Secondary battery manufacturing system and secondary battery manufacturing method

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments, a secondary battery manufacturing system is provided. The system may comprise: a first electrode cutter for cutting a first electrode sheet unwound from a first electrode roll, so as to provide a plurality of first electrodes; a second electrode cutter for cutting a second electrode sheet unwound from a second electrode roll, so as to provide a plurality of second electrodes; the second electrode cutter for cutting a third electrode sheet unwound from a third electrode roll, so as to provide a plurality of third electrodes; an electrode ID reader for sensing the electrode ID of an electrode tab of each of a plurality of electrodes selected from among the plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes, and the plurality of third electrodes, so as to generate an electrode ID sensing signal; and a controller for collecting coordinate-associated electrode ID data on the basis of a first input amount of the first electrode sheet, a second input amount of the second electrode sheet, a third input amount of the third electrode sheet, and the electrode ID sensing signal.

Description

Secondary battery manufacturing system and method for manufacturing a secondary battery

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

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0119548, filed September 8, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. They are widely used as a power source for various wireless devices, including handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, improved energy density and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the per-unit manufacturing cost of secondary batteries. Furthermore, as the range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to match that of fuel-powered vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0004] Secondary batteries are manufactured through electrode processes, assembly processes, and activation processes. Among these, the electrode process is the most critical process in determining the yield and performance of the battery cell. The electrode process may include a coating process, a roll-pressing process, and a slitting process. In the coating process, active and insulating materials may be applied to the surface of the current collector. In the roll-pressing process, the electrode may be pressed by pressure rolls. The roll-pressing process may determine the density, performance, and surface quality of the electrode. In the slitting process, the electrode may be cut into multiple electrodes depending on the battery cell design.

[0005] [Prior Art Literature]

[0006] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0025288

[0007] The technical idea of ​​the present invention aims to solve a problem by providing a secondary battery manufacturing system capable of searching for historical data of electrode manufacturing and a method for manufacturing a secondary battery.

[0008] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a secondary battery manufacturing system is provided. The system may include a first electrode cutter configured to cut a first electrode sheet unwound from a first electrode roll to provide a plurality of first electrodes; a second electrode cutter configured to cut a second electrode sheet unwound from a second electrode roll to provide a plurality of second electrodes; a second electrode cutter configured to cut a third electrode sheet unwound from a third electrode roll to provide a plurality of third electrodes; an electrode ID reader configured to detect an electrode ID of an electrode tab of each of one plurality of electrodes selected from the plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes, and the plurality of third electrodes to generate an electrode ID detection signal; and a controller configured to collect coordinate-associated electrode ID data based on a first input amount of the first electrode sheet, a second input amount of the second electrode sheet, a third input amount of the third electrode sheet, and the electrode ID detection signal.

[0009] The first and third electrodes have the same polarity,

[0010] The second electrode may have a different polarity from the first electrode and the third electrode.

[0011] The above electrode ID may be provided in each of the first electrodes and the third electrodes, or may be provided only in the second electrodes.

[0012] The first input amount of the first electrode sheet may be determined based on the cut count of the first electrode cutter, the second input amount of the second electrode sheet may be determined based on the cut count of the second electrode cutter, and the third input amount of the third electrode sheet may be determined based on the cut count of the third electrode cutter.

[0013] The first input amount of the first electrode sheet may be calculated based on the pitch of the plurality of first electrodes and the cut count of the first electrode cutter, the second input amount of the second electrode sheet may be calculated based on the pitch of the plurality of second electrodes and the cut count of the second electrode cutter, and the third input amount of the third electrode sheet may be calculated based on the pitch of the plurality of third electrodes and the cut count of the third electrode cutter.

[0014] The system may further include a first rotary encoder configured to generate a first input signal representing the first input amount of the first electrode sheet; a second rotary encoder configured to generate a second input signal representing the second input amount of the second electrode sheet; and a second rotary encoder configured to generate a third input signal representing the third input amount of the third electrode sheet.

[0015] The electrode ID data associated with the above coordinates may include at least one of the electrode ID and the coordinates of the first to third electrodes matched to the electrode ID.

[0016] The system may further include a server configured to store electrode ID data associated with the coordinates.

[0017] The server may be configured to store a roll map of the first electrode roll for manufacturing the first electrode roll, a roll map of the second electrode roll for manufacturing the second electrode roll, and a roll map of the third electrode roll for manufacturing the third electrode roll.

[0018] The server may be configured to match the electrode ID with the roll map of the first electrode roll, the roll map of the second electrode roll, and the roll map of the third electrode roll.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of providing a secondary battery is provided. The method comprises the steps of: cutting a first electrode sheet, a second electrode sheet, and a third electrode sheet, respectively, to form a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, and a plurality of third electrodes;

[0020] A step of combining the plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes and the plurality of third electrodes; and

[0021] Including a step of collecting coordinate-related electrode ID data,

[0022] Each of the plurality of electrodes selected from the plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes and the plurality of third electrodes includes an electrode tab including an electrode ID,

[0023] The electrode ID data associated with the above coordinates may include at least one of the electrode ID and the coordinates of the first to third electrodes matched to the electrode ID.

[0024] The electrode ID data associated with the above coordinates is collected based on a first input amount of the first electrode sheet, a second input amount of the second electrode sheet, a third input amount of the third electrode sheet, and an electrode ID detection signal, and the electrode ID detection signal can be generated based on detection of the electrode ID.

[0025] The first input amount of the first electrode sheet may be determined based on a cut count of a first electrode cutter configured to cut the first electrode sheet, the second input amount of the second electrode sheet may be determined based on a cut count of a second electrode cutter configured to cut the second electrode sheet, and the third input amount of the third electrode sheet may be determined based on a cut count of a third electrode cutter configured to cut the third electrode sheet.

[0026] The first input amount of the first electrode sheet may be calculated based on the pitch of the plurality of first electrodes and the cut count of the first electrode cutter, the second input amount of the second electrode sheet may be calculated based on the pitch of the plurality of second electrodes and the cut count of the second electrode cutter, and the third input amount of the third electrode sheet may be calculated based on the pitch of the plurality of third electrodes and the cut count of the third electrode cutter.

[0027] The first input amount of the first electrode sheet may be determined by a first input amount signal generated by a first rotary encoder configured to detect a rotation amount of a first electrode unwinder configured to unwind the first electrode sheet, the second input amount of the second electrode sheet may be determined by a second input amount signal generated by a second rotary encoder configured to detect a rotation amount of a second electrode unwinder configured to unwind the second electrode sheet, and the third input amount of the third electrode sheet may be determined by a first input amount signal generated by a third rotary encoder configured to detect a rotation amount of a third electrode unwinder configured to unwind the third electrode sheet.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment, an electrode assembly including an electrode having an electrode ID associated with the coordinates may be provided as an electrode manufactured by the secondary battery manufacturing system or the secondary battery manufacturing method.

[0029] As another aspect of the present invention, a bi-cell may be provided.

[0030] The above by cell is,

[0031] First electrode;

[0032] A second electrode coupled to the first electrode through a separator and having a different polarity from the first electrode; and

[0033] It may include a third electrode that is connected to the second electrode through a separator and has a different polarity from the second electrode and the same polarity as the first electrode.

[0034] One of the first to third electrodes has an electrode ID,

[0035] The above electrode ID may be matched with at least one of the coordinates of the first to third electrodes.

[0036] The above coordinates may indicate the positions of each electrode moving during the process in which the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode are joined via a separator. Specifically, the coordinates of the electrodes matching the electrode ID may indicate the positions of each of the first to third electrodes during the process when the electrode ID is detected.

[0037] As another aspect of the present invention, an electrode assembly may be provided.

[0038] The above electrode assembly comprises a second separator sheet extending in a spiral shape; and

[0039] It may include a plurality of the above bi-cells stacked vertically with the above second separation membrane sheet interposed therebetween.

[0040] Each of the above-mentioned bi-cells may be positioned between the spiral-shaped arms of the second separator sheet so as to be sequentially wrapped around the second separator sheet in the spiral shape.

[0041] The above bi-cells may include an A-type bi-cell in which one cathode is positioned between two anodes, and a C-type bi-cell in which one anode is positioned between two cathodes. In the electrode assembly, the A-type bi-cell and the C-type bi-cell may be alternately stacked with the second separator sheet interposed therebetween.

[0042] In one embodiment, the electrode ID provided on the electrode of the bi-cell located at the top of the electrode assembly may be assigned as a representative ID of the electrode assembly.

[0043] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, traceability between the roll map generated in the electrode process and semi-finished products, such as by-cells, can be improved. Accordingly, the reliability of secondary battery manufacturing can be enhanced.

[0044] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from practicing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 1 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments.

[0046] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a C-type bi-cell.

[0047] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a type A bi-cell.

[0048] Figure 4 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments.

[0049] Figure 5 shows the relative positions of elements with respect to the first electrode sheet (ESN1).

[0050] Figure 6 shows the relative positions of elements with respect to the second electrode sheet (ESP).

[0051] Figure 7 shows the relative positions of elements with respect to the third electrode sheet (ESN2).

[0052] Figure 8 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments.

[0053] Figure 9 shows the relative positions of elements with respect to the first electrode sheet (ESP1).

[0054] Figure 10 shows the relative positions of elements with respect to the second electrode sheet (ESN).

[0055] Figure 11 shows the relative positions of elements with respect to the third electrode sheet (ESP2).

[0056] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to exemplary embodiments.

[0057] FIG. 13 is an example of an electrode assembly including electrodes having coordinate-associated electrode IDs.

[0058] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the laminated structure of the electrode assembly of Fig. 13.

[0059] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0060] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0061] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0062] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes or proportions.

[0063]

[0064] Figure 1 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a C-type bi-cell, and Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an A-type bi-cell.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 1, the secondary battery manufacturing system (10) may include a positive electrode unwinder (111P), a negative electrode unwinder (111N), and separator unwinders (111S1, 111S2), electrode cutters (113P, 113N), guide rolls (115), and a separator cutter (117).

[0066] The secondary battery manufacturing system (10) may be configured to perform, for example, a lamination and stacking process or a lamination and folding process. As a result of the lamination process, unit cells, i.e., mono cells (MC) or bi cells (BC), may be provided. Each of the mono cells (MC) may include an anode (EPP), an anode (EPN), and separators. Each of the bi cells (BC) may include two cathodes (EPN1, EPN2), one cathode (EPP), and separators (e.g., a C-type bi cell) as shown in FIG. 2, or two cathodes (EPP1, EPP2), one cathode (EPN), and separators (e.g., an A-type bi cell) as shown in FIG. 3.

[0067] In the stacking process, mono cells (MC) and additional half cells can be stacked vertically, thereby providing an electrode assembly.

[0068] In the folding process, a plurality of bi-cells (BC) can be rolled up by a separator to provide an electrode assembly in the form of a folding cell (FC).

[0069] Figure 1 is a secondary battery manufacturing system for performing a lamination process to manufacture a monocell in which a cathode and anode are laminated with a separator interposed therebetween.

[0070] Unwinders (111P, 111N, 111S1, 111S2) may be configured to input roll-shaped materials into the secondary battery manufacturing system (10). More specifically, the unwinder (111P) may be configured to unwind a positive electrode sheet (ESP) from a positive electrode roll (ERP), the unwinder (111N) may be configured to unwind a negative electrode sheet (ESN) from a negative electrode roll (ERN), and the unwinders (111S1, 111S2) may be configured to unwind separator sheets (SS1, SS2) from separator rolls (SR1, SR2).

[0071] The positive electrode roll (ERP) and the negative electrode roll (ERN) can be provided through a series of processes for manufacturing secondary batteries. For example, the positive electrode roll (ERP) and the negative electrode roll (ERN) can be provided through a coating process, a roll pressing process, a selective slitting process, and a notching process.

[0072] The coating process involves applying a coating material, such as electrode slurry, onto an electrode sheet. The electrode slurry may include an electrode active material, a conductive agent, a binder, and a solvent. The electrode slurry can be provided by dissolving the electrode active material, conductive agent, binder, etc. in a solvent.

[0073] The roll pressing process involves passing an electrode sheet coated with electrode slurry between opposing press rolls. The press rolls can smooth the electrode surface and enhance the bonding strength between the active material and the current collector.

[0074] To increase the production capacity per line (e.g., GWh) of secondary battery production facilities, wide electrode sheets undergo a coating process and a roll pressing process. Subsequently, in a slitting process, the wide electrode sheets can be cut to the specifications of the battery cell. Depending on the specifications of the battery cell, the slitting process may be omitted.

