Method for manufacturing battery

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a battery, comprising the steps of: forming a first mark on an electrode sheet; forming a second mark on the electrode sheet on the basis of the first mark; and discharging, from the electrode sheet, a portion including an electrode tab associated with the second mark.

Description

Battery manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery manufacturing method, and more specifically, to a battery manufacturing method that improves the operating efficiency of a battery manufacturing system.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0005425 dated January 14, 2025 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2026-0001875 dated January 6, 2026, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003]

[0004] With the technological development and increasing demand for electric vehicles, the demand for rechargeable batteries is also rising rapidly. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used as an energy source for various electronic products as well as mobile devices, due to their high energy density, high operating voltage, and excellent storage and lifespan characteristics.

[0005] In the battery manufacturing process, which includes electrode and assembly processes, if issues such as defects occur in semi-finished or finished batteries, it may be necessary to trace back the entire process. In other words, it is necessary to identify which process each component of the battery cell being traced originated from.

[0006] The problem that the technical concept of the present disclosure aims to solve is to propose a battery manufacturing method that improves the operating efficiency of a battery manufacturing system.

[0007] However, the technical problems that the present disclosure aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a battery, comprising, in one embodiment, a step of forming a first mark on an electrode sheet; a step of forming a second mark on the electrode sheet based on the first mark; and a step of discharging a portion of the electrode sheet including an electrode tab associated with the second mark.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first mark may be formed in a coating process in which a slurry is applied to a current collector, and the second mark may be formed in a notching process in which the electrode tab is formed on the electrode sheet.

[0010] In some embodiments, the battery manufacturing method may further include the step of cutting the electrode sheet so that a plurality of electrodes are formed. Each of the plurality of electrodes may include at least one electrode tab.

[0011] In some embodiments, the step of discharging a portion including an electrode tab associated with the second mark from the electrode sheet may be performed in a process different from the step of forming a second mark on the electrode sheet based on the first mark.

[0012] In some embodiments, the step of discharging a portion including an electrode tab associated with the second mark from the electrode sheet may be performed in a lamination process that combines a unit electrode including the electrode tab and a separator.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second mark may overlap with the first mark.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first mark may be visually blocked by the second mark.

[0015] In some embodiments, the battery manufacturing method may further include the step of forming a third mark on the electrode sheet. The size of the defective area of ​​the electrode sheet corresponding to the third mark may be larger than the size of the defective area of ​​the electrode sheet corresponding to the first mark.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first mark may be associated with a short defect, which is a defect smaller than or equal to the width of the unit electrode. The third mark may be associated with a long defect, which is a defect for a plurality of unit electrodes.

[0017] In some embodiments, the third mark may be formed in a coating process in which a slurry is applied to a current collector.

[0018] In some embodiments, the shape of the first mark and the shape of the third mark may be different from each other.

[0019] In some embodiments, the defective area of ​​the electrode sheet corresponding to the third mark may be discharged in a roll press process that presses the electrode sheet. The defective area of ​​the electrode sheet corresponding to the first mark may be subjected to the roll press process.

[0020] In some embodiments, the step of forming the first mark on the electrode sheet may include: detecting a short defect of a size smaller than or equal to the width of the unit electrode; and forming the first mark associated with the short defect. The step of forming the second mark on the electrode sheet based on the first mark may include: recognizing the first mark using a marking recognition device; and forming the second mark on the first mark.

[0021] In some embodiments, the step of forming the first mark on the electrode sheet may include: detecting a short defect of a size smaller than or equal to the width of the unit electrode; and forming the first mark associated with the short defect. The battery manufacturing method may further include the step of a first controller transmitting the short defect information to a server. The step of forming a second mark on the electrode sheet based on the first mark may include: a second controller receiving the short defect information from the server; and forming the second mark on the first mark using the short defect information. The first controller and the second controller may control different processes.

[0022] The present disclosure relates to a battery manufacturing method, wherein in one embodiment, a step of detecting a defect in an electrode sheet during a coating process of applying a slurry to a current collector;

[0023] A step of performing marking for the defect in a notching process for forming an electrode tab on the electrode sheet; and

[0024] The lamination process for combining the plurality of electrodes and the separator includes the step of discharging a portion of the electrode sheet including the electrode tab associated with the defect.

[0025] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of a first controller associated with the coating process transmitting first information about the defect to a server; and a second controller associated with the notching process receiving second information about the defect from the server.

