meet these diverse requirements. Notably, lithium-ion batteries are attracting attention as a representative energy source due to their advantages, such as high energy density, discharge voltage, and output stability, and the demand for lithium-ion batteries, including lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer batteries, is particularly high.

[0004] A secondary battery consists of an electrode assembly with a stacked structure comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator located between the positive and negative electrodes. Such electrode assemblies can be classified into various types depending on their structure. For example, there are jellyroll-type electrode assemblies formed by winding long sheet-type positive and negative electrodes separated by a separator, and stack-type electrode assemblies formed by sequentially stacking multiple positive and negative electrodes cut to a predetermined size separated by a separator.

[0005] In addition, secondary batteries can be classified into various types depending on the case shape. There are cylindrical secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a cylindrical case, prismatic secondary batteries in which it is embedded in a prismatic case, and pouch-type secondary batteries in which it is embedded in a pouch-type case made of a laminate sheet.

[0006] Meanwhile, the cell shape of a pouch-type battery is completed by inserting stack cells with attached leads into a pouch formed through a packaging process, creating a specific shape through a folding process, and then sealing the lead attachment points. During this manufacturing process, defective cells generated during the process are converted into normal (good) products through rework.

[0007] However, during rework, errors can frequently occur where operators manually feed target cells into the process with the positive and negative poles reversed. Such polarity errors can cause critical problems in subsequent processes. For example, if the sealing process is performed with reversed polarity, the sealing thickness may not reach the appropriate level, leading to quality defects. In severe cases, the positive and negative poles may be swapped during the activation charge / discharge process, posing a risk of internal cell damage or even fire.

[0008] Therefore, to prevent these problems, technology is required to detect polarity errors early and respond appropriately when rework is introduced. Prior art literature

[0009] Korean Published Patent Application No. 10-2016-0061756 (June 1, 2016) The problem to be solved

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention provides a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus and a method for preventing incorrect input of an electrode assembly to be reworked, which can automatically detect a polarity error of an electrode assembly to be reworked and input an electrode assembly without an input direction error into a process line to prevent defects in the manufacturing process.

[0011] However, the technical problem that this embodiment aims to solve is not limited to the technical problem described above, and other technical problems may exist. means of solving the problem

[0012] As a technical means for achieving the aforementioned technical problem, a secondary battery manufacturing device according to the first aspect of the present invention, which includes a function to prevent incorrect input of an electrode assembly to be reworked, comprises a transfer unit that transfers the electrode assembly to be reworked to a predetermined inspection position via a rail, an inspection unit that inspects the input direction of the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly at the inspection position, an input unit that inputs the electrode assembly that has passed the inspection into a process line, and a display unit that displays the inspection result.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the inspection unit may include an optical sensor that determines polarity by measuring the surface reflectance at the anode and cathode of the electrode assembly.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the optical sensor may distinguish the anode and cathode by simply comparing the intensity of light at the surface reflectance at the anode and cathode of the electrode assembly or by measuring at multiple wavelengths.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the inspection unit may include an optical sensor that detects the color difference between the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly to determine the polarity.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, the inspection unit may include a sheet resistance meter that detects a polarity error by detecting a difference in sheet resistance between the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, the surface resistance measuring device may be a contact or non-contact surface resistance measuring device.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, the inspection unit may automatically stop the insertion of the electrode assembly along with a warning notification when a polarity error is detected as a result of the inspection.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, the transfer unit can simultaneously align and arrange a plurality of the electrode assemblies to the inspection unit.

[0020] In addition, a method for preventing incorrect input of an electrode assembly to be reworked in a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises the steps of: transferring the electrode assembly to be reworked to a predetermined inspection position; inspecting the input direction of the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly; introducing the electrode assembly that passed the inspection into a process line; and displaying the inspection result. Effects of the invention

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention described above, there is an effect of preventing human error during the rework process. In the conventional method, since the polarity of the electrode assembly was checked and inserted manually by a worker during the rework process, there was a possibility of errors occurring where the positive and negative electrodes were inserted in reverse due to a worker's mistake. However, according to one embodiment of the present invention, human error can be prevented by automatically detecting the polarity of the electrode assembly using an optical sensor or a sheet resistance meter and blocking directional insertion errors in advance.