[0075] The notching process forms tabs in the electrode sheet and, if necessary, can form V-shaped grooves for cutting the electrode sheet. In the notching process, positive tabs (TP) and negative tabs (TN) can be formed. In the notching process, electrode IDs (EIDs) can be formed on the negative tabs (TN). The electrode IDs (EIDs) can be formed by methods such as laser printing and ink printing. Accordingly, each of the negative tabs (TN) can include the electrode IDs (EIDs). Unlike the negative tabs (TN), the positive tabs (TP) may not include the electrode IDs (EIDs) to prevent defects.

[0076] However, the electrode ID (EID) may not be limited thereto, and may also include symbols indicating the sequence number of the negative electrode tabs (TN). The symbols of the electrode ID (EID) may include, but are not limited to, Arabic numerals. The symbols of the electrode ID (EID) may include any characters that can provide information about the sequence number of the negative electrode tabs (TN).

[0077] The positive electrode cutter (113P) may be configured to cut the positive electrode sheet (ESP). A plurality of positive electrodes (EPP) may be provided by cutting the positive electrode sheet (ESP). The negative electrode cutter (113N) may be configured to cut the negative electrode sheet (ESN). A plurality of negative electrodes (EPN) may be provided by cutting the negative electrode sheet (ESN).

[0078] The guide rolls (115) may be configured to define a path of the separator sheets (SS1, SS2). The separator sheets (SS1, SS2) may be aligned in parallel by the guide rolls (115). The positive electrodes (EPP) and the negative electrodes (EPN) may be placed on the separator sheets (SS1, SS2). For example, the negative electrodes (EPN) may be placed on the separator sheet (SS2), and the positive electrodes (EPP) may be placed on the separator sheet (SS1). The positive electrodes (EPP) and the negative electrodes (EPN) may be electrically and physically separated by the separator sheet (SS1).

[0079] Although not shown in FIG. 1, additional guide rolls may be arranged to define the path of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) and the negative electrode sheet (ESN).

[0080] The separator cutter (117) may be configured to cut the separator sheets (SS1, SS2). Before cutting the separator sheets (SS1, SS2) by the separator cutter (117), the laminated structure of the separator sheets (SS1, SS2), the positive electrodes (EPP), and the negative electrodes (EPN) may be pressed by a nip roll (not shown) or the like. By cutting the separator sheets (SS1, SS2), a mono cell (MC) including the positive electrodes (EPP), the negative electrodes (EPN), and the separators may be provided.

[0081] Although not shown in Fig. 1, a controller may be provided to control the operation of the positive cutter (113P) and the negative cutter (113N).

[0082] During the above mono cell (MC) manufacturing process, an electrode ID (EID) is assigned to each negative tab (TN) of the negative electrodes (EPN), and in order to ensure electrode traceability, it is necessary to associate the electrode ID (EID) with the coordinates (positions) of the positive and negative electrodes during the lamination process. The controller can collect electrode ID data associated with the coordinates.

[0083] The collection of such electrode ID data is required not only in the mono-cell (MC) manufacturing process but also in the secondary battery manufacturing system for bi-cell (BC) manufacturing.

[0084] A lamination process similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1 can be performed for manufacturing a bi-cell. For example, if another negative electrode roll is placed on top of the positive electrode roll (ERP) of FIG. 1, and the negative electrode sheet unwound from the other negative electrode roll undergoes the same process as the negative electrode sheet of the negative electrode roll (ERN) placed under the positive electrode roll, lamination of the C-type bi-cell of FIG. 2 can be performed. In addition, if another positive electrode roll is placed on bottom of the negative electrode roll (ERN) of FIG. 1, and the positive electrode sheet unwound from the other positive electrode roll undergoes the same process as the positive electrode sheet of the original positive electrode roll (ERP) placed on top of the negative electrode roll, lamination of the A-type bi-cell of FIG. 3 can be performed.

[0085] (Example 1)

[0086] FIG. 4 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments for manufacturing a C-type bi-cell.

[0087] Figure 5 shows the relative positions of elements with respect to the first electrode sheet (ESN1).

[0088] Figure 6 shows the relative positions of elements with respect to the second electrode sheet (ESP).

[0089] Figure 7 shows the relative positions of elements with respect to the third electrode sheet (ESN2).

[0090] Referring to FIG. 4, the secondary battery manufacturing system (100) may include a first negative electrode unwinder (111N1), a positive electrode unwinder (111P), a second negative electrode unwinder (111N2), electrode cutters (113N1, 113P, 113N2), a separator cutter (117), rotary encoders (121N1 121P, 121N2), seam detection sensors (123N1, 123P, 123N2), an electrode gap sensor (125), an electrode ID reader (127), a controller (130), and servers (140, 150, 160).

[0091] In the system of FIG. 4, guide rolls may be arranged to guide the separator sheets or electrode sheets for lamination. For simplicity, the guide rolls are not illustrated in FIG. 4. In addition, the separator rolls and the separator unwinders are not illustrated.

[0092] The present embodiment is a manufacturing system for laminating a C-type bi-cell in which one positive electrode is arranged between two negative electrodes having the same polarity. From the top of the drawing, a first negative electrode roll (ERN1), an positive electrode roll (ERP), and a second negative electrode roll (ERN2) are arranged in that order. The first negative electrode roll (ERN1) may be referred to as a first electrode roll, the positive electrode roll (ERP) as a second electrode roll, and the second negative electrode roll (ERN2) as a third electrode roll. In addition, the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1) may be referred to as a first electrode sheet, the positive electrode sheet (ESP) as a second electrode sheet, and the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2) as a third electrode sheet. In addition, the first negative electrode (EPN1) may be referred to as a first electrode, the positive electrode (EPP) as a second electrode, and the second negative electrode (EPN2) as a third electrode.

[0093] However, as described in other embodiments described below, the polarity of the first to third electrodes may be changed differently from the present embodiment.

[0094] Unwinders (111N1, 111P, 111N2) may be configured to input roll-shaped materials into the secondary battery manufacturing system (100). More specifically, the unwinder (111N1) may be configured to unwind a first negative electrode sheet (ESN1) from a first negative electrode roll (ERN1), the unwinder (111P) may be configured to unwind a positive electrode sheet (ESP) from a positive electrode roll (ERP), and the unwinder (111N2) may be configured to unwind a second negative electrode sheet (ESN2) from a second negative electrode roll (ERN2). Although not shown, as shown in FIG. 1, membrane unwinders (111S1, 111S2) and membrane rolls (SR1, SR2) may be provided, and the unwinders (111S1, 111S2) may be configured to unwind membrane sheets (SS1, SS2) from the membrane rolls.

[0095] As described above, the first negative electrode roll (ERN1), the positive electrode roll (ERP), and the second negative electrode roll (ERN2) can be provided through a series of processes for manufacturing a secondary battery. For example, the first negative electrode roll (ERN1), the positive electrode roll (ERP), and the second negative electrode roll (ERN2) can be provided through a coating process, a roll pressing process, a selective slitting process, and a notching process.

[0096] In the notching process, first negative tabs (TN1), positive tabs (TP), and second negative tabs (TN2) may be formed. In the notching process, electrode IDs (EIDs) may be formed on the first negative tabs (TN1) and the second negative tabs (TN2). The electrode IDs (EIDs) may be formed by methods such as laser printing and ink printing. Accordingly, each of the negative tabs (TN1, TN2) may include the electrode IDs (EIDs). Unlike the negative tabs (TN1, TN2), the positive tabs (TP) may not include the electrode IDs (EIDs) to prevent defects.

[0097] The electrode ID (EID) may include a symbol indicating the sequence number of the negative electrode tabs (TN1, TN2). The symbol of the electrode ID (EID) may include, but is not limited to, Arabic numerals. The symbol of the electrode ID (EID) may include any character that can provide information about the sequence number of the negative electrode tabs (TN1, TN2).

[0098] The first negative electrode cutter (113N1) may be configured to cut the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1). A plurality of first negative electrodes (EPN1) may be provided by cutting the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1). The positive electrode cutter (113P) may be configured to cut the positive electrode sheet (ESP). A plurality of positive electrodes (EPP) may be provided by cutting the positive electrode sheet (ESP). The second negative electrode cutter (113N2) may be configured to cut the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2). A plurality of second negative electrodes (EPN2) may be provided by cutting the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2).

[0099] The controller (130) can control the operations of the first negative cutter (113N1), the positive cutter (113P), and the second negative cutter (113N2) as described below, and accordingly can be configured to count the cuts of the first negative sheet (ESN1) by the first negative cutter (113N1), the cuts of the positive sheet (ESP) by the positive cutter (113P), and the cuts of the second negative sheet (ESN2) by the second negative cutter (113N2). For example, the controller (130) can be configured to receive a first cut count signal (CCSN1) from the first negative cutter (113N1), a second cut count signal (CCSP) from the positive cutter (113P), and a third cut count signal (CCSN2) from the second negative cutter (113N2).

[0100] The cut first cathodes (EPN1) and anodes (EPP) can be electrically and physically separated, for example, by a separator sheet (SS1). The cut anodes (EPP) and second cathodes (EPN2) can be electrically and physically separated, for example, by a separator sheet (SS2).

[0101] The separator cutter (117) may be configured to cut the separator sheets (SS1, SS2). Before cutting the separator sheets (SS1, SS2) by the separator cutter (117), the laminated structure of the separator sheets (SS1, SS2), the first cathodes (EPN1), the anodes (EPP), and the second cathodes (EPN2) may be pressed by a nip roll (not shown) or the like. By cutting the separator sheets (SS1, SS2), the C-type bi-cell (BC) of FIG. 2 including the first cathodes (EPN1), the anodes (EPP), the second cathodes (EPN2), and the separators (SS1, SS2) may be provided.

[0102] The first negative rotary encoder (121N1) may be configured to detect the rotation amount of the unwinder (111N1). The first negative rotary encoder (121N1) may be configured to detect the amount of the first negative sheet (ESN1) unwound from the first negative roll (ERN1) by the unwinder (111N1). Accordingly, the first negative rotary encoder (121N1) may be configured to generate a first input amount signal (UWSN1) indicating the length of the first negative sheet (ESN1) unwound by the unwinder (111N1) (i.e., the input amount of the first negative sheet (ESN1)). The first negative rotary encoder (121N1) may be configured to transmit the first input amount signal (UWSN1) to the controller (130).

[0103] The rotary encoder (121P) may be configured to detect the rotational amount of the unwinder (111P). The rotary encoder (121P) may be configured to detect the amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) unwound from the positive electrode roll (ERP) by the unwinder (111P). Accordingly, the rotary encoder (121P) may be configured to generate a second input amount signal (UWSP) indicating the length of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) unwound by the unwinder (111P) (i.e., the input amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP)). The rotary encoder (121P) may be configured to transmit the second input amount signal (UWSP) to the controller (130).

[0104] The second negative rotary encoder (121N2) may be configured to detect the rotation amount of the unwinder (111N2). The second negative rotary encoder (121N2) may be configured to detect the amount of the second negative sheet (ESN2) unwound from the second negative roll (ERN2) by the unwinder (111N). Accordingly, the second negative rotary encoder (121N2) may be configured to generate a third input amount signal (UWSN2) indicating the length of the second negative sheet (ESN2) unwound by the unwinder (111N2) (i.e., the input amount of the second negative sheet (ESN2)). The second negative rotary encoder (121N2) may be configured to transmit the third input amount signal (UWSN2) to the controller (130).

[0105] The first negative electrode seam detection sensor (123N1) may be configured to detect the seam of the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1). Here, the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1) may include a seam when the first negative electrode roll (ERN1) is replaced (i.e., when a subsequent first negative electrode roll (ERN1) is loaded onto the unwinder (111N1), when a breakage of the electrode occurs during the self-process (i.e., processing of the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1) by the secondary battery manufacturing system (100), and when a breakage of the electrode occurs during the pre-process (i.e., processing of the first negative electrode roll (ERN1) before being loaded onto the unwinder (111N1).

[0106] The first cathode seam detection sensor (123N1) may be, for example, a color sensor, but is not limited thereto. The first seam detection sensor (123N1) may be configured to generate a first seam detection signal (JSSN1). The first seam detection signal (JSSN1) may be transmitted to the controller (130).

[0107] The positive electrode seam detection sensor (123P) may be configured to detect a seam of the positive electrode sheet (ESP). Here, the positive electrode sheet (ESP) may include a seam when the positive electrode roll (ERP) is replaced (i.e., when a subsequent positive electrode roll (ERP) is loaded onto the unwinder (111P), when a breakage of the electrode occurs during the self-process (i.e., processing of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) by the secondary battery manufacturing system (100)), and when a breakage of the electrode occurs during the pre-process (i.e., processing of the positive electrode roll (ERP) before being loaded onto the unwinder (111P).

[0108] The bipolar joint detection sensor (123P) may be, for example, a color sensor, but is not limited thereto. The bipolar joint detection sensor (123P) may be configured to generate a second joint detection signal (JSSP). The second joint detection signal (JSSP) may be transmitted to the controller (130).