[0026] In some embodiments, the step of performing the marking for the defect in the notching process of forming an electrode tab on the electrode sheet may be that the second controller controls the marking for the defect on the electrode sheet using the second information regarding the defect.

[0027] In some embodiments, the server may include a statistical process controller (SPC). The second information regarding the defect may be location information regarding a short defect generated by the SPC.

[0028] In some embodiments, the defect may be a defect smaller than or equal to the width of the unit electrode.

[0029] In some embodiments, the lamination process may further include a step of detecting a marking for the defect.

[0030]

[0031] The battery manufacturing method of the present disclosure can improve the operating efficiency of a battery manufacturing system.

[0032] The battery manufacturing method of the present disclosure can improve the productivity of battery manufacturing by reducing the cost and time required for battery production.

[0033] However, the technical effects obtainable through the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0034]

[0035] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a conceptual perspective view schematically showing the state of an electrode undergoing an electrode manufacturing process.

[0037] Figure 2 conceptually shows a roll map created in the electrode manufacturing process.

[0038] FIG. 3 shows a battery manufacturing system including electrode manufacturing facilities according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a battery manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating tap unit discharge.

[0042] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating communication between electrode manufacturing facilities.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 9 shows an L&S (Lamination and Stacking) facility according to exemplary embodiments.

[0045]

[0046] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0047] Therefore, 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; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0048] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0049] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.

[0050]

[0051] [First embodiment]

[0052] FIG. 1 is a conceptual perspective view schematically showing the state of an electrode undergoing an electrode manufacturing process.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 1, a coated electrode (1) is manufactured by coating an active material onto a current collector in a coater to form a coated portion (1a). A reference point may be marked on the uncoated portion (1b) where the active material is not coated. In some embodiments, the active material may be coated on both the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode. The coated electrode (1) may be pressed by a press roll in a roll press process. Then, the coated electrode (1) may be cut along the longitudinal direction by a slitter in a slitting process.

[0054] Subsequently, electrode tabs (2) may be formed by punching with a press or the like during a notching process. During the notching process, the electrode sheet may be cut into multiple electrodes. The width of the unit electrode corresponds to the pitch processed by the press. In some embodiments, if the unit electrode includes one tab (2), the pitch may be the distance between the tabs (2).

[0055] The electrode manufacturing process can be carried out through a series of roll-to-roll processes in which the electrode unwound from the unwinder moves and is wound in the rewinder in a sequential manner. That is, the electrode moves from the unwinder to the rewinder of the coating process, is coated, and is wound in the rewinder to complete the electrode roll of the coating process. Next, the electrode roll is placed in the unwinder of the roll press process and moves to the rewinder of the roll press process. The electrode roll is wound in the rewinder of the roll press process to complete the electrode roll of the roll press process. Subsequently, the electrode roll can be unwound from the unwinder of a subsequent process (e.g., a second roll press process, a slitting process, or a notching process), undergo a predetermined process, and then be wound again in the rewinder of the subsequent process to complete the electrode roll of the subsequent process. In this way, the electrode manufacturing process may include a series of roll-to-roll processes in which the electrode unwound from the unwinder moves and is wound in the rewinder (so-called roll-to-roll processes) is sequentially repeated.

[0056] Figure 2 conceptually shows a roll map created in the electrode manufacturing process.

[0057] As described above, electrodes proceed in a roll-to-roll manner during coating, roll pressing, and slitting processes. A roll map simulates the progression of these electrodes and represents them in the form of bars, on which the longitudinal and transverse positions of the electrodes are plotted as coordinates. That is, the roll map is defined on a coordinate plane having two coordinate axes, the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis of the electrode, and a specific position on the coordinate plane can be represented by a coordinate value on the coordinate plane. Since the roll map stores information regarding defects, quality issues, and electrode breakage occurring during the electrode manufacturing process along with the coordinates, data related to quality or defects in the electrode manufacturing process can be easily identified visually at a glance.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, information regarding external defects, such as pinhole defects (f1) and line defects (f2), is visualized and displayed at the coordinates where the defects occurred. Additionally, a mismatch between the coated part and the uncoated part (f3) is also displayed. Other loading defects are also displayed, and a part where the electrode was discarded at the outermost edge is also shown. In some embodiments, the short defect described below in the present disclosure may include a pinhole defect (f1). In some embodiments, the long defect described below in the present disclosure may include a line defect (f2). In some embodiments, if the length of the line defect (f2) is sufficiently short, it may be a short defect described below in the present disclosure.