[0022] In addition, in conventional rework processes, if a cell with incorrect polarity is discovered, it must be discarded; however, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a cell with an detected error is not introduced into the process and can be immediately corrected or readjusted. This reduces the number of defective cells discarded and can lead to improved quality and yield of reworked cells.

[0023] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining an inspection unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining an inspection unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for preventing mis-insertion of an electrode assembly to be reworked according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0026] The terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. The terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" used in this specification do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the components mentioned. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components, and "and / or" includes each of the mentioned components and all combinations of one or more. Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, the first component mentioned below may be the second component within the technical scope of the invention.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Additionally, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0028] In the description of the present invention, 'battery' or 'electrode assembly' may be a secondary battery. Additionally, a pouch case housing the electrode assembly may be referred to as a battery cell. A secondary battery may refer to a battery made using a material capable of repeating the oxidation-reduction process between the current and the material multiple times. For example, to produce a secondary battery, processes such as mixing, coating, roll pressing, slitting, notching and drying, lamination, folding and stacking, lamination and stacking, packaging, charging and discharging, degassing, and characteristic testing may be performed. In this case, separate production equipment (devices) may be used to perform each process. Here, each production equipment may be operated by adjustment parameters, set values, etc., set or modified by an operator.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] A battery cell (200) is manufactured through a secondary battery manufacturing device (100). When an electrode plate (211) is introduced into the secondary battery manufacturing device (100), an electrode tab (212) is formed on the electrode plate (211) in the electrode tab forming unit (150). In this process, the electrode tab (212) is created by removing a portion of the active material layer of the electrode plate (211) to create a blank area, or by welding the electrode tab (212) to the electrode plate (211). The electrode tab forming unit (150) may be a welding device for welding the electrode tab (212) to the electrode plate (211), or a laser device for removing the active material layer from the electrode plate (211) to cut the electrode tab (212) portion. Here, the electrode plate (211) may be either a positive electrode or a negative electrode.

[0031] The positive electrode may have a structure in which a positive electrode composite layer containing a positive electrode active material is formed on a positive electrode current collector.

[0032] The positive current collector is not particularly limited as long as it has high conductivity without causing chemical changes in the battery, and may include, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, or aluminum or stainless steel surface treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc.

[0033] In addition, the anode composite layer contains an anode active material, a conductive material, a binder, and a solid electrolyte, and may additionally contain additives in some cases.

[0034] The cathode active material may include layered compounds such as lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2), lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4), lithium copper oxide (Li2CuO2), vanadium oxide (V2O5), etc., and nickel-based and manganese-based composite oxides represented by specific chemical formulas may also be used.

[0035] The conductive material is not particularly limited as long as it is conductive without causing chemical changes in the battery; specifically, graphite, carbon-based materials, metal powder or metal fiber, needle-shaped or branched conductive whiskers, conductive metal oxides, conductive polymers, and any one of these or a mixture thereof may be used. More specifically, graphite such as natural graphite or artificial graphite; carbon-based materials such as carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, thermal black, carbon fiber; metal powder or metal fiber such as copper, nickel, aluminum, or silver; needle-shaped or branched conductive whiskers such as zinc oxide whiskers, calcium carbonate whiskers, titanium dioxide whiskers, silicon oxide whiskers, silicon carbide whiskers, aluminum borate whiskers, magnesium borate whiskers, potassium titanate whiskers, silicon nitride whiskers, silicon carbide whiskers, and alumina whiskers; Examples include conductive metal oxides such as titanium oxide, or conductive polymers such as polyphenylene derivatives, and any one or more of these may be used.

[0036] The anode binder is selected from the group consisting of N,N-bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]urea, polyethylene oxide (PEO), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), and poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-co-HFP), or a mixture of two or more of these; N,N-bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]urea, polyethylene oxide (PEO), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-co-HFP); conjugated diene rubber latex such as acrylonitrile-based styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), methyl butadiene methacrylate rubber (MBR), and butadiene rubber (BR); and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). It may be any one selected from the group consisting of starch, hydroxypropylcellulose, regenerated cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM), sulfonated EPDM, styrene-butadiene rubber, fluororubber, various copolymers, etc., or a mixture of two or more of these.