[0109] The second negative electrode seam detection sensor (123N2) may be configured to detect the seam of the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2). Here, the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2) may include a seam when the second negative electrode roll (ERN2) is replaced (i.e., when a subsequent second negative electrode roll (ERN2) is loaded onto the unwinder (111N2), when a breakage of the electrode occurs during the self-process (i.e., processing of the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2) by the secondary battery manufacturing system (100), and when a breakage of the electrode occurs during the pre-process (i.e., processing of the second negative electrode roll (ERN2) before being loaded onto the unwinder (111N2).

[0110] The second cathode seam detection sensor (123N2) may be, for example, a color sensor, but is not limited thereto. The second cathode seam detection sensor (123N2) may be configured to generate a third seam detection signal (JSSN2). The third seam detection signal (JSSN2) may be transmitted to the controller (130).

[0111] The electrode gap sensor (125) may be configured to detect gaps between the first cathodes (EPN1), the anodes (EPP), and the second cathodes (EPN). For example, the electrode gap sensor (125) may be configured to detect gaps between the first cathodes (EPN1). For another example, the electrode gap sensor (125) may be configured to detect gaps between the anodes (EPP). For another example, the electrode gap sensor (125) may be configured to detect gaps between the second cathodes (EPN2). For another example, the electrode gap sensor (125) may be configured to detect each of the gaps between the first cathodes (EPN1), the gaps between the anodes (EPP), and the gaps between the second cathodes (EPN2).

[0112] The electrode gap sensor (125) may be configured to generate a gap detection signal (ISS). The electrode gap sensor (125) may be configured to transmit the gap detection signal (ISS) to the controller (130).

[0113] The electrode ID reader (127) may be configured to detect an electrode ID (EID). The electrode ID reader (127) may be configured to read a sequence number indicated by the electrode ID (EID). The electrode ID reader (127) may be, for example, a bar code reader (BCR), but is not limited thereto. The electrode ID reader (127) may also be an optical character reader (OCR). The electrode ID reader (127) may be configured to generate an electrode ID detection signal (EIDS) based on detection of the electrode ID (EID). The electrode ID reader (127) may be configured to transmit the electrode ID detection signal (EIDS) to the controller (130).

[0114] The controller (130) may be configured to control elements of the secondary battery manufacturing system (100), such as, for example, unwinders (111N1, 111P, 111N2, 111S1, 111S2), a first negative electrode cutter (113N1), a positive electrode cutter (113P), a second negative electrode cutter (113N2), and a separator cutter (117).

[0115] The controller (130) may be in operative communication with rotary encoders (121N1, 121P, 121N2), joint detection sensors (123N1, 123P, 123N2), electrode gap sensor (125), and electrode ID reader (127) via a wired or wireless data network. The data network may be unidirectional or bidirectional. The data network may be implemented by a public network and / or a specialized network using a physical channel, WiFi, Bluetooth, and / or other frequency bands. Rotary encoders (121N1, 121P, 121N2), seam detection sensors (123N1, 123P, 123N2), electrode gap sensors (125), and electrode ID readers (127) can be configured to collect data from equipment, workpieces, semi-finished products, and products within the secondary battery manufacturing system (100), or to generate signals for collecting data.

[0116] As a non-limiting example, the controller (130) may be a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). A PLC is a specialized type of microprocessor-based controller that uses programmable memory to store commands and implement functions such as logic, sequencing, timing, counting, and arithmetic to control machines and processes. PLCs are easy to operate and program.

[0117] The controller (130) may include a power supply, a central processing unit (CPU), an input interface, an output interface, a communication interface, and memory devices. For the operation of the controller (130), the controller (130) may be configured to supply power to other elements of the controller (130), such as the CPU, the input interface, the output interface, the communication interface, and the memory devices. The memory devices may include a read-only memory (ROM) configured to store a system program, such as an operating system, and a random access memory (RAM) configured to store data, such as user programs and status information of input and output devices, timers, counters, and values ​​of other internal devices. The CPU may be configured to control communication between modules that implement logic and convert input signals into output operation signals. The CPU may operate based on the system program and the user program stored in the memory devices. The CPU may be configured to write or read inspection data and measurement data to the data area of ​​the memory devices based on the system program and the user program. Conditions or data of industrial devices and production processes may be transmitted to the CPU through the input module. The results processed by the CPU can be transmitted to the actuator via the output module. The communication interface can be configured to transmit and receive data between the controller (130) and the server (140).

[0118] However, the controller (130) is not limited thereto, and may include any one of a simple controller, a complex processor such as a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, a processor configured by software, dedicated hardware, and firmware. The controller (130) may be implemented by, for example, a general-purpose computer or application-specific hardware such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0119] The cutting of the first cathode cutter (113N1), the anode cutter (113P), and the second cathode cutter (113N2) can be performed based on a pitch, which is a constant repeating unit. The pitch can be the minimum unit length in which the same shape and structure are repeated, such as the length in the running direction between the anode tabs (TP) of adjacent anodes (EPP). The cathode sheets (ESP) are cut to substantially the same target length, and the input amount of the cathode sheets (ESP) can be proportional to the cut count of the cathode cutter (113P) (e.g., the second cut count signal (CCSP)). Similarly, the cathode sheets (ESN1, ESN2) are cut to substantially the same target length, and the input amount of the first cathode sheets (ESN1, ESN2) can be proportional to the cut count of the first cathode cutter (113N1) (e.g., the first cut count signal (CCSN1)). Additionally, the amount of the second cathode sheet (ESN2) input may be proportional to the cut count of the second cathode cutter (113N2) (e.g., the third cut count signal (CCSN2)).

[0120] More specifically, the input amount of the first cathode sheet (ESN1) may be the sum of the product of the cut count Cutcount_N1 and the pitch Pitch_N1 and the offset length (OLN1_2), as in Equation 1. Here, the offset length (OLN1_2) may be the length of the first cathode sheet (ESN1) between the unwinder (111N1) and the first cathode cutter (113N1).

[0121] [Formula 1]

[0122]

[0123] The input amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) may be the sum of the product of the cut count Cutcount_P and the pitch Pitch_P and the offset length (OLP_2), as in Equation 2. Here, the offset length (OLP_2) may be the length of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) between the unwinder (111P) and the positive electrode cutter (113P).

[0124] [Formula 2]

[0125]

[0126] Similarly, the input amount of the second cathode sheet (ESN2) may be the sum of the product of the cut count Cutcount_N2 and the pitch Pitch_N2 and the offset length (OLN2_2), as in Equation 3. Here, the offset length (OLN2_2) may be the length of the second cathode sheet (ESN2) between the unwinder (111N2) and the second cathode cutter (113N2).

[0127] [Formula 3]

[0128]

[0129] In another example, the input amount of the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1) can be determined from the first input amount signal (UWSN1) of the rotary encoder (121N1), the input amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) can be determined from the second input amount signal (UWSP) of the rotary encoder (121P), and the input amount of the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2) can be determined from the third input amount signal (UWSN2) of the rotary encoder (121N2).

[0130] The input amount of the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1) may indicate the relative position of a portion of the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1) unwound by the unwinder (111N1) within the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1). The controller may be configured to determine the coordinates of an event occurring in the first negative electrode sheet (ESN) based on the input amount of the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1) and the offset lengths (OLN1_1, OLN1_2, OLN1_3).

[0131] For example, the coordinates of a portion of the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1) detected by the first negative electrode seam detection sensor (123N1) (i.e., the coordinates of the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1) from which the first seam detection signal (JSSN1) originates) can be determined by calculating (e.g., adding or subtracting) the input amount of the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1) and the offset length (OLN1_1). The offset length (OLN1_1) can be the length of the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1) between the unwinder (111N1) and the portion of the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1) detected by the first negative electrode seam detection sensor (123N1).

[0132] For example, the coordinates of a portion of the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1) cut by the first negative electrode cutter (113N1) can be determined by an operation (e.g., addition or subtraction) of the input amount of the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1) and the offset length (OLN1_2). The offset length (OLN1_2) can be the length of the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1) between the unwinder (111N1) and the portion of the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1) cut by the first negative electrode cutter (113N1).

[0133] For example, the coordinates (e.g., converted coordinates or equivalent coordinates) of the first cathode (EPN1) detected by the electrode ID reader (127) can be determined by calculating (e.g., adding or subtracting) the input amount of the first cathode sheet (ESN1) and the offset length (OLN1_3). The offset length (OLN1_3) can be the length (e.g., converted length or equivalent length) of the first cathode sheet (ESN1) between the unwinder (111N1) and the first cathode (EPN1) detected by the electrode ID reader (127).

[0134] At this time, there are first cathodes (EPN1) rather than the first cathode sheet (ESN1) between the first cathode cutter (113N1) and the electrode ID reader (127). Therefore, the offset length (OLN1_3) is not the length of the actual cathode sheet (ESN1), but may be an equivalent length calculated based on the cut count of the first cathode cutter (113N1) or determined from the first input signal (UWSN1).

[0135]

[0136] The amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) input may indicate the relative position of a portion of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) unwound by the unwinder (111P) within the positive electrode sheet (ESP). The controller may be configured to determine the coordinates of an event occurring in the positive electrode sheet (ESP) based on the amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) input and the offset lengths (OLP_1, OLP_2, OLP_3).

[0137] For example, the coordinates of a portion of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) detected by the seam detection sensor (123P) (i.e., the coordinates of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) from which the second seam detection signal (JSSP) originates) can be determined by calculating (e.g., adding or subtracting) the input amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) and the offset length (OLP_1). The offset length (OLP_1) can be the length of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) between the unwinder (111P) and the portion of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) detected by the seam detection sensor (123P).

[0138] For example, the coordinates of a portion of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) cut by the positive electrode cutter (113P) can be determined by an operation (e.g., addition or subtraction) of the input amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) and the offset length (OLP)2). The offset length (OLP_2) can be the length of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) between the unwinder (111P) and the portion of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) cut by the positive electrode cutter (113P).

[0139] For example, the coordinates (e.g., converted coordinates or equivalent coordinates) of the positive electrode (EPP) coupled with the first negative electrode (EPN1) detected by the electrode ID reader (127) can be determined by calculating (e.g., adding or subtracting) the input amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) and the offset length (OLP_3). The offset length (OLP_3) can be the length (e.g., converted length or equivalent length) of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) between the unwinder (111P) and the positive electrode (EPP) coupled with the first negative electrode (EPN1) detected by the electrode ID reader (127).

[0140] At this time, there are anodes (EPP) rather than anode sheets (ESP) between the anode cutter (113P) and the electrode ID reader (127). Therefore, the offset length (OLP_3) is not the length of the actual anode sheet (ESP), but may be calculated based on the cut count of the anode cutter (113P) or may be an equivalent length determined from the second input amount signal (UWSP).

[0141] The amount of input of the second cathode sheet (ESN2) can indicate the relative position of the portion of the second cathode sheet (ESN2) unwound by the unwinder (111N2) within the second cathode sheet (ESN2).

[0142] The controller may be configured to determine the coordinates of an event occurring in the second cathode sheet (ESN2) based on the input amount and offset lengths (OLN2_1, OLN2_2, OLN2_3) of the second cathode sheet (ESN2).

[0143]

[0144] For example, the coordinates of a portion of the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2) detected by the second negative electrode seam detection sensor (123N2) (i.e., the coordinates of the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2) from which the third seam detection signal (JSSN2) originates) can be determined by calculating (e.g., adding or subtracting) the input amount of the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2) and the offset length (OLN1_1). The offset length (OLN2_1) can be the length of the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2) between the unwinder (111N2) and the portion of the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2) detected by the second negative electrode seam detection sensor (123N2).

[0145] For example, the coordinates of a portion of the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2) cut by the second negative electrode cutter (113N2) can be determined by an operation (e.g., addition or subtraction) of the input amount of the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2) and the offset length (OLN2_2). The offset length (OLN2_2) can be the length of the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2) between the unwinder (111N2) and the portion of the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2) cut by the second negative electrode cutter (123N2).

[0146] For example, the coordinates (e.g., converted coordinates or equivalent coordinates) of the second cathode (EPN2) coupled with the anode (EPP), corresponding to the lower portion of the anode (EPP) coupled with the first cathode (EPN1) detected by the electrode ID reader (127), can be determined by calculating (e.g., adding or subtracting) the input amount of the second cathode sheet (ESN2) and the offset length (OLN2_3). The offset length (OLN2_3) can be the length (e.g., converted length or equivalent length) of the second cathode sheet (ESN2) between the unwinder (111N2) and the second cathode (EPN2) detected by the electrode ID reader (127).