[0059] Additionally, reference points (K1, K2, K3) may be marked and displayed on the electrode at predetermined intervals. If a fracture occurs in the electrode and it is connected with a joint connecting member, the electrode length is reduced by the fractured length. As previously explained, points where external defects occur can also be removed so that the operator can connect them. The roll map can reflect the above removal. Accordingly, the coordinates on the roll map can be modified. Referring to FIG. 2, coordinates that do not reflect the electrode removal part and coordinates that reflect it are shown together on a single roll map. The former is referred to as the absolute coordinate (x), and the latter as the relative coordinate (y). As shown in FIG. 2, the relative coordinate (y) and the absolute coordinate (x) can be displayed together on a single roll map, but they can also be displayed separately. The roll map displayed as relative coordinates (y) can represent the state of the actual electrode.

[0060] A roll map can be created for each of the individual processes described above. However, since the electrode wound in the preceding process is unwound in the subsequent process, the starting and ending points of the electrode may be reversed as the process goes through the roll-to-roll process, such as the end point of the roll map representing the electrode roll of the preceding process becoming the starting point of the roll map representing the electrode roll of the subsequent process. Additionally, in the case of a double-sided electrode where an electrode active material is coated on both sides, the upper electrode of the preceding process may become the lower electrode in the subsequent process. That is, the electrode surface may be reversed. In other words, depending on the winding direction of the electrode in the preceding process and the unwinding direction of the electrode in the subsequent process, the beginning and end inversion and surface inversion of the electrode may occur. Since the roll maps for each process are created based on the electrodes that have been reversed in this way, the coordinates of the roll maps for each process may also be reversed relative to one another. Furthermore, as the electrode undergoes a series of roll-to-roll processes, the electrode length may change, such as by cutting and connecting the electrode multiple times in the longitudinal direction to remove defective sections or broken sections. Since the roll map of each process can reflect these inversions and length changes, the coordinate values ​​may differ for each.

[0061] In the final stage of the electrode manufacturing process, only the remaining electrodes (survival electrodes) are left, excluding the electrode portions removed in the previous process. Since the battery is manufactured using these survival electrodes, if a problem occurs in a finished or semi-finished battery, the cause of the problem can be traced by referring to the roll map of the final electrode. Furthermore, the electrode portion that originated the problem can be traced backward by referring to the roll maps of each process described above. As such, the roll map is a useful tool for quality tracking as well as for identifying quality and defects.

[0062] FIG. 3 shows a battery manufacturing system (10) including electrode manufacturing facilities according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 3, the battery manufacturing system (10) includes electrode manufacturing facilities. The electrode manufacturing facilities may include a coating facility (200), a roll pressing facility (300), a slitting facility (400), a notching facility (500), and rewinding stages (600).

[0064] The electrode sheet unwound from the input electrode roll can be processed by any one of the die coater of the coating facility (200), the pressure rolls of the roll pressing facility (300), and the slitting knife of the slitting facility (400), and the processed electrode sheet can be wound into an electrode roll. Accordingly, the processing of the coating facility (200), the roll pressing facility (300), and the slitting facility (400) for the production of the electrode of the battery can each be referred to as a roll-to-roll process.

[0065] The coating facility (200) can perform a coating process on an electrode sheet. The coating process is a process of applying a coating material, such as an electrode slurry, onto an electrode sheet. Specifically, the coating process may be a process of applying a slurry to a current collector. The electrode slurry may include an electrode active material, a conductive material, a binder, and a solvent. An electrode slurry may be provided by dissolving the electrode active material, the conductive material, and the binder, etc., in a solvent.

[0066] The roll pressing equipment (300) can perform a roll pressing process on an electrode sheet. The roll pressing process is a process of applying pressure to the electrode sheet. Specifically, the roll pressing process may be a process of passing an electrode sheet coated with an electrode slurry between pressure rolls facing each other. The roll pressing process can flatten the surface of the electrode sheet and improve the bonding strength between the active material of the electrode sheet and the current collector.

[0067] The slitting equipment (400) can perform a slitting process on the electrode sheet. By the slitting process, the electrode sheet can be separated into a plurality of electrode sheets.