[0037] The cathode may have a structure in which a cathode composite layer containing a cathode active material is formed on a cathode current collector.

[0038] The negative current collector is not particularly limited as long as it has high conductivity without causing chemical changes in the battery, and may include, for example, stainless steel, copper, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, or stainless steel surface treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc.

[0039] In addition, the cathode composite layer contains a cathode active material, a conductive material, a binder, and a solid electrolyte, and may additionally contain additives in some cases.

[0040] At this time, the negative electrode active material may be one selected from the group consisting of lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithium metal composite oxide, lithium-containing titanium composite oxide (LTO), and combinations thereof. Here, the lithium alloy may be an alloy composed of lithium and at least one metal selected from Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Al, and Sn. Additionally, the lithium metal composite oxide is an oxide (MeOx) of any one metal (Me) selected from the group consisting of lithium and Si, Sn, Zn, Mg, Cd, Ce, Ni, and Fe, and for example, Li x Fe2O3(0 <x≤1) 또는 Li x WO2(0 <x≤1)일 수 있다.

[0041] In addition, the negative electrode active material is Sn x Me 1-x Me y O z (Me: Mn, Fe, Pb, Ge; Me': Al, B, P, Si, Group 1, 2, and 3 elements of the periodic table, halogens; 0 <x≤1; 1≤y≤3; 1≤z≤8) 등의 금속 복합 산화물; SnO, SnO2, PbO, PbO2, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, Sb2O3, Sb2O4, Sb2O5, GeO, GeO2, Bi2O3, Bi2O4및 Bi2O5등의 산화물 등을 사용할 수 있고, 결정질 탄소, 비정질 탄소 또는 탄소 복합체와 같은 탄소계 음극활물질이 단독으로 또는 2종 이상이 혼용되어 사용될 수 있다.

[0042] In addition, examples of conductive materials include nickel powder, cobalt oxide, titanium oxide, carbon, etc. As for carbon, any one selected from the group consisting of Ketjen black, acetylene black, furnace black, graphite, carbon fiber, and fullerene, or one or more of these may be cited.

[0043] In addition, the cathode binder is selected from the group consisting of N,N-bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]urea, polyethylene oxide (PEO), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), and poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-co-HFP), or a mixture of two or more of these, N,N-bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]urea, polyethylene oxide (PEO), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-co-HFP), conjugated diene rubber latex such as styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), methyl butadiene methacrylate rubber (MBR), and butadiene rubber (BR), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), starch, It may be any one selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropylcellulose, regenerated cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM), sulfonated EPDM, styrene-butadiene rubber, fluororubber, various copolymers, etc., or a mixture of two or more of these.

[0044] The electrode plate (211) having the electrode tab (212) formed thereon is laminated together with a separator in the cell assembly forming part (160) to form a cell assembly. The cell assembly forms a structure in which an electrode lead (213) is welded through the electrode lead welding part (170) or the electrode tab (212) is bundled to be connected to an external device.

[0045] The electrode assembly (210) configured in this way is stored in a molded pouch case (220). The pouch case (220) may be composed of a storage portion (221) for storing the electrode assembly (210) and a sealing portion (222) for sealing the storage portion (221) around the storage portion (221).

[0046] After the electrode assembly (210) is placed in the pouch case (220), the electrolyte is injected into the storage portion (221) using the electrolyte injection portion (180). If the electrode assembly (210) uses a solid electrolyte layer, the electrolyte injection process may be omitted. Subsequently, a battery cell (200) is completed by sealing the sealing portion of the pouch case (220) through the sealing portion (190).

[0047] At this time, the present invention aims to prevent an error in the input direction of the electrode assembly (210) to be reworked during a rework process targeting defective battery cells that occurred during the secondary battery manufacturing process.

[0048] That is, this is intended to prevent errors in the insertion direction of the positive electrode (213a) and the negative electrode (213b) when inserting the target electrode assembly (210) for the rework process. In the description of the present invention, the electrode assembly (210) with the electrode lead (213) welded during the secondary battery manufacturing process is referred to as the electrode assembly (210) to be reworked.