[0147] At this time, there are second cathodes (EPN2) rather than the second cathode sheet (ESN2) between the second cathode cutter (113N2) and the electrode ID reader (127). Therefore, the offset length (OLN2_3) is not the length of the actual cathode sheet (ESN2), but may be calculated based on the cut count of the second cathode cutter (113N2) or may be an equivalent length determined from the third input signal (UWSN2).

[0148]

[0149] The coordinates of the negative electrode sheets (ESN1, ESN2) can be matched to each part of the negative electrode sheets (ESN1, ESN2). That is, each arbitrary point on the negative electrode sheets (ESN1, ESN2) can have a coordinate. The coordinate may be a one-dimensional quantity in the running direction (MD) (or longitudinal direction) of the sheet material (SM), but is not limited thereto. The coordinate may also be a two-dimensional quantity in the running direction (MD) and the transverse direction (or width direction) of the negative electrode sheets (ESN).

[0150] The coordinates of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) can be matched to each part of the positive electrode sheet (ESP). That is, each arbitrary point on the positive electrode sheet (ESP) can have a coordinate. The coordinate may be a one-dimensional quantity in the running direction (MD) (or longitudinal direction) of the sheet material (SM), but is not limited thereto. The coordinate may also be a two-dimensional quantity in the running direction (MD) and the transverse direction (or width direction) of the positive electrode sheet (ESP).

[0151] The second cathode tab (TN2) of the second cathode (EPN2) may also include an electrode ID. However, when the electrode ID reader (127) is installed on the upper side of the first cathode (EPN1), the electrode ID reader (127) can only recognize the electrode ID of the first cathode (EPN1). That is, the electrode ID reader (127) cannot recognize the electrode ID of the second cathode (EPN2) which is arranged at the lowest position. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the coordinates of the anode (EPP) and the second cathode (EPN2) coupled with the first cathode (EPN1) are matched to the electrode ID of the first cathode (EPN1) detected by the electrode ID reader.

[0152] Of course, if the electrode ID reader (127) is placed below the second cathode (EPN2), the electrode ID of the second cathode (EPN2) can be recognized. In this case, the coordinates of the anode (EPP) and the first cathode (EPN1) coupled with the second cathode (EPN2) can be matched to the electrode ID of the second cathode (EPN2) detected by the electrode ID reader.

[0153] Meanwhile, if the electrode ID readers (127) are installed above the first cathode (EPN1) and below the second cathode (EPN2), respectively, the electrode IDs can be acquired from the first cathode (EPN1) and the second cathode (EPN2). In this case, the coordinates of the anode (EPP) can be matched to each acquired electrode ID. However, only one representative ID is sufficient to identify the manufactured bi-cell (BC). In other words, multiple IDs are not required for bi-cell (BC) identification and data management. In addition, if multiple electrode ID readers (127) are installed, the manufacturing cost increases. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the electrode ID of one electrode (an electrode having an electrode ID identifiable by an electrode ID reader at a specific position, in the present embodiment, the first cathode) selected from among three types of electrodes (the first to third electrodes) is detected, and the coordinates of the remaining electrodes are matched to this electrode ID. In addition, the coordinates of the electrode (first cathode) from which the electrode ID was acquired can also be matched to the electrode ID.

[0154] The controller (130) may be configured to collect coordinate-related electrode ID data (EIDD) based on an electrode ID detection signal (EIDS) detected from the first cathode (EPN1), a first dose of the first cathode sheet (ESN1), a second dose of the anode sheet (ESP), and a third dose of the second cathode sheet (ESN2).

[0155] The first input amount of the first cathode sheet (ESN1) can be calculated based on the cut count of the first cathode cutter (113N1) as described above, or can be determined by the first input amount signal (UWSN1).

[0156] The input amount of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) can be calculated based on the cut count of the positive electrode cutter (113P) as described above, or can be determined by the second input amount signal (UWSP).

[0157] The input amount of the second cathode sheet (ESN2) can be calculated based on the cut count of the second cathode cutter (113N2) as described above, or can be determined by the third input amount signal (UWSN2).

[0158] According to exemplary embodiments, the controller (130) can determine the coordinates of the first cathode (EPN1) detected by the electrode ID reader (127) through calculation of the input amount of the first cathode sheet (ESN1) and the offset length (OLN1_3). The controller (130) can be configured to match the coordinates of the first cathode (EPN1) detected by the electrode ID reader (127) with the electrode ID detection signal (EIDS).

[0159] According to exemplary embodiments, the controller (130) may be configured to determine the coordinates of the anode (EPP) coupled with the first cathode (EPN1) detected by the electrode ID reader (127) through calculation of the amount of the cathode sheet (ESP) input and the offset length (OLP_3). The controller (130) may be configured to match the coordinates of the anode (EPP) coupled with the first cathode (EPN1) detected by the electrode ID reader (127) with an electrode ID detection signal (EIDS).

[0160] According to exemplary embodiments, the controller (130) can determine the coordinates of the second cathode (EPN2) corresponding to the coordinates of the anode (EPP) coupled with the first cathode (EPN1) detected by the electrode ID reader (127) through calculation of the input amount of the second cathode sheet (ESN) and the offset length (OLN2_3). The controller (130) can be configured to match the coordinates of the second cathode (EPN2) with the electrode ID detection signal (EIDS).

[0161] Here, the coordinates of the first cathode (EPN1) may be any one of the start coordinates, the end coordinates of the first cathode (EPN1), and the coordinates of the first cathode tab (TN1). The coordinates of the first cathode (EPN1) may also include two or more of the start coordinates, the end coordinates of the first cathode (EPN1), and the coordinates of the first cathode tab (TN1).

[0162] Additionally, the coordinates of the positive electrode (EPP) may be any one of the start coordinates, the end coordinates, and the coordinates of the portion of the positive electrode (EPP) that overlaps with the first negative electrode tab (TN1). Additionally, the coordinates of the positive electrode (EPP) may include two or more of the start coordinates, the end coordinates, and the coordinates of the portion of the positive electrode (EPP) that overlaps with the first negative electrode tab (TN1).

[0163] In addition, the coordinates of the second cathode (EPN2) may be any one of the start coordinates, the end coordinates of the second cathode (EPN2) and the coordinates of the second cathode tab (TN2). The coordinates of the second cathode (EPN2) may include two or more of the start coordinates, the end coordinates of the second cathode (EPN2) and the coordinates of the second cathode tab (TN2). In addition, the coordinates of the second cathode (EPN2) may be the coordinates of the second cathode portion that overlaps the first cathode tab (TN1) and the anode (EPP).

[0164] In order to match the electrode ID (EID) and the coordinates of the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1), the coordinates of the positive electrode sheet (ESP), and the coordinates of the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2), the lot number of the first negative electrode roll (ERN1) from which the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1) is unwound, the lot number of the positive electrode roll (ERP) from which the positive electrode sheet (ESP) is unwound, and the lot number of the second negative electrode roll (ERN2) from which the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2) is unwound must be determined. The first seam detection signal (JSSN1), the second seam detection signal (JSSP), and the third seam detection signal (JSSN2) can be used to distinguish the lots. According to exemplary embodiments, the controller (130) can update the lot numbers of the first negative electrode roll (ERN1), the positive electrode roll (ERP), and the negative electrode roll (ERN2) based on the first seam detection signal (JSSN1), the second seam detection signal (JSSP), and the third seam detection signal (JSSN2). Accordingly, the coordinates of the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1), the coordinates of the positive electrode sheet (ESP), and the coordinates of the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2) can be reset based on the first seam detection signal (JSSN1), the second seam detection signal (JSSP), and the third seam detection signal (JSSN2).

[0165] An offset length (OLN1_1), an offset length (OLP_1), and an offset length (OLN2_1) may be used to update the lot number and reset the coordinates of the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1), the coordinates of the positive electrode sheet (ESP), and the coordinates of the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2). Here, the offset length (OLN1_1) may be the length of the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1) between the unwinder (111N1) and the first negative electrode seam detection sensor (123N1). Here, the offset length (OLP_1) may be the length of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) between the unwinder (111P) and the positive electrode seam detection sensor (123P). Here, the offset length (OLN2_1) may be the length of the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2) between the unwinder (111N2) and the second negative electrode seam detection sensor (123N2).

[0166] More specifically, when a new anode roll (ERP) is loaded onto the unwinder (111P), in order to continue the roll-to-roll process, the anode roll (ERP) must be connected to the anode sheet (ESP) of the remaining previous lot using a seam. For example, after loading the anode roll (ERP) of a new lot onto the unwinder (111P), the portion of the anode sheet (ESP) subsequent to the seam of the anode sheet (ESP) that is sensed for the first time can be determined to be unwound from the newly loaded anode roll (ERP). Accordingly, when the second seam detection signal (JSSP) is generated after loading the new anode roll (ERP), the controller (130) can be configured to match the electrode ID (EID) to the coordinates of the anode sheet (ESP) of the subsequent lot. The electrode ID (EID) of each of the cathodes (EPN1) combined with the anodes (EPP) can be assigned to different lots based on the loading of the anode roll (ERP) and the detection of the seam.

[0167] Similarly, when a new negative roll (ERN1 or ERN2) is loaded onto the unwinder (111N1 or 111N2), the negative roll (ERN1 or ERN2) must be connected to the remaining negative sheet (ESN1 or ESN2) of the previous lot using a seam to continue the roll-to-roll process. For example, after loading the negative roll (ERN1 or ERN2) of the new lot onto the unwinder (111N1 or 111N2), the portion of the negative sheet (ESN1 or ESN2) subsequent to the seam of the negative sheet (ESN1 or ESN2) that is sensed for the first time can be determined to be unwound from the newly loaded negative roll (ERN1 or ERN2). Accordingly, when a seam detection signal (JSSN1 or JSSN2) is generated after loading a new cathode roll (ERN1 or ERN2), the controller (130) can be configured to match the electrode ID (EID) to the coordinates of the cathode sheet (ESN1 or ESN2) of the subsequent lot. The electrode ID (EID) of each cathode (EPN1 or EPN2) can be assigned to a different lot based on the loading of the cathode roll (ERN1 or ERN2) and the detection of the seam.

[0168] The coordinate-associated electrode ID data (EIDD) may include at least one of the electrode ID (EID) of the first cathode (EPN1) and the coordinates of the first cathode sheet (EPN1), the coordinates of the anode sheet (ESP), and the coordinates of the second cathode sheet (ESN2) that match the electrode ID (EID) of the first cathode (EPN1).

[0169] The server (140) may be configured to relay communication between the controller (130) and the server (150). The server (140) may be, for example, a communication server. The language and protocol of the server (150) may be different from the language and protocol of the controller (130). For example, the language of the server (150) may be SQL, and the language of the controller (130) may be ladder diagram. In addition, the server (140) may be configured to convert data collected by the controller (130), such as coordinate-associated electrode identification data (EIDD), into the language of the server (150) and record the converted data in the database of the server (150).

[0170] The server (150) may be configured to store coordinate-associated electrode identification data (EIDD). It may be configured to process the coordinate-associated electrode identification data (EIDD). The server (150) may be configured to transmit the coordinate-associated electrode identification data (EIDD) to the server (160). The server (160) may be, for example, a data warehouse, and may store the coordinate-associated electrode identification data (EIDD) for a long period of time based on the product's quality assurance period, etc. Accordingly, tracking of the manufacturing process according to the product's life cycle may be provided.

[0171] Furthermore, the server (160) can provide a match between the roll maps of the preceding process (e.g., electrode process) of the first cathode roll (ERN1), the roll maps of the preceding process of the anode roll (ERP), and the roll maps of the preceding process of the second cathode roll (ERN2) and the electrode ID (EID). Since the server (160) is a data warehouse, it can include historical data (i.e., roll maps) for the manufacturing of the first cathode roll (ERN1), can include historical data (i.e., roll maps) for the manufacturing of the anode roll (ERP), and can include historical data (i.e., roll maps) for the manufacturing of the second cathode roll (ERN2).

[0172] Here, the roll map can represent process events of the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1), the positive electrode sheet (ESP), and the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2) based on coordinates indicating positions on the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1), the positive electrode sheet (ESP), and the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2). As described above, a process for manufacturing a secondary battery can be performed on the first negative electrode sheet (ESN1), the positive electrode sheet (ESP), and the second negative electrode sheet (ESN2).

[0173] The roll map may include event data representing events in the roll-to-roll process of the electrode sheets (ESN1, ESP, ESN2). Event data generally occurs as the process progresses, and thus is time-series data. Accordingly, data on process events may include values ​​representing the events and time values ​​corresponding to the values. Time-series data may be temporally ordered. Temporal ordering is a key characteristic of time-series data, which organizes events in the order in which they occur and arrive for processing. That is, time-series data may be stored based on the time at which an event occurs (i.e., the time at which inspection and measurement are performed, or the time at which a process action is performed), and events may be associated with time values.