[0068] The notching facility (500) can perform a notching process on an electrode sheet. The notching facility (500) can perform a notching process on a plurality of electrode sheets separated by a slitting process. The notching process may include a procedure for forming the electrode tab on the electrode sheet. The notching facility (500) can cut the electrode sheet unwound from the electrode roll into the shape of an electrode of a battery cell. Accordingly, unit electrodes can be formed in the notching facility (500). The notching facility (500) can further perform a drying process on either the electrode sheet or the unit electrodes.

[0069] If the electrode sheet contains defects, the defects in the electrode sheet may be removed. The defects in the electrode sheet may be removed in either the roll pressing equipment (300) or the rewinding stages (600). The defects removed in either the roll pressing equipment (300) or the rewinding stages (600) may be long defects. A long defect may refer to a defect larger than the pitch (P, FIG. 1), which is the width of the unit electrode. Long defects may be referred to as multi-segment defects and segmental defects, etc. In some embodiments, non-continuous defects may form clusters, and if the size of such clusters is larger than the width of the unit electrode, it may correspond to a long defect. Meanwhile, short defects may not be removed in the electrode manufacturing process. In some embodiments, short defects may not be removed in the roll pressing equipment (300). A short defect may refer to a defect smaller than or equal to the pitch, which is the width of the unit electrode. Short defects may also be referred to as one-off defects. Short defects can be eliminated during the lamination process. The lamination process may be a process of combining a unit electrode, including an electrode tab, with a separator. Accordingly, even if the battery manufacturing system detects a short defect, the operation of the electrode manufacturing processes (roll press process, slitting process, and notching process) may not be interrupted. As a result, the operational efficiency of the electrode manufacturing process can be improved.

[0070] In each of the rewinding stages (600), no actual process may be performed on the electrode sheet. Each of the rewinding stages (600) may change the winding direction of the electrode sheet. Each of the rewinding stages (600) may unwind the electrode roll, remove defects from the electrode sheet unwound from the electrode roll, and rewind the electrode sheet with the defects removed. Accordingly, in addition to removing defects from the electrode roll, the outer portion of the input electrode roll may be wound inward on the completed electrode roll. Likewise, the inner portion of the input electrode roll may be wound outward on the completed electrode roll. In some embodiments, the long defect may be removed in the rewinding stages (600).

[0071] Defects in the electrode sheet (e.g., long defects) can be removed while the roll pressing equipment (300) performs the roll pressing process. Optionally, only the defects in the electrode sheet may be removed without performing the roll pressing process. The operation mode of the roll pressing equipment (300) that removes only the defective parts of the electrode sheet without performing the roll pressing process is referred to as the rewinding mode. In the rewinding mode, each of the pressure rolls can be moved from the location where the electrode sheet was located to a separate location.

[0072] Unit electrodes can be provided as the electrode roll is processed sequentially by the coating facility (200), the roll pressing facility (300), the slitting facility (400), and the notching facility (500). In the case of wide unit electrodes, after the roll pressing process is performed in the roll pressing facility (300), they may be transferred directly to the notching facility (500) without slitting in the slitting facility (400).

[0073] If the defects of the electrode roll processed by the coating equipment (200) and fed into the roll pressing equipment (300) are excessive, the defects of the electrode roll can be removed in the roll pressing equipment (300). The excessive defects of the electrode roll processed by the coating equipment (200) may include, for example, a large amount of tab folding, ring defects, etc. The excessive defects may include the long defects described above.

[0074] If the defects of the electrode roll processed by the roll pressing equipment (300) are excessive, the defects of the electrode roll may be removed in either the roll pressing equipment (300) operating in a rewinding mode or the rewinding stage (600). Subsequently, the electrode roll having reduced defects (or no defects) may be fed into the slitting equipment (400). The excessive defects of the electrode roll processed by the roll pressing equipment (300) may include winding failure and exceeding the upper limit of the number of defect tags. The excessive defects may include the long defects described above.

[0075] If the defects of the electrode roll processed by the slitting equipment (400) are excessive, the defects of the electrode roll can be removed at the rewinding stage (600). Subsequently, the electrode roll having reduced defects (or no defects) can be fed into the notching equipment (500). The excessive defects of the electrode roll processed by the slitting equipment (400) may include exceeding the upper limit of the number of defect tags. The excessive defects may include the long defects described above.

[0076] In some embodiments, short defects may not be removed in the roll pressing equipment (300), slitting equipment (400), notching equipment (500), and rewinding stage (600). Accordingly, even if the battery manufacturing system detects short defects, the operation of the electrode manufacturing processes (roll pressing process, slitting process, and notching process) may not be stopped. Accordingly, the operating efficiency of the electrode manufacturing process may be improved.