[0049] Specifically, a secondary battery manufacturing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a transfer unit (110), an inspection unit (120), an input unit (130), and a display unit (140).

[0050] The transfer unit (110) loads the electrode assembly (210) to be reworked onto a table and transfers it to a process line. The transfer unit (110) can detect whether the electrode assembly (210) is loaded and moves the electrode assembly (210) to a predetermined inspection position for detecting input direction errors via a rail and conveyor device.

[0051] In one embodiment, the transfer unit (110) can transfer the electrode assembly (210) to an inspection position via a rail structure. The rail may be a side rail provided on each side of the electrode assembly (210) and can move the electrode assembly (210) along a certain path. A conveyor device is coupled with the rail to move the electrode assembly (210) to the inspection position.

[0052] Meanwhile, the transfer unit (110) may further be equipped with a transfer motor and a driving device along with a rail. The transfer motor can transfer the electrode assembly (210) to an inspection position through speed control and position control, and the driving device can adjust the position of the electrode assembly (210) to the inspection position.

[0053] In one embodiment, the transfer unit (110) can align and position a plurality of electrode assemblies (210) simultaneously at an inspection location. That is, since it is difficult to perform an accurate inspection or the possibility of errors increases when the assemblies are transported without being aligned at an inspection location, the transfer unit (110) can align the electrode assemblies (210) in a certain direction and at intervals and transport them to the inspection location. As an example, the transfer unit (110) may include a parallel rail structure to transport a plurality of cells simultaneously to an inspection location.

[0054] Next, the inspection unit (120) inspects whether the positive electrode (213a) and the negative electrode (213b) of the electrode assembly (210) transferred to the inspection position are inserted in the correct direction. At this time, the inspection unit (120) may inspect the insertion direction by including at least one of an optical sensor and a sheet resistance meter (122).

[0055] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining an inspection unit (120) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] In the first embodiment, the inspection unit (120) is configured based on an optical sensor (121) and can accurately determine the polarity of the electrode assembly (210) by measuring the surface reflectance at the positive electrode (213a) and the negative electrode (213b) of the electrode assembly (210).

[0057] The optical sensor (121) operates by measuring the intensity of light reflected from the surface of the electrode assembly (210), thereby distinguishing the positive electrode (213a) and the negative electrode (213b) of the cell. Generally, the positive electrode (213a) and the negative electrode (213b) of the electrode assembly (210) each have different surface characteristics, so their reflectivity appears different. By accurately measuring the difference in reflectivity, the inspection unit (120) can verify the correct orientation of the positive electrode (213a) and the negative electrode (213b) when reworked.

[0058] Furthermore, in the present invention, the optical sensor (121) can more accurately distinguish the anode (213a) and the cathode (213b) by simply comparing the intensity of light at the anode (213a) and the cathode (213b) of the electrode assembly (210) or by measuring at multiple wavelengths. The reflectance values ​​according to multiple wavelengths show differences depending on the surface characteristics of the anode (213a) and the cathode (213b). For example, the anode (213a) and the cathode (213b) each tend to reflect more strongly or less at specific wavelengths. In the present invention, by measuring these differences in reflectance by wavelength, the optical sensor (121) can accurately distinguish between the two polarities.

[0059] When a multi-wavelength measurement method is applied, polarity determination can be reliably performed even if there are micro-defects or imbalances on the surfaces of the anode (213a) and cathode (213b). The reflectance value of each wavelength is analyzed in real time by a signal processing unit to verify whether the anode (213a) and cathode (213b) are correctly positioned.

[0060] Meanwhile, the optical sensor (121) may be composed of a light receiving sensor, and the light receiving sensor may receive light reflected from the surfaces of the positive electrode (213a) and the negative electrode (213b) and convert it into an electrical signal. In this case, a photodiode or a phototransistor may be used as the light receiving sensor. If necessary, the optical sensor (121) may further include a light source.