[0174] The roll map represents the history of processes performed on the electrode sheets (ESN1, ESP, ESN2) and may include coordinate-related data. Accordingly, the roll map enables feedback, feedforward, and tracking of the secondary battery manufacturing process.

[0175] The manufacturing of secondary batteries involves a series of different processes, with the leading process influencing the following process. Feedforward refers to the correction of subsequent processes based on data generated from the results of the preceding process. However, if the time-series data of the preceding process does not directly match the real-world workpieces, semi-finished products, and finished products, it is difficult to reflect the time-series data of the preceding process in subsequent processes. Here, the workpiece refers to the product provided as the result of each process, such as an electrode sheet (ESN1, ESP, ESN2) that has undergone a coating process, a roll press process, and a slitting process. The semi-finished product may refer to one of cut separators, electrodes, and an assembly thereof. The semi-finished product may also be a structure comprising a housing and an electrode assembly embedded in the housing (in some cases, the structure further includes an electrolyte). The product refers to a product that has been processed to be operable as a secondary battery through an activation process. The definitions of work-pieces, semi-finished products and finished products set forth above are only one aspect of these and do not exclude the usual definitions of these.

[0176] For feedforward, time-series data must be associated with the actual locations of workpieces, parts, semi-finished products, and finished products in the real world. In a roll map, time-series data, such as measurement data, can be associated with coordinate data based on the movement amount (i.e., either the input or output amount) of electrode sheets (ESN1, ESP, and ESN2). The roll map can associate time-series data with coordinate data, which includes coordinates representing the actual locations of workpieces, parts, semi-finished products, and finished products in the real world. Accordingly, the creation of a roll map and feedforward based on the roll map can quantify and objectify aspects of the process previously dependent on the operator's discretion, thereby improving production efficiency and quality.

[0177] Furthermore, the roll map, as described below, is cumulatively generated for work pieces, parts, semi-finished products, and products of unit processes, thereby enabling tracking of the process history for shipped products (e.g., battery cells, battery modules, or battery packs).

[0178] The battery cells (BC) include an electrode ID (EID) formed on the first negative tabs (TN1), and the server (150) may include lot numbers and coordinates of the positive and negative electrodes included in the battery cells that match the electrode ID (EID). In other words, the positive and negative electrodes (EPP) and negative electrodes (EPN) included in the battery cell may be associated with a roll map by the electrode ID (EID). Accordingly, when an event such as a quality issue occurs in the already shipped battery cells (BC) (or a battery cell including the battery cells (BC)), the history of collective data of the manufacturing of the corresponding battery cells (BC) may be retrieved based on the electrode ID.

[0179] A roll map can be generated on a lot-by-lot basis. A lot is a production unit of a roll-to-roll process, and the first negative electrode roll (ERN1), the positive electrode roll (ERP), and the second negative electrode roll (ERN2) loaded onto the unwinders (111N1, 111P, 111N) are examples of lots. Accordingly, the server (160) can be configured to store roll maps of the first negative electrode roll (ERN1), the positive electrode roll (ERP), and the second negative electrode roll (ERN2).

[0180] The servers (140, 150, 160) may be implemented using hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the servers (140, 150, 160) may include computing devices such as workstation computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, etc. The servers (140, 150, 160) may also include any of simple controllers, complex processors such as microprocessors, CPUs, GPUs, processors configured by software, dedicated hardware, and firmware. The servers (140, 150, 160) may be implemented using, for example, general-purpose computers or application-specific hardware such as digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and application specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0181] The servers (140, 150, 160) may include physical servers or cloud servers. The servers (140, 150, 160) may provide data and analysis results to workers via various frameworks. The frameworks may include protocols that support data transfer, allowing client devices to visualize data through a user interface and provide updated visualizations when new data is calculated by the servers (220, 230). The protocols that support the data transfer may use HTML, JavaScript, and / or JSON.

[0182] The servers (140, 150, 160) may include various Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for storing data in databases and other data management tools. The APIs may also be used to retrieve data from databases in various data management systems. The data management systems may provide access to the databases, pull data from the databases, retrieve data, and generate metrics. Metrics are tools for visualizing data. Metrics include time-series measurements and can be used for monitoring applications and generating status alerts.

[0183] According to some embodiments, the operations of the servers (140, 150, 160) may be implemented as instructions stored on a machine-readable medium that can be read and executed by one or more processors. Here, the machine-readable medium may include any mechanism for storing and / or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computing device). For example, the machine-readable medium may include Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory, electrical, optical, acoustical or other forms of radio signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.), and any other signals.

[0184] The servers (140, 150, 160) may be configured with firmware, software, routines, and instructions for performing the operations described above or any of the processes described below. For example, the servers (140, 150, 160) may be instantiated in memory.

[0185] However, this is for convenience of explanation, and the operations of the above-described servers (140, 150, 160) may also be caused by other devices executing computing devices, distributed computing devices, processors, firmware, software, routines, and instructions.

[0186] The secondary battery manufacturing system (10) may implement a plug-in architecture with an API for data acquisition to provide plug-and-play connection of rotary encoders (121N1, 121P, 121N2), seam detection sensors (123N1, 123P, 123N2), electrode gap sensor (125), and electrode ID reader (127). Accordingly, resources at a specific process step and site can be easily transferred to other processes and other sites, or new resources can be easily introduced to each process step and site.

[0187] The data network between the elements of the secondary battery manufacturing system (10) may include various types of communication channels, including unidirectional, bidirectional wired, and wireless communications. For example, the data network may include an industrial protocol network such as OPC, Modbus, ProfiNet, etc. The communication channel may be a dedicated conduit communication such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), IEEE 802 (Ethernet), IEEE 1394 (FireWire), or other high-speed data communication standards. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will readily be able to access the secondary battery manufacturing system (100) including an integrated server that performs the functions of the server (150) and the server (160), based on the description herein.

[0188]

[0189] (Example 2)

[0190] Figure 8 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments.

[0191] Figure 9 shows the relative positions of elements with respect to the first electrode sheet (ESP1).

[0192] Figure 10 shows the relative positions of elements with respect to the second electrode sheet (ESN).

[0193] Figure 11 shows the relative positions of elements with respect to the third electrode sheet (ESP2).

[0194] Referring to FIG. 8, the secondary battery manufacturing system (101) may include a first positive electrode unwinder (111P1), a negative electrode unwinder (111N), a second positive electrode unwinder (111P2), electrode cutters (113P1, 113N, 113P2), a separator cutter (117), rotary encoders (121P1, 121N, 121P2), seam detection sensors (123P, 123N, 123P2), an electrode gap sensor (125), an electrode ID reader (127), a controller (130), and servers (140, 150, 160).

[0195] In the system of FIG. 8, guide rolls may be arranged to guide the separator sheets or electrode sheets for lamination. For simplicity, the guide rolls are not illustrated in FIG. 8. In addition, the separator rolls and the separator unwinders are not illustrated.

[0196] The present embodiment is a manufacturing system for laminating an A-type bi-cell illustrated in FIG. 3, in which one cathode is arranged between two anodes having the same polarity. From the top of the drawing, a first cathode roll (ERP1), a cathode roll (ERN), and a second cathode roll (ERP2) are arranged in that order. The first cathode roll (ERP1) may be referred to as a first electrode roll, the cathode roll (ERN) as a second electrode roll, and the second cathode roll (ERP2) as a third electrode roll. In addition, the first cathode sheet (ESP1) may be referred to as a first electrode sheet, the cathode sheet (ESN) as a second electrode sheet, and the second cathode sheet (ESP2) as a third electrode sheet. In addition, the first cathode (EPP1) may be referred to as a first electrode, the cathode (EPN) as a second electrode, and the second cathode (EPP2) as a third electrode.

[0197] Unwinders (111P1, 111N, 111P2) may be configured to input roll-shaped materials into the secondary battery manufacturing system (100). More specifically, the unwinder (111P1) may be configured to unwind a first positive electrode sheet (ESP1) from a first positive electrode roll (ERP1), the unwinder (111N) may be configured to unwind a negative electrode sheet (ESN) from a negative electrode roll (ERN), and the unwinder (111P2) may be configured to unwind a second positive electrode sheet (ESP2) from a second positive electrode roll (ERP2). Although not shown, as shown in FIG. 1, membrane unwinders (111S1, 111S2) and membrane rolls (SR1, SR2) may be provided, and the unwinders (111S1, 111S2) may be configured to unwind membrane sheets (SS1, SS2) from the membrane rolls.

[0198] As described above, the first positive electrode roll (ERP1), the negative electrode roll (ERN), and the second positive electrode roll (ERP2) can be provided through a series of processes for manufacturing a secondary battery. For example, the first positive electrode roll (ERP1), the negative electrode roll (ERN), and the second positive electrode roll (ERP2) can be provided through a coating process, a roll pressing process, a selective slitting process, and a notching process.

[0199] In the notching process, a first positive electrode tab (TP1), negative electrode tabs (TN), and second positive electrode tabs (TP2) may be formed. In the notching process, an electrode ID (EID) may be formed on the negative electrode tabs (TN). The electrode ID (EID) may be formed by a method such as laser printing or ink printing. Accordingly, each of the negative electrode tabs (TN) may include the electrode ID (EID). Unlike the negative electrode tabs (TN), the positive electrode tabs (TP1, TP2) may not include the electrode ID (EID) to prevent defects.

[0200] The electrode identification (EID) may include a symbol indicating the sequence number of the negative electrode tabs (TN). The symbol of the electrode identification (EID) may include, but is not limited to, Arabic numerals. The symbol of the electrode identification (EID) may include any character that can provide information about the sequence number of the negative electrode tabs (TN).

[0201] The first positive electrode cutter (113P1) may be configured to cut the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1). A plurality of first positive electrodes (EPP1) may be provided by cutting the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1). The negative electrode cutter (113N) may be configured to cut the negative electrode sheet (ESN). A plurality of negative electrodes (EPN) may be provided by cutting the negative electrode sheet (ESN). The second positive electrode cutter (113P2) may be configured to cut the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2). A plurality of second positive electrodes (EPP2) may be provided by cutting the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2).

[0202] The controller (130) can control the operations of the first positive electrode cutter (113P1), the negative electrode cutter (113N), and the second positive electrode cutter (113P2) as described below, and accordingly can be configured to count the cuts of the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1) by the first positive electrode cutter (113P1), the cuts of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) by the negative electrode cutter (113N), and the cuts of the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2) by the second positive electrode cutter (113P2). For example, the controller (130) can be configured to receive a first cut count signal (CCSP1) from the first positive electrode cutter (113P1), a second cut count signal (CSSN) from the negative electrode cutter (113N), and a third cut count signal (CCSP2) from the second positive electrode cutter (113P2).

[0203] The cut first positive electrodes (EPP1) and negative electrodes (EPN) can be electrically and physically separated, for example, by a separator sheet (SS1). The cut negative electrodes (EPN) and second positive electrodes (EPP2) can be electrically and physically separated, for example, by a separator sheet (SS2).

[0204] The separator cutter (117) may be configured to cut the separator sheets (SS1, SS2). Before cutting the separator sheets (SS1, SS2) by the separator cutter (117), the laminated structure of the separator sheets (SS1, SS2), the first positive electrodes (EPP1), the negative electrodes (EPN), and the second positive electrodes (EPP2) may be pressed by a nip roll (not shown) or the like. By cutting the separator sheets (SS1, SS2), the A-type bi-cell (BC) of FIG. 3 including the first positive electrodes (EPP1), the negative electrodes (EPN), the second positive electrodes (EPP2), and the separators (SS1, SS2) may be provided.

[0205] The first bipolar rotary encoder (121P1) may be configured to detect the rotational amount of the unwinder (111P1). The first bipolar rotary encoder (121P1) may be configured to detect the amount of the first bipolar sheet (ESP1) unwound from the first bipolar roll (ERP1) by the unwinder (111P1). Accordingly, the first bipolar rotary encoder (121P1) may be configured to generate a first input amount signal (UWSP1) indicating the length of the first bipolar sheet (ESP1) unwound by the unwinder (111P1) (i.e., the input amount of the first bipolar sheet (ESP1)). The first bipolar rotary encoder (121P1) may be configured to transmit the first input amount signal (UWSP1) to the controller (130).

[0206] The rotary encoder (121N) may be configured to detect the rotational amount of the unwinder (111N). The rotary encoder (121N) may be configured to detect the amount of the negative sheet (ESN) unwound from the negative roll (ERN) by the unwinder (111N). Accordingly, the rotary encoder (121N) may be configured to generate a second input amount signal (UWSN) indicating the length of the negative sheet (ESN) unwound by the unwinder (111N) (i.e., the input amount of the negative sheet (ESN)). The rotary encoder (121N) may be configured to transmit the second input amount signal (UWSN) to the controller (130).