[0077] Here, each of the rewinding stages (600) can be made online. Each of the rewinding stages (600) can be configured to discard defects from the electrode roll and collect scrap data indicating the discarded length. Accordingly, the length of the discarded electrode at the rewinding stages (600) can be updated, and the traceability of the battery manufacturing process can be improved.

[0078] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a battery manufacturing system (10) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 4, the battery manufacturing system (10) may include an electrode process facility (100), a communication server (1010), a server (1020), and a visualization facility (1030). The electrode process facility (100) may be one or more of a coating facility (200), a roll pressing facility (300), a slitting facility (400), a notching facility (500), and rewinding stages (600). In some embodiments, the electrode process facility (100) may be a coating facility (200). In some embodiments, the electrode process facility (100) may be a roll pressing facility (300). In some embodiments, the electrode process facility (100) may be a slitting facility (400). In some embodiments, the electrode process facility (100) may be a notching facility (500).

[0080] The electrode process equipment (100) may include at least one of an unwinder (111), a rewinder (113), a first rotary encoder (121), a second rotary encoder (123), a defect detection sensor (131), a reference point sensor (135), a roll map PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) (141), and a process PLC (143). In some embodiments, the electrode process equipment (100) may further include a splicing table (115) and / or a scrap port (117). The coating equipment (200) includes one or more die coaters. The roll pressing equipment (300) includes one or more press rolls. The slitting equipment (400) includes one or more slitters configured to cut the electrode sheet in the longitudinal direction. The notching equipment (500) includes a notching device configured to form a plurality of electrode tabs on the electrode sheet. In the coating process, an electrode slurry may be coated on the electrode sheet. In the roll pressing process, the electrode sheet coated with the electrode slurry can be rolled. The electrode sheet can be separated into a plurality of electrode sheets by a slitting process.

[0081] A battery manufacturing system (10) may be configured to generate a roll map containing data for an electrode sheet (ES). The roll map may represent the electrode sheet (ES) based on coordinate values ​​representing a location on the electrode sheet (ES). On the electrode sheet (ES), a process for manufacturing a battery may be performed, as described below. The roll map may include data associated with coordinate values ​​representing events of the process performed on the electrode sheet (ES). Accordingly, the roll map enables feedback, feed forwarding, and tracking of the battery manufacturing process, as described below.

[0082] The first electrode roll (ER1) on which the previous process has been performed can be loaded into an unwinder (111). The unwinder (111) can be configured to unwind an electrode sheet (ES) from the first electrode roll (ER1). The rewinder (113) can be configured to wind the electrode sheet (ES) as a second electrode roll (ER2). The electrode sheet (ES) is wound onto the second electrode roll (ER2) and can be cut and separated after reaching a predetermined winding length. Accordingly, the electrode sheet (ES) can move between the unwinder (111) and the rewinder (113).

[0083] A roll map can be generated in lot units. A lot is a production unit of a roll-to-roll process, and the separated second electrode roll (ER2) is an example of a lot. Likewise, the first electrode roll (ER1) newly loaded into the unwinder (111) is also an example of a lot. Accordingly, the server (1020) can store a first roll map of a previous process (e.g., a coating process, a roll pressing process, or a slitting process). The first roll map can correspond to the first electrode roll (ER1). Additionally, the server (1020) can be configured to generate a second roll map of the second electrode roll (ER2) based on the processing of the electrode process equipment (100). The second roll map can correspond to the second electrode roll (ER2).

[0084] As a non-limiting example, a second roll map may be generated by updating a first roll map. Alternatively, the second roll map may be generated based on data generated in the electrode process facility (100) without loading the first roll map.

[0085] Time series data configured over time (i.e., according to the progress of the process) in a roll map can be associated with coordinate data collected based on the amount of movement of the electrode sheet (ES) (i.e., either the amount consumed or the amount added).

[0086] Battery manufacturing involves a series of distinct processes, and the leading process influences the following process. In this context, if the time-series data of the leading process does not directly match the actual workpiece, intermediate product, or final product, it may be difficult to reflect that data in the following process. Hereinafter, the correction of the following process based on data generated from the results of the leading process is referred to as "feed forward."