[0061] Additionally, the optical sensor (121) may further include a signal processing unit for analyzing an electrical signal from a light receiving sensor. The signal processing unit converts the signal transmitted from the light receiving sensor into a digital signal and analyzes it to determine the direction of the positive electrode (213a) and the negative electrode (213b). At this time, the signal processing unit may be composed of a signal amplifier that amplifies the received signal, a filtering unit for removing noise or unnecessary signals to calculate an accurate reflectance value, and a determination unit that compares and analyzes the intensity of light reflected at each wavelength when multiple wavelengths are used, and finally determines the arrangement direction of the positive electrode (213a) and the negative electrode (213b).

[0062] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the optical sensor (121) can detect the color difference between the anode (213a) and the cathode (213b) to determine the polarity. For example, the anode (213a) may be composed of a specific metal or compound, and the cathode (213b) may be composed of a different metal or compound from the anode (213a), so that they have different colors. To this end, the optical sensor (121) can distinguish the anode (213a) and the cathode (213b) by utilizing the difference in reflectance due to different color reflections depending on the intensity or wavelength of the reflected light.

[0063] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining an inspection unit (120) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] The second embodiment is configured based on a sheet resistance meter (122), and the inspection unit (120) can detect a polarity error by detecting the difference in sheet resistance between the positive electrode (213a) and the negative electrode (213b) of the electrode assembly (210).

[0065] Surface resistance is the resistance that appears when current flows on the surface of an electrically conductive material. Since electrode materials have different electrical characteristics, the positive electrode (213a) and the negative electrode (213b) exhibit different electrical characteristics. In particular, because the materials used for the positive electrode (213a) and the negative electrode (213b) have different conductivity, the present invention can determine the direction of insertion by measuring the difference in surface resistance between them.

[0066] At this time, the sheet resistance measuring device (122) in the present invention may be a contact or non-contact sheet resistance measuring device (122). For example, the sheet resistance can be calculated by applying a current or voltage to the surfaces of the positive electrode (213a) and the negative electrode (213b) in a non-contact manner using an electric field, and then measuring the difference between them. Alternatively, the sheet resistance can be calculated by analyzing the electrical signal resulting from the difference in material characteristics between the positive electrode (213a) and the negative electrode (213b).

[0067] The inspection unit (120) based on such a surface resistance measuring device (122) may include a measurement sensor that detects surface resistance in a non-contact manner, and a signal processing unit that determines polarity errors by checking whether the surface resistance value matches a preset reference range through an electrical signal from the measurement sensor.

[0068] If an incorrect input occurs during the rework process, the sheet resistance value measured by the sheet resistance meter (122) deviates from the preset standard range. This can be recognized as an error, and the corresponding electrode assembly (210) can be separated or a warning sound can be generated. If it satisfies the standard range, it can be fed into the process line.

[0069] The input unit (130) inputs the electrode assembly (210), which has completed polarity error inspection, into the process line. The input unit (130) delivers only the cells to the process line in which no polarity error regarding the positive electrode (213a) and negative electrode (213b) was detected at the inspection unit (120). Conversely, if it is determined at the inspection unit (120) that there is a polarity error, the target electrode assembly (210) is not input.

[0070] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the transfer unit (110) and the input unit (130) may be configured as a single conveyor device, and the inspection unit (120) may be provided at the upper or lower part of the conveyor at a predetermined inspection position to inspect the input direction of the electrode assembly (210).

[0071] The display unit (140) receives the inspection results from the inspection unit (120) and displays the inspection results to the operator in real time. The display unit (140) may include an LED flashing unit, a warning unit, and a display unit. The LED flashing unit is intended to intuitively display the inspection results, and can indicate an error by flashing an LED when it is detected that the input direction of the positive electrode (213a) and the negative electrode (213b) is incorrect. For example, when an error is detected, a red LED is flashed so that the operator can immediately recognize it.

[0072] When an error is detected in the inspection unit (120), the warning unit can immediately notify the operator of the warning through a warning sound. In addition, the display unit displays the inspection results on the screen in real time and separately indicates the target electrode assembly (210) where the error occurred so that subsequent measures, such as re-insertion, can be taken.

[0073] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for preventing mis-insertion of an electrode assembly to be reworked according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] A method for preventing mis-insertion of an electrode assembly to be reworked according to one embodiment of the present invention first transfers the electrode assembly to be reworked (210) to a predetermined inspection location (S110).