[0207] The second bipolar rotary encoder (121P2) may be configured to detect the rotation amount of the unwinder (111P2). The second bipolar rotary encoder (121P2) may be configured to detect the amount of the second bipolar sheet (ESP2) unwound from the second bipolar roll (ERP2) by the unwinder (111P2). Accordingly, the second bipolar rotary encoder (121P2) may be configured to generate a third input amount signal (UWSP2) indicating the length of the second bipolar sheet (ESP2) unwound by the unwinder (111P2) (i.e., the input amount of the second bipolar sheet (ESP2)). The second bipolar rotary encoder (121P2) may be configured to transmit the third input amount signal (UWSP2) to the controller (130).

[0208] The first positive electrode seam detection sensor (123P1) may be configured to detect a seam of the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1). Here, the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1) may include a seam when the first positive electrode roll (ERP1) is replaced (i.e., when a subsequent first positive electrode roll (ERP1) is loaded onto the unwinder (111P1), when a breakage of the electrode occurs during the self-process (i.e., processing of the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1) by the secondary battery manufacturing system (100), and when a breakage of the electrode occurs during the pre-process (i.e., processing of the first positive electrode roll (ERP1) before being loaded onto the unwinder (111P1).

[0209] The first anode joint detection sensor (123P1) may be, for example, a color sensor, but is not limited thereto. The first anode joint detection sensor (123P1) may be configured to generate a first joint detection signal (JSSP1). The first joint detection signal (JSSP1) may be transmitted to the controller (130).

[0210] The negative electrode seam detection sensor (123N) may be configured to detect a seam of the negative electrode sheet (ESN). Here, the negative electrode sheet (ESN) may include a seam when the negative electrode roll (ERN) is replaced (i.e., when a subsequent negative electrode roll (ERN) is loaded into the unwinder (111N), when a breakage of the electrode occurs in the self-process (i.e., processing of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) by the secondary battery manufacturing system (100), and when a breakage of the electrode occurs in the pre-process (i.e., processing of the negative electrode roll (ERN) before being loaded into the unwinder (111N).

[0211] The cathode seam detection sensor (123N) may be, for example, a color sensor, but is not limited thereto. The cathode seam detection sensor (123N) may be configured to generate a second seam detection signal (JSSN). The second seam detection signal (JSSN) may be transmitted to the controller (130).

[0212] The second positive electrode seam detection sensor (123P2) may be configured to detect the seam of the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2). Here, the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2) may include a seam when the second positive electrode roll (ERP2) is replaced (i.e., when a subsequent second positive electrode roll (ERP2) is loaded onto the unwinder (111P2), when a breakage of the electrode occurs during the self-process (i.e., processing of the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2) by the secondary battery manufacturing system (100), and when a breakage of the electrode occurs during the pre-process (i.e., processing of the second positive electrode roll (ERP2) before being loaded onto the unwinder (111P2).

[0213] The second anode joint detection sensor (123P2) may be, for example, a color sensor, but is not limited thereto. The second anode joint detection sensor (123P2) may be configured to generate a third joint detection signal (JSSP2). The third joint detection signal (JSSP2) may be transmitted to the controller (130).

[0214] The electrode gap sensor (125) may be configured to detect gaps between the first anodes (EPP1), the cathodes (EPN), and the second anodes (EPN). For example, the electrode gap sensor (125) may be configured to detect gaps between the first anodes (EPP1). For another example, the electrode gap sensor (125) may be configured to detect gaps between the cathodes (EPN). For another example, the electrode gap sensor (125) may be configured to detect gaps between the second anodes (EPP2). For another example, the electrode gap sensor (125) may be configured to detect each of the gaps between the first anodes (EPP1), the gaps between the cathodes (EPN), and the gaps between the second anodes (EPP2).

[0215] The electrode gap sensor (125) may be configured to generate a gap detection signal (ISS). The electrode gap sensor (125) may be configured to transmit the gap detection signal (ISS) to the controller (130).

[0216] The electrode ID reader (127) may be configured to detect an electrode ID (EID). The electrode ID reader (127) may be configured to read out a sequence number indicated by the electrode ID (EID). The electrode ID reader (127) may be configured to generate an electrode ID detection signal (EIDS) based on detection of the electrode ID (EID). The electrode ID reader (127) may be configured to transmit the electrode ID detection signal (EIDS) to the controller (130).

[0217] The controller (130) may be configured to control elements of the secondary battery manufacturing system (100), such as, for example, unwinders (111P1, 111N, 111P2, 111S1, 111S2), a first positive electrode cutter (113P1), a negative electrode cutter (113N), a second positive electrode cutter (113P2), and a separator cutter (117).

[0218] The controller (130) may be in operative communication with the rotary encoders (121P1, 121N, 121P2), the seam detection sensors (123P1, 123N, 123P2), the electrode gap sensor (125), and the electrode ID reader (127) via a wired or wireless data network. The rotary encoders (121P1, 121N, 121P2), the seam detection sensors (123P1, 123N, 123P2), the electrode gap sensor (125), and the electrode ID reader (127) may be configured to collect data from equipment, workpieces, semi-finished products, and products within the secondary battery manufacturing system (100), or to generate signals for collecting data.

[0219] As a non-limiting example, the controller (130) may be a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC).

[0220] The controller (130) may include a power supply, a CPU, an input interface, an output interface, a communication interface, and memory devices. For the operation of the controller (130), it may be configured to supply power to other elements of the controller (130), such as the CPU, the input interface, the output interface, the communication interface, and the memory devices.

[0221] However, it is not limited thereto, and the controller (130) may include any one of a simple controller, a complex processor such as a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, a processor configured by software, dedicated hardware, and firmware.

[0222] The cutting of the first positive cutter (113P1), the negative cutter (113N), and the second positive cutter (113P2) can be performed based on a pitch, which is a constant repeating unit. The pitch can be the minimum unit length in which the same shape and structure are repeated, such as the length in the running direction between the positive tabs (TP1, TP2) of the adjacent positive electrodes (EPP1, EPP2). The positive electrode sheets (ESP1, ESP2) are cut to substantially the same target length, and the input amount of the positive electrode sheets (ESP1, ESP2) can be proportional to the cut count of the positive electrode cutters (113P1, 113P2) (e.g., the first cut count signal (CCSP1), the third cut count signal (CCSP2)). Similarly, the negative electrode sheets (ESN) are cut to substantially the same target length, and the input amount of the negative electrode sheets (ESN) can be proportional to the cut count of the negative electrode cutter (113N) (e.g., the second cut count signal (CCSN)).

[0223] More specifically, the input amount of the first anode sheet (ESP1) may be the sum of the product of the cut count Cutcount_P1 and the pitch Pitch_P1 and the offset length (OLP1_2), as in Equation 4. Here, the offset length (OLP1_2) may be the length of the first anode sheet (ESP1) between the unwinder (111P1) and the first anode cutter (113P1).

[0224] [Formula 4]

[0225]

[0226] The input amount of the negative sheet (ESN) may be the sum of the product of the cut count Cutcount_N and the pitch Pitch_N and the offset length (OLN_2), as in Equation 5. Here, the offset length (OLN_2) may be the length of the negative sheet (ESN) between the unwinder (111N) and the negative cutter (113N).

[0227] [Formula 5]

[0228]

[0229] Similarly, the input amount of the second anode sheet (ESP2) may be the sum of the product of the cut count Cutcount_P2 and the pitch Pitch_P2 and the offset length (OLP2_2), as in Equation 6. Here, the offset length (OLP2_2) may be the length of the second anode sheet (ESP2) between the unwinder (111P2) and the second anode cutter (113P2).

[0230] [Formula 6]

[0231]

[0232] In another example, the input amount of the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1) can be determined from the first input amount signal (UWSP1) of the rotary encoder (121P1), the input amount of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) can be determined from the second input amount signal (UWSN) of the rotary encoder (121N), and the input amount of the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2) can be determined from the third input amount signal (UWSP2) of the rotary encoder (121P2).

[0233] The input amount of the first anode sheet (ESP1) may indicate the relative position of a portion of the first anode sheet (ESP1) unwound by the unwinder (111P1) within the first anode sheet (ESP1). The controller may be configured to determine the coordinates of an event occurring in the first anode sheet (ESP1) based on the input amount of the first anode sheet (ESP1) and the offset lengths (OLP1_1, OLP1_2, OLP1_3).

[0234] For example, the coordinates of a portion of the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1) detected by the first positive electrode seam detection sensor (123P1) (i.e., the coordinates of the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1) from which the first seam detection signal (JSSP1) originates) can be determined by calculating (e.g., adding or subtracting) the input amount of the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1) and the offset length (OLP1_1). The offset length (OLP1_1) can be the length of the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1) between the unwinder (111P1) and the portion of the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1) detected by the first positive electrode seam detection sensor (123P1).

[0235] For example, the coordinates of a portion of the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1) cut by the first positive electrode cutter (113P1) can be determined by calculating (e.g., adding or subtracting) the input amount of the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1) and the offset length (OLP1_2). The offset length (OLP1_2) can be the length of the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1) between the unwinder (111P1) and the portion of the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1) cut by the first positive electrode cutter (113P1).

[0236] For example, the coordinates (e.g., converted coordinates or equivalent coordinates) of the first anode (EPP1) coupled with the cathode (EPN) detected by the electrode ID reader (127) can be determined by calculating (e.g., adding or subtracting) the input amount of the first anode sheet (ESP1) and the offset length (OLP1_3). The offset length (OLP1_3) can be the length (e.g., converted length or equivalent length) of the first anode sheet (ESP1) between the unwinder (111P1) and the first anode (EPP1) coupled with the cathode (EPN) detected by the electrode ID reader (127).

[0237] At this time, there are first anodes (EPP1), not the first anode sheet (ESP1), between the first anode cutter (113P1) and the electrode ID reader (127). Therefore, the offset length (OLP1_3) is not the length of the actual cathode sheet (ESP1), but may be calculated based on the cut count of the first anode cutter (113P1) or may be an equivalent length determined from the first input signal (UWSP1).

[0238]

[0239] The amount of input of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) can indicate the relative position of a portion of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) unwound by the unwinder (111N) within the negative electrode sheet (ESN). The controller can be configured to determine the coordinates of an event occurring in the negative electrode sheet (ESN) based on the amount of input of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) and the offset lengths (OLN_1, OLN_2, OLN_3).

[0240] For example, the coordinates of a portion of the negative sheet (ESN) detected by the seam detection sensor (123N) (i.e., the coordinates of the negative sheet (ESN) from which the second seam detection signal (JSSN) originates) can be determined by calculating (e.g., adding or subtracting) the input amount of the negative sheet (ESN) and the offset length (OLN_1). The offset length (OLN_1) can be the length of the negative sheet (ESN) between the unwinder (111N) and the portion of the negative sheet (ESN) detected by the seam detection sensor (123N).

[0241] For example, the coordinates of a portion of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) cut by the negative electrode cutter (113N) can be determined by an operation (e.g., addition or subtraction) of the input amount of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) and the offset length (OLN_2). The offset length (OLP_2) can be the length of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) between the unwinder (111N) and the portion of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) cut by the negative electrode cutter (113N).

[0242] For example, the coordinates (e.g., converted coordinates or equivalent coordinates) of the negative electrode (EPN) detected by the electrode ID reader (127) can be determined by the calculation (e.g., addition or subtraction) of the input amount of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) and the offset length (OLN_3). The offset length (OLN_3) can be the length (e.g., converted length or equivalent length) of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) between the unwinder (111N) and the negative electrode (EPN) detected by the electrode ID reader (127).

[0243] At this time, there are cathodes (EPN) rather than cathode sheets (ESN) between the cathode cutter (113N) and the electrode ID reader (127). Therefore, the offset length (OLN_3) is not the length of the actual cathode sheet (ESN), but may be calculated based on the cut count of the cathode cutter (113N) or may be an equivalent length determined from the second input signal (UWSN).

[0244]

[0245] The amount of input of the second anode sheet (ESP2) may indicate the relative position of a portion of the second anode sheet (ESP2) unwound by the unwinder (111P2) within the second anode sheet (ESP2). The controller may be configured to determine the coordinates of an event occurring in the second anode sheet (ESP2) based on the amount of input of the second anode sheet (ESP2) and the offset lengths (OLP2_1, OLP2_2, OLP2_3).

[0246] For example, the coordinates of a portion of the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2) detected by the second positive electrode seam detection sensor (123P2) (i.e., the coordinates of the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2) from which the third seam detection signal (JSSP2) originates) can be determined by calculating (e.g., adding or subtracting) the input amount of the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2) and the offset length (OLP1_1). The offset length (OLP2_1) can be the length of the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2) between the unwinder (111P2) and the portion of the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2) detected by the second positive electrode seam detection sensor (123P2).