[0087] Here, the workpiece refers to an article provided as a result of each process, such as an electrode sheet (ES) on which the coating process, roll pressing process, and slitting process shown in FIG. 3 have been performed. The semi-finished product may refer to one of separators, electrodes, and assemblies thereof cut through a notching process. 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 comprises an electrolyte). The product refers to an article processed to be operable as a battery through an activation process. The definitions of the workpiece, semi-finished product, and product described above are for one aspect thereof and do not exclude the conventional definitions thereof.

[0088] The electrode process of a battery includes a series of roll-to-roll processes. For feed forwarding, time-series data needs to be associated with the positions of real-world workpieces, parts, semi-finished products, and finished products. Here, feed forwarding may include controlling the processing of an electrode sheet (ES) based on a roll map of a first electrode roll (ER1) generated in a previous process. For example, the roll map of the first electrode roll (ER1) processed in the current process may include defective data (DD), and in the electrode process facility (100), the electrode sheet (ES) unwound from the first electrode roll (ER1) may be discarded based on the defective data (DD).

[0089] A roll map can correlate time-series data with coordinate data that includes coordinate values ​​representing the positions of actual workpieces, parts, semi-finished products, and finished products. Based on the coordinate data, the roll map can provide a matching between the time-series data and the real-world workpieces, parts, semi-finished products, and finished products. Accordingly, the creation of the roll map and feed forwarding based on the roll map can improve productivity and quality by quantifying and objectifying phases of the process that previously relied on the arbitrary discretion of the operator.

[0090] In addition, the roll map of a preceding lot may be used to improve the process for a subsequent lot, and this operation may be referred to as process feedback. Process feedback using a roll map may include identifying process conditions and process parameters that caused problems and defects based on the data included in the roll map.

[0091] Furthermore, as described below, the roll map is generated cumulatively for the workpieces, parts, semi-finished products, and finished products of the unit processes, thereby enabling the tracking of the process history for shipped products (e.g., battery cells, battery modules, or battery packs). For example, a battery cell may include a cell ID formed on an electrode assembly or case. The cell ID may include lot number and coordinate information of the electrodes and separator included in the battery cell. In other words, the cell ID may be associated with the roll map of the electrodes and separator included in the battery cell. Accordingly, if an event such as a quality issue occurs in a battery cell that has already been shipped, the historical data of the manufacturing of the battery cell can be retrieved based on the cell ID.

[0092] The first rotary encoder (121) may be configured to sense the amount of electrode sheet (ES) unwound from the first electrode roll (ER1) by the unwinder (111). Accordingly, the first rotary encoder (121) may generate a unwinding amount signal (UWAS) indicating the length of the electrode sheet (ES) unwound by the unwinder (111). The first rotary encoder (121) may be configured to transmit the unwinding amount signal (UWAS) to the roll map PLC (141). In some embodiments, the first rotary encoder (121) may be provided on the unwinder (111). In some embodiments, the first rotary encoder (121) may be a non-contact encoder configured to measure the linear velocity of the electrode sheet (ES) using a laser beam. In some embodiments, the first rotary encoder (121) may be a contact type encoder.

[0093] The second rotary encoder (123) may be configured to sense the amount of electrode sheet (ES) wound onto the second electrode roll (ER2) by the rewinder (113). Accordingly, the second rotary encoder (123) may generate a winding amount signal (WAS) indicating the length of the electrode sheet (ES) wound by the rewinder (113). The second rotary encoder (123) may be configured to transmit the winding amount signal (WAS) to the roll map PLC (141). In some embodiments, the second rotary encoder (123) may be provided on the rewinder (113). In some embodiments, the second rotary encoder (123) may be a contact encoder. In some embodiments, the second rotary encoder (123) may be an encoder configured to measure the length of the electrode sheet (ES) transported by contacting a rotary wheel to the electrode sheet (ES). The second rotary encoder (123) may be provided on the rewinder (113). In some embodiments, the second rotary encoder (123) may be a non-contact encoder configured to measure the linear velocity of the electrode sheet (ES) using a laser beam.

[0094] In some embodiments, when the electrode process device (100) is a notching device (500), the first rotary encoder (121) and the second rotary encoder (123) may be non-contact encoders.

[0095] Defective parts of the electrode sheet (ES) can be discarded (or discharged). Accordingly, the length of the electrode sheet (ES) unwound from the unwinder (111) may differ from the length of the electrode sheet (ES) wound by the rewinder (113).