[0075] Next, the insertion direction of the positive electrode (213a) and the negative electrode (213b) of the electrode assembly (210) is inspected (S120). In the present invention, for this purpose, the inspection unit (120) can inspect the insertion direction of the electrode assembly (210) through a specific sensor capable of detecting a difference in characteristics between the positive electrode (213a) and the negative electrode (213b). Here, the specific sensor may be an optical sensor (121) or a sheet resistance meter (122). The positive electrode (213a) and the negative electrode (213b) can be distinguished by detecting a difference in surface reflectance or color between the positive electrode (213a) and the negative electrode (213b) of the electrode assembly (210) through the optical sensor (121), and a polarity error can be detected by detecting a difference in sheet resistance through the sheet resistance meter (122).

[0076] Next, the electrode assembly (210) that has passed the inspection is fed into the process line (S130), and the inspection results are displayed to the user in real time through the display unit (140) (S140). The input unit (130) can inform the user through the display unit (140) that only cells in which no polarity error regarding the positive electrode (213a) and negative electrode (213b) was detected at the inspection unit (120) are fed into the process line, and that electrode assemblies (210) that are not in this state are not fed. Based on the results measured at the inspection unit (120), the display unit (140) can output a visual or voice warning regarding whether the positive electrode (213a) and negative electrode (213b) of the electrode assembly (210) have been correctly fed. For example, the inspection results are displayed immediately via an LED, or a warning sound is generated so that the operator can immediately recognize the error.

[0077] If a polarity error is detected, the electrode assembly (210) may be automatically separated for re-insertion, or an error correction procedure may be performed, such as by an operator recognizing the error and correcting the insertion direction of the electrode assembly (210) for re-insertion.

[0078] Meanwhile, in the above description, steps S110 to S140 may be further divided into additional steps or combined into fewer steps according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, some steps may be omitted as necessary, and the order between steps may be changed. Furthermore, even if other omitted details are included, the details described in FIGS. 1 to 3 and the details described in FIG. 4 are mutually applicable.

[0079] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Explanation of the symbols

[0080] 100: Secondary battery manufacturing device 110: Transfer unit 120: Inspection Department 121: Optical sensor 122: Sheet resistance meter 130: Input section 140: Display unit 150: Tab forming part 160: Cell assembly forming section 170: Electrode lead weld 180: Electrolyte injection port 190: Sealing part 200: Battery cell 210: Electrode assembly 211: Electrode plate 212: Electrode tab 213: Electrode lead 213a: Anode 213b: Cathode 220: Pouch Case 221: Storage compartment 222: Sealing part

Claims

Claim 1 A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus including a function to prevent incorrect input of an electrode assembly to be reworked, comprising: a transfer unit for transferring the electrode assembly to be reworked to a predetermined inspection position via a rail; an inspection unit for inspecting the input direction of the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly at the inspection position; an input unit for inputting the electrode assembly that has passed the inspection into a process line; and a display unit for displaying the inspection result. Claim 2 A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inspection unit includes an optical sensor that measures surface reflectance at the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly to confirm polarity. Claim 3 A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to paragraph 2, wherein the optical sensor distinguishes the positive and negative electrodes by comparing the surface reflectance at the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly with the intensity of light or by measuring at multiple wavelengths. Claim 4 A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inspection unit includes an optical sensor that detects the color difference between the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly to confirm polarity. Claim 5 A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inspection unit includes a sheet resistance meter that detects a difference in sheet resistance between the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly and detects a polarity error. Claim 6 A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to paragraph 4, wherein the surface resistance measuring instrument is a contact or non-contact surface resistance measuring instrument. Claim 7 A secondary battery manufacturing device according to claim 1, wherein the inspection unit automatically stops the insertion of the electrode assembly along with a warning notification when a polarity error is detected as a result of the inspection. Claim 8 A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit simultaneously aligns and arranges a plurality of the electrode assemblies to the inspection unit. Claim 9 A method for preventing mis-feeding of an electrode assembly to be reworked in a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus, comprising: a step of transferring the electrode assembly to be reworked to a predetermined inspection position; a step of inspecting the input direction of the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly; a step of feeding the electrode assembly that passed the inspection into a process line; and a step of displaying the inspection result.

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