[0247] For example, the coordinates of a portion of the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2) cut by the second positive electrode cutter (113P2) can be determined by calculating (e.g., adding or subtracting) the input amount of the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2) and the offset length (OLP2_2). The offset length (OLP2_2) can be the length of the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2) between the portion of the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2) cut by the unwinder (111P2) and the second positive electrode cutter (123P2).

[0248] For example, the coordinates (e.g., converted coordinates or equivalent coordinates) of the second positive electrode (EPP2) coupled with the negative electrode (EPN) detected by the electrode ID reader (127) can be determined by calculating (e.g., adding or subtracting) the input amount of the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2) and the offset length (OLP2_3). The offset length (OLP2_3) can be the length (e.g., converted length or equivalent length) of the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2) between the unwinder (111P2) and the second positive electrode (EPP2) detected by the electrode ID reader (127).

[0249] At this time, there are second anodes (EPP2) rather than the second anode sheet (ESP2) between the second anode cutter (113P2) and the electrode ID reader (127). Therefore, the offset length (OLP2_3) is not the length of the actual cathode sheet (ESP2), but may be calculated based on the cut count of the second anode cutter (113P2) or may be an equivalent length determined from the third input signal (UWSP2).

[0250]

[0251] The coordinates of the positive electrode sheets (ESP1, ESP2) can be matched to each part of the positive electrode sheets (ESP1, ESP2). That is, each arbitrary point on the positive electrode sheets (ESP1, ESP2) can have a coordinate. The coordinate may be a one-dimensional quantity in the running direction (MD) (or longitudinal direction) of the sheet material (SM), but is not limited thereto. The coordinate may also be a two-dimensional quantity in the running direction (MD) and the transverse direction (or width direction) of the negative electrode sheet (ESN).

[0252] The coordinates of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) can be matched to each part of the negative electrode sheet (ESN). That is, each arbitrary point on the negative electrode sheet (ESN) can have a coordinate. The coordinate may be a one-dimensional quantity in the running direction (MD) (or longitudinal direction) of the sheet material (SM), but is not limited thereto. The coordinate may also be a two-dimensional quantity in the running direction (MD) and the transverse direction (or width direction) of the negative electrode sheet (ESN).

[0253] In this embodiment, only the negative electrode tab (TN) of the negative electrode (EPN) interposed between the first positive electrode (EPP1) and the second positive electrode (EPP2) includes an electrode ID. Since the size of the negative electrode (EPN) is larger than that of the positive electrodes (EPP1, EPP2), the electrode ID of the negative electrode tab (TN) can be recognized by an electrode ID reader placed on the upper part of the equipment.

[0254] The controller (130) may be configured to collect coordinate-related electrode ID data (EIDD) based on an electrode ID detection signal (EIDS) detected at the cathode (EPN), a first dose of the first anode sheet (ESP1), a second dose of the cathode sheet (ESN), and a third dose of the second anode sheet (ESP2).

[0255] The first input amount of the first anode sheet (ESP1) may be calculated based on the cut count of the first anode cutter (113P1) as described above, or may be determined by the first input amount signal (UWSP1).

[0256] The input amount of the cathode sheet (ESN) can be calculated based on the cut count of the cathode cutter (113N) as described above, or can be determined by the second input amount signal (UWSN).

[0257] The input amount of the second anode sheet (ESP2) can be calculated based on the cut count of the second anode cutter (113P2) as described above, or can be determined by the third input amount signal (UWSP2).

[0258] According to exemplary embodiments, the controller (130) can determine the coordinates of the first anode (EPP1) detected by the electrode ID reader (127) through calculation of the input amount of the first anode sheet (ESP1) and the offset length (OLP1_3). The controller (130) can be configured to match the coordinates of the first anode (EPP1) coupled with the cathode (EPN) detected by the electrode ID reader (127) with the electrode ID detection signal (EIDS).

[0259] According to exemplary embodiments, the controller (130) may be configured to determine the coordinates of the cathode (EPN) detected by the electrode ID reader (127) through calculation of the amount of the cathode sheet (ESN) injected and the offset length (OLN_3). The controller (130) may be configured to match the coordinates of the cathode (EPN) detected by the electrode ID reader (127) with an electrode ID detection signal (EIDS).

[0260] According to exemplary embodiments, the controller (130) can determine the coordinates of the second anode (EPP2) coupled with the cathode (EPN) detected by the electrode ID reader (127) through calculation of the input amount of the second anode sheet (ESN) and the offset length (OLP2_3). The controller (130) can be configured to match the coordinates of the second anode (EPP2) with the electrode ID detection signal (EIDS).

[0261] Here, the coordinates of the first anode (EPP1) may be any one of the start coordinates, the end coordinates, and the coordinates of the portion of the first anode (EPP1) that overlaps with the negative tab (TN). The coordinates of the first anode (EPP1) may also include two or more of the start coordinates, the end coordinates, and the coordinates of the portion of the first anode (EPP1) that overlaps with the negative tab (TN).

[0262] Additionally, the coordinates of the cathode (EPN) may be any one of the start coordinates, the end coordinates, and the coordinates of the cathode tab (TN) having an electrode ID of the cathode (EPN). Additionally, the coordinates of the cathode (EPN) may include two or more of the start coordinates, the end coordinates, and the coordinates of the cathode tab (TN) having an electrode ID of the cathode (EPN).

[0263] Additionally, the coordinates of the second anode (EPP2) may be any one of the start coordinates, the end coordinates, and the coordinates of the portion of the second anode (EPP2) that overlaps with the negative tab (TN). The coordinates of the second anode (EPP2) may include two or more of the start coordinates, the end coordinates, and the coordinates of the portion of the second anode (EPP2) that overlaps with the negative tab (TN).

[0264] In order to match the electrode ID (EID) and the coordinates of the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1), the coordinates of the negative electrode sheet (ESN), and the coordinates of the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2), the lot number of the first positive electrode roll (ERP1) from which the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1) is unwound, the lot number of the negative electrode roll (ERN) from which the negative electrode sheet (ESN) is unwound, and the lot number of the second positive electrode roll (ERP2) from which the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2) is unwound must be determined. The first seam detection signal (JSSP1), the second seam detection signal (JSSN), and the third seam detection signal (JSSP2) can be used to distinguish the lots. According to exemplary embodiments, the controller (130) can update the lot numbers of the first positive electrode roll (ERP1), the negative electrode roll (ERN), and the second negative electrode roll (ERP2) based on the first seam detection signal (JSSP1), the second seam detection signal (JSSN), and the third seam detection signal (JSSP2). Accordingly, the coordinates of the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1), the coordinates of the negative electrode sheet (ESN), and the coordinates of the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2) can be reset based on the first seam detection signal (JSSP1), the second seam detection signal (JSSN), and the third seam detection signal (JSSP2).

[0265] An offset length (OLP1_1), an offset length (OLN_1), and an offset length (OLP2_1) may be used to update the lot number and reset the coordinates of the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1), the coordinates of the negative electrode sheet (ESN), and the coordinates of the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2). Here, the offset length (OLP1_1) may be the length of the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1) between the unwinder (111P1) and the first positive electrode seam detection sensor (123P1). Here, the offset length (OLN_1) may be the length of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) between the unwinder (111N) and the negative electrode seam detection sensor (123N). Here, the offset length (OLP2_1) may be the length of the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2) between the unwinder (111P2) and the second positive electrode seam detection sensor (123P2).

[0266] More specifically, when a new negative roll (ERN) is loaded into the unwinder (111N), in order to continue the roll-to-roll process, the negative roll (ERN) must be connected to the negative sheet (ESN) of the remaining previous lot using a seam. For example, after loading the negative roll (ERN) of the new lot into the unwinder (111N), a portion of the negative sheet (ESN) subsequent to the seam of the negative sheet (ESN) that is sensed for the first time can be determined to have been unwound from the newly loaded negative roll (ERN). Accordingly, when a second seam detection signal (JSSN) is generated after loading the new negative roll (ERN), the controller (130) can be configured to match the electrode ID (EID) to the coordinates of the negative sheet (ESN) of the subsequent lot. The electrode ID (EID) of each of the cathodes (EPP1) combined with the cathodes (EPN) can be assigned to different lots based on the loading of the cathode roll (ERN) and the detection of the seam.

[0267] Similarly, when a new anode roll (ERP1 or ERP2) is loaded onto the unwinder (111P1 or 111P2), the anode roll (ERP1 or ERP2) must be connected to the remaining anode sheets (ESP1 or ESP2) of the previous lot using a seam to continue the roll-to-roll process. For example, after loading the anode roll (ERP1 or ERP2) of the new lot onto the unwinder (111P1 or 111P2), the portion of the anode sheet (ESP1 or ESP2) subsequent to the seam of the anode sheet (ESP1 or ESP2) that is sensed for the first time can be determined to be unwound from the newly loaded anode roll (ERP1 or ERP2). Accordingly, when a seam detection signal (JSSP1 or JSSP2) is generated after loading a new anode roll (ERP1 or ERP2), the controller (130) can be configured to match the electrode ID (EID) to the coordinates of the anode sheet (ESP1 or ESP2) of the subsequent lot.

[0268] The coordinate-associated electrode ID data (EIDD) may include the electrode ID (EID) of the cathode (EPN) and the coordinates of the cathode sheet (ESN) matched to the electrode ID (EID) of the cathode (EPN), the coordinates of the first anode sheet (ESP1), and the coordinates of the second anode sheet (ESP2).

[0269] The server (140) may be configured to relay communication between the controller (130) and the server (150).

[0270] The server (150) may be configured to store coordinate-associated electrode identification data (EIDD). It may be configured to process the coordinate-associated electrode identification data (EIDD). The server (150) may be configured to transmit the coordinate-associated electrode identification data (EIDD) to the server (160). The server (160) may be, for example, a data warehouse, and may store the coordinate-associated electrode identification data (EIDD) for a long period of time based on the product's quality assurance period, etc. Accordingly, tracking of the manufacturing process according to the product's life cycle may be provided.

[0271] Furthermore, the server (160) can provide a match between the roll maps of the preceding process (e.g., electrode process) of the first anode roll (ERP1), the roll maps of the preceding process of the cathode roll (ERN), and the roll maps of the preceding process of the second anode roll (ERP2) and the electrode ID (EID). Since the server (160) is a data warehouse, it can include historical data (i.e., roll maps) for the manufacturing of the first anode roll (ERP1), can include historical data (i.e., roll maps) for the manufacturing of the cathode roll (ERN), and can include historical data (i.e., roll maps) for the manufacturing of the second anode roll (ERP2).

[0272] Here, the roll map can represent the process events of the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1), the negative electrode sheet (ESN), and the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2) based on coordinates indicating the positions on the first positive electrode sheet (ESP1), the negative electrode sheet (ESN), and the second positive electrode sheet (ESP2).

[0273] The roll map may include event data representing events of the roll-to-roll process of the electrode sheets (ESP1, ESN, ESP2).

[0274] The roll map represents the history of processes performed on the electrode sheets (ESP1, ESN, ESP2) and may include coordinate-related data. Accordingly, the roll map enables feedback, feedforward, and tracking of the secondary battery manufacturing process.

[0275] In the roll map, time series data such as measurement data can be associated with coordinate data based on the movement amount (i.e., either the input amount or the exhaust amount) of the electrode sheets (ESP1, ESN, ESP2).

[0276] The battery cells (BC) include electrode IDs (EIDs) formed on the negative tabs (TN), and the server (150) may include lot numbers and coordinates of the positive and negative electrodes included in the battery cells that match the electrode IDs (EIDs). In other words, the positive and negative electrodes (EPN1, EPN2) included in the battery cells may be associated with a roll map by the electrode IDs (EIDs). Accordingly, when an event such as a quality issue occurs in the already shipped battery cells (BC) (or a battery cell including the battery cells (BC)), the history of collective data of the manufacturing of the corresponding battery cells (BC) may be retrieved based on the electrode IDs.

[0277] A roll map can be generated on a lot-by-lot basis. A lot is a production unit of a roll-to-roll process, and the first anode roll (ERP1), the cathode roll (ERN), and the second anode roll (ERP2) loaded onto the unwinders (111P1, 111N, 111P2) are examples of lots. Accordingly, the server (160) can be configured to store roll maps of the first anode roll (ERP1), the cathode roll (ERN), and the second anode roll (ERP2).

[0278] Servers (140, 150, 160) can be implemented with hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0279]

[0280] (Example 3)

[0281] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to exemplary embodiments.

[0282] Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 12, at P110, a first electrode sheet (first cathode sheet (ESN1)), a second electrode sheet (anode sheet (ESP)), and a third electrode sheet (second cathode sheet (ESN2)) can be cut to form a plurality of first electrodes (first cathodes (EPN1)), a plurality of second electrodes (anode sheets (EPP)), and a plurality of third electrodes (second cathodes (EPN2)).