[0096] The roll map PLC (141) may be configured to collect coordinate data of the electrode sheet (ES) based on the unwinding amount signal (UWAS) and / or winding amount signal (WAS) of the electrode sheet (ES). For example, the roll map PLC (141) may determine the travel distance of the electrode sheet (ES) based on the unwinding amount signal (UWAS) of the electrode sheet (ES), and accordingly, the roll map PLC (141) may be configured to determine the position within the electrode sheet (ES) of the portion of the electrode sheet (ES) that is unwound by the unwinder (111) at each point in time when an event occurs on the electrode sheet (ES). As another example, the roll map PLC (141) can determine the travel distance of the electrode sheet (ES) based on the winding amount signal (WAS) of the electrode sheet (ES), and accordingly, the roll map PLC (141) can be configured to determine the position within the electrode sheet (ES) of the portion of the electrode sheet (ES) that is wound by the rewinder (113) at each point in time when an event occurs on the electrode sheet (ES). As another example, the roll map PLC (141) may determine the travel distance of the electrode sheet (ES) based on the unwinding amount signal (UWAS) and the winding amount signal (WAS), respectively.

[0097] Here, the event may include various processing, inspection, and measurement occurring on the electrode sheet (ES) in the electrode process equipment (100), such as cutting the electrode sheet (ES), joining the electrode sheet (ES), sensing a reference point (Datum Point) on the electrode sheet (ES), and sensing a defective tag on the electrode sheet (ES). Below, the technical concept of the present invention is explained with reference to an embodiment in which a roll map PLC (141) collects coordinate data based on a winding amount signal (WAS) of the electrode sheet (ES) as a non-limiting example.

[0098] The coordinate data may include coordinate values ​​that correspond to each part of the electrode sheet (ES). That is, each of any point on the electrode sheet (ES) may be matched to a coordinate value. The coordinate value may be a one-dimensional value in the length direction of the electrode sheet (ES), but is not limited thereto. The coordinate value may also be a two-dimensional value in the length direction and the Y direction in the width direction of the electrode sheet (ES).

[0099] A defect detection sensor (131) may be configured to detect defects on an electrode sheet (ES) and provide a defect mark indicating such defects. The defect detection sensor (131) may be configured to transmit a defect detection signal (NSS) to a roll map PLC (141). In some embodiments, the defect detection sensor (131) may include a vision device, a defect marker, and a smart vision device. In some embodiments, the defect detection sensor (131) may further include an illuminance sensor. The vision device may determine whether a defect exists on the electrode sheet (ES) and transmit a signal to the PLC (140) regarding whether to mark the defect. The vision device may be configured to acquire an image of the electrode sheet (ES) and to determine whether a defect exists on the surface by processing the acquired image. In some embodiments, if a defect exists, the vision device may be configured to determine whether the defect is a pinhole defect or a line defect extending in a specific direction and to assign attributes regarding the type of defect to the defect. In some embodiments, the pinhole may be a short defect, and the line defect may be a long defect. That is, the vision device may be configured to determine whether a surface defect is a short defect or a long defect by acquiring and processing an image of the electrode sheet (ES). The defect detection sensor (131) may transmit at least one of information regarding a short defect and information regarding a long defect to the PLC (140). The PLC (140) may transmit at least one of information regarding a short defect and information regarding a long defect to the server (1020).

[0100] In some embodiments, when a vision device transmits a signal (hereinafter referred to as a 'defect detection signal' (NSS)) to a PLC (140) indicating that a defect exists on an electrode sheet (ES), the PLC (140) may transmit a signal to a defect marker to assign a defect mark at the corresponding location. In some embodiments, the defect detection signal (NSS) may include at least one of information regarding a short defect and information regarding a long defect. In some embodiments, the defect marker may assign a defect mark according to a command from the PLC (140).

[0101] The above PLC (140) may include a roll map PLC (141) and a process PLC (143). In some embodiments, the roll map PLC (141) and the process PLC (143) may be formed as a single unit to constitute an integrated PLC (140). Hereinafter, the integrated PLC (140) may be referred to as the PLC (140).

[0102] In some embodiments, the defect marking (applying a defect mark) may be formed by forming a mark indicating that a defect is located at a corresponding location on the electrode sheet (ES). In some embodiments, the defect marking may be formed by forming any layer indicating that a defect is located at a corresponding location on the electrode sheet (ES). Specifically, the defect marking may be done by printing ink or attaching an adhesive tag. However, the defect marking may be applied by any means that allows the location of the defect to be visually recognized, and the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples.