[0283] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 12, at P110, a first electrode sheet (first anode sheet (ESP11)), a second electrode sheet (cathode sheet (ESN)), and a third electrode sheet (second anode sheet (ESP2)) can be cut to form a plurality of first electrodes (first anodes (EPP1)), a plurality of second electrodes (cathodes (EPN)), and a plurality of third electrodes (second anodes (EPPN2)).

[0284] As described above, the first and third electrodes have the same polarity, and the second electrode has the opposite polarity to the first and third electrodes. The electrode ID may be provided on the cathode. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the electrode ID may be provided on the first cathode or the third cathode, and in the embodiment of FIG. 8, the electrode ID may be provided on the cathode between the first and second anodes.

[0285] These plurality of first electrodes, second electrodes, and third electrodes can be cut with a substantially constant pitch by a corresponding cutter. Each of the plurality of first electrodes, second electrodes, and third electrodes can include a first electrode tab, a second electrode tab, and a third electrode tab, respectively.

[0286] Next, at P120, a plurality of first electrodes, second electrodes and third electrodes can be combined.

[0287] For example, the first cathodes (EPN1), the anodes (EPP), and the second cathodes (EPN1) can be combined. For example, the first anodes (EPP1), the cathodes (EPN), and the second anodes (EPP1) can be combined.

[0288] A plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes can be combined with separator sheets (SS1, SS2) to prevent short circuits. The plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes and the separator sheets (SS1, SS2) can be pressed by a nip roll. By cutting the separator sheets (SS1, SS2) with a separator cutter (117), a bi-cell (BC) can be provided.

[0289] Next, at P130, coordinate-associated electrode ID data (EIDD) can be collected. By matching the coordinates of multiple anodes and the coordinates of multiple cathodes to the electrode ID (EID), coordinate-associated electrode ID data (EIDD) can be collected. The coordinate-associated electrode ID data (EIDD) can be collected by the controller (130) and stored in the server (150) and the server (160).

[0290] Next, in P140, roll maps can be associated with electrode IDs of anodes. The roll maps can be generated in electrode processes (i.e., coating, roll pressing, optional slitting) and notching processes for manufacturing anode rolls and cathode rolls. The electrode ID (EID) can be matched with coordinates of at least one of a first electrode sheet, a second electrode sheet, and a third electrode sheet, specifically, at least one of coordinates of a first electrode portion, a second electrode portion, and a third electrode portion corresponding to the electrode ID (EID). The roll maps allow for coordinate-based retrieving, so that tracking of the electrode process and assembly process based on the electrode ID (EID) can be provided for subsequent battery cell assembly processes, activation processes, and shipped battery cells using the by-cell (BC).

[0291]

[0292] (Example 4)

[0293] FIG. 13 is an example of an electrode assembly including electrodes having coordinate-associated electrode IDs.

[0294] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the process of manufacturing a folding cell (FC), which is a type of so-called electrode assembly.

[0295] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the laminated structure of the electrode assembly of Fig. 13.

[0296] As illustrated, a plurality of bi-cells (BC) are arranged on a second separator sheet (SS), and then the bi-cells (BC), which are unit cells, are rolled (folded) with the second separator sheet (SS) to manufacture a folding cell (FC) having a structure in which a plurality of bi-cells (BC) are stacked.

[0297] The above-described bi-cells (BC) may include a first electrode; a second electrode coupled to the first electrode via a separator and having a different polarity from the first electrode; and a third electrode coupled to the second electrode via a separator and having a different polarity from the second electrode and the same polarity as the first electrode. One of the first to third electrodes may have an electrode ID. The electrode ID may be matched with at least one of the coordinates of the first to third electrodes. The coordinates indicate the positions of each electrode moving in a process in which the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode are coupled via a separator, and the coordinates of the electrodes matching the electrode ID may indicate the positions of each of the first to third electrodes during the process when the electrode ID is detected.

[0298] That is, at least one electrode portion (electrode tab) included in the above-described by-cells may be provided with an electrode ID, and this electrode ID may be coordinate-related and matched with the coordinates of the electrode portions included in the by-cells. Accordingly, through the electrode ID of each by-cell, the quality traceability of the semi-finished product may be secured by being associated with the roll map of each electrode of the previous process.

[0299] The above bi-cell may be an A-type bi-cell (BC1) in which one cathode is positioned between two anodes, or a C-type bi-cell (BC2) in which one anode is positioned between two cathodes.

[0300] In the electrode assembly (FC) of Fig. 14, the second separator sheet (SS) is extended in a spiral shape.

[0301] The above-mentioned bi-cells can be stacked vertically with the second separator sheet (SS) interposed therebetween.

[0302] Each of the bi-cells may be positioned between the spiral arms of the second separator sheet (SS) so as to be sequentially wrapped by the spiral-shaped second separator sheet (SS).

[0303] Within the above electrode assembly, the A-type bi-cell (BC1) and the C-type bi-cell (BC2) can be alternately stacked with the second separator sheet (SS) interposed therebetween.

[0304] Referring to FIG. 13, the electrode ID (EID) provided on the bi-cell (BC) (e.g., electrode tab portion) exposed at the top of the folding cell (FC) can be assigned as a representative ID (folding cell ID) representing the folding cell (FC).

[0305] A folding cell having such a folding cell ID can be associated with the electrode IDs of multiple battery cells contained within the folding cell. In addition, for subsequent battery cell assembly processes, activation processes, and shipped battery cells using the folding cell (FC), tracking of the electrode process and assembly process can be provided based on the electrode ID (EID) and the folding cell ID.

[0306]

[0307] The present invention has been described in more detail through drawings and examples. However, the configurations described in the drawings or examples described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

[0308] (Explanation of symbols)

[0309] 100, 101: Secondary battery manufacturing system

[0310] 111N1, 111P, 111N2, 111S1, 111S2: Unwinder

[0311] 113N1: First cathode cutter, 113P: Positive cutter, 113N2: Second cathode cutter

[0312] 115: Guide Roll

[0313] 117: Membrane cutter

[0314] 121N1, 121P, 121N2: Rotary Encoder

[0315] 123N1,1213P, 123N2: Seam detection sensor

[0316] 125: Electrode gap sensor

[0317] 127: Electrode ID Reader

[0318] 130: Controller

[0319] 140, 150, 160: Server

[0320] FC: Folding Cell

[0321] BC1: Type A by cell

[0322] BC2: C-type by cell

[0323] SS: Second membrane sheet

Claims

1. A first electrode cutter configured to cut a first electrode sheet drawn from a first electrode roll to provide a plurality of first electrodes; A second electrode cutter configured to cut a second electrode sheet drawn from a second electrode roll to provide a plurality of second electrodes; A second electrode cutter configured to cut a third electrode sheet drawn from a third electrode roll to provide a plurality of third electrodes; An electrode ID reader configured to detect an electrode ID of an electrode tab of each of a plurality of electrodes selected from the plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes, and the plurality of third electrodes to generate an electrode ID detection signal; and A secondary battery manufacturing system comprising a controller configured to collect coordinate-related electrode ID data based on a first input amount of the first electrode sheet, a second input amount of the second electrode sheet, a third input amount of the third electrode sheet, and an electrode ID detection signal.

2. In paragraph 1, The first and third electrodes have the same polarity, A secondary battery manufacturing system wherein the second electrode has a different polarity from the first electrode and the third electrode.

3. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system in which the electrode ID is provided in each of the first electrodes and the third electrodes, or is provided only in the second electrodes.

4. In paragraph 1, The first input amount of the first electrode sheet is determined based on the cut count of the first electrode cutter, The second input amount of the second electrode sheet is determined based on the cut count of the second electrode cutter, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the third input amount of the third electrode sheet is determined based on the cut count of the third electrode cutter.

5. In paragraph 4, The first input amount of the first electrode sheet is calculated based on the pitch of the plurality of first electrodes and the cut count of the first electrode cutter, The second input amount of the second electrode sheet is calculated based on the pitch of the plurality of second electrodes and the cut count of the second electrode cutter, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the third input amount of the third electrode sheet is calculated based on the pitch of the plurality of third electrodes and the cut count of the third electrode cutter.

6. In paragraph 1, A first rotary encoder configured to generate a first input signal representing the first input amount of the first electrode sheet; a second rotary encoder configured to generate a second input signal representing the second input amount of the second electrode sheet; and A secondary battery manufacturing system further comprising a third rotary encoder configured to generate a third input amount signal representing the third input amount of the third electrode sheet.

7. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the electrode ID data associated with the above coordinates includes at least one of the electrode ID and the coordinates of the first to third electrodes matched to the electrode ID.

8. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system further comprising a server configured to store electrode ID data associated with the above coordinates.

9. In paragraph 8, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the server is configured to store a roll map of the first electrode roll for manufacturing the first electrode roll, a roll map of the second electrode roll for manufacturing the second electrode roll, and a roll map of the third electrode roll for manufacturing the third electrode roll.

10. In paragraph 9, A secondary battery manufacturing system, characterized in that the server is configured to match the electrode ID with the roll map of the first electrode roll, the roll map of the second electrode roll, and the roll map of the third electrode roll.

11. A step of cutting a first electrode sheet, a second electrode sheet, and a third electrode sheet, respectively, to form a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, and a plurality of third electrodes; A step of combining the plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes and the plurality of third electrodes; and Including a step of collecting coordinate-related electrode ID data, Each of the plurality of electrodes selected from the plurality of first electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes and the plurality of third electrodes includes an electrode tab including an electrode ID, A secondary battery manufacturing method, characterized in that the electrode ID data associated with the above coordinates includes at least one of the electrode ID and the coordinates of the first to third electrodes matched to the electrode ID.

12. In paragraph 11, The above coordinate-related electrode ID data is collected based on the first input amount of the first electrode sheet, the second input amount of the second electrode sheet, the third input amount of the third electrode sheet, and the electrode ID detection signal, and A secondary battery manufacturing method, characterized in that the electrode ID detection signal is generated based on detection of the electrode ID.

13. In paragraph 12, The first input amount of the first electrode sheet is determined based on a cut count of a first electrode cutter configured to cut the first electrode sheet, The second input amount of the second electrode sheet is determined based on the cut count of the second electrode cutter configured to cut the second electrode sheet, A secondary battery manufacturing method, characterized in that the third input amount of the third electrode sheet is determined based on the cut count of a third electrode cutter configured to cut the third electrode sheet.

14. In paragraph 13, The first input amount of the first electrode sheet is calculated based on the pitch of the plurality of first electrodes and the cut count of the first electrode cutter, The second input amount of the second electrode sheet is calculated based on the pitch of the plurality of second electrodes and the cut count of the second electrode cutter, A secondary battery manufacturing method, characterized in that the third input amount of the third electrode sheet is calculated based on the pitch of the plurality of third electrodes and the cut count of the third electrode cutter.

15. In paragraph 12, The first input amount of the first electrode sheet is determined by a first input amount signal generated by a first rotary encoder configured to detect a rotation amount of a first electrode unwinder configured to unwind the first electrode sheet, The second input amount of the second electrode sheet is determined by a second input amount signal generated by a second rotary encoder configured to detect a rotation amount of a second electrode unwinder configured to unwind the second electrode sheet, A secondary battery manufacturing method, wherein the third input amount of the third electrode sheet is determined by a first input amount signal generated by a third rotary encoder configured to detect a rotation amount of a third electrode unwinder configured to unwind the third electrode sheet.

16. First electrode; A second electrode coupled to the first electrode through a separator and having a different polarity from the first electrode; and A third electrode is combined with the second electrode through a separator, and has a polarity different from that of the second electrode and the same polarity as that of the first electrode. One of the first to third electrodes has an electrode ID, The above electrode ID is a bi-cell that matches at least one of the coordinates of the first to third electrodes.

17. In paragraph 16, The above coordinates represent the positions of each electrode moving in the process in which the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode are joined through a separator. The coordinates of the electrodes matching the above electrode ID are by-cells that indicate the process positions of each of the first to third electrodes when the above electrode ID is detected.

18. A second separator sheet extending in a spiral shape; and It includes a plurality of bi-cells of the 16th clause that are stacked vertically with the second separator sheet interposed therebetween, An electrode assembly in which each of the above bi-cells is positioned between the spiral arms of the second separator sheet so as to be sequentially wrapped around the second separator sheet in the spiral shape.

19. In paragraph 18, The above bi-cells include an A-type bi-cell in which one cathode is positioned between two anodes, and a C-type bi-cell in which one anode is positioned between two cathodes. An electrode assembly in which the above A-type bi-cell and C-type bi-cell are alternately stacked with the second separator sheet in between.

20. In paragraph 18, An electrode assembly in which the electrode ID provided on the electrode of the bi-cell located at the top of the electrode assembly is assigned as the representative ID of the electrode assembly.

Images