[0103] In some embodiments, the vision device may be configured to transmit a defect detection signal (NSS) directly to a defect marker. In some embodiments, the vision device may be configured to simultaneously transmit the defect detection signal (NSS) to a PLC (140). The PLC (140) may be configured to store the location where the defect exists along with the coordinate information of the electrode sheet (ES).

[0104] In some embodiments, the vision device may be configured to directly transmit a defect detection signal (NSS) to a smart vision device. In this case, the vision device may be configured to simultaneously transmit the defect detection signal (NSS) to a PLC (140).

[0105] The smart vision device may be configured to determine whether a defect mark is properly formed on the electrode sheet (ES). In some embodiments, the smart vision device may be configured to acquire an image of the electrode sheet (ES) and to determine whether a defect marking exists on the surface by processing the acquired image. Furthermore, the smart vision device may determine whether a defect detection signal (NSS) was present at a location corresponding to the image. The defect detection signal (NSS) may be transmitted directly from the vision device or transmitted from the PLC (140). That is, the smart vision device may be configured to determine whether there is no defect marking despite there being a defect on the electrode sheet (ES) (i.e., despite there being a transmitted defect detection signal (NSS)), or whether there is a defect marking despite there being no defect (i.e., despite there being no transmitted defect detection signal (NSS)). The smart vision device may be configured to transmit an NG signal to the PLC (140) when there is no defect marking despite there being a defect on the electrode sheet (ES), or when there is a defect marking despite there being no defect. The PLC (140) may be configured to store the NG signal received from the smart vision device in a time-series and / or in association with coordinate data.

[0106] Meanwhile, the roll map creation device may store defect mark coordinates corresponding to the location where a defect is identified on the electrode sheet (ES). The roll map PLC (141) may be configured to collect (or generate) defect detection data (NSD) based on a defect detection signal (NSS). The roll map PLC (141) may be configured to associate the defect detection signal (NSS) with coordinate data to collect defect detection data (NSD). The roll map PLC (141) may generate defect detection data (NSD) based on the defect detection signal (NSS) and coordinate data. In some embodiments, the defect detection data (NSD) may include a defect value indicating the presence or absence of a defect and the aspect of the defect, and a coordinate value matched to the defect value.

[0107] To collect defect detection data (NSD), coordinate data can be calibrated based on an offset length (OL1). The calibration of coordinate data compensates for the difference between the portion of the electrode sheet (ES) sensed by the first rotary encoder (121), that is, the portion of the electrode sheet (ES) wound by the rewinder (113), and the portion of the electrode sheet (ES) sensed by the defect detection sensor (131).

[0108] According to exemplary embodiments, the roll map PLC (141) can correct coordinate data collected at the same time as the defect detection signal (NSS) based on the offset length (OL1) to collect defect detection data (NSD), and can associate the corrected coordinate data with the defect detection signal (NSS).

[0109] The offset length (OL1) is the length of the electrode sheet (ES) between the defect detection sensor (131) and the rewinder (113) along the movement path of the electrode sheet (ES). The offset length (OL1) may be equal to the straight-line distance between the defect detection sensor (131) and the rewinder (113).

[0110] The process PLC (143) may be configured to control the operation of the unwinder (111), rewinder (113), scrap port (117), and processing mechanism (119). The process PLC (143) may be configured to generate signals for the operation and interruption of the unwinder (111), rewinder (113), scrap port (117), and processing mechanism (119).

[0111] The process PLC (143) may be configured to receive defect detection data (NSD) from the roll map PLC (141). The process PLC (143) may be configured to receive defect data (DD) from the server (1020). The defect data (DD) may be loaded into the process PLC (143) via the communication server (1010). Here, the defect data (DD) may indicate the location of a defect on the first electrode roll (ER1). The defect data (DD) may be included in the first roll map of the first electrode roll (ER1).

[0112] The process PLC (143) may be configured to generate signals for the operation and interruption of the unwinder (111), rewinder (113), scrap port (117), and processing mechanism (119) based on defect detection data (NSD) and defect data (DD). When a defect on the electrode sheet (ES) identified by the defect data (DD) and defect detection data (NSD) approaches the splicing table (115), the process PLC (143) may be configured to generate signals to slow down the movement speed of the electrode sheet (ES) or to stop the winding and unwinding of the unwinder (111) and rewinder (113).

[0113] In some embodiments, the defective part (DES) may include long defects. In contrast, short defects may not be discarded in the electrode manufacturing process but may be discarded in the electrode assembly process (e.g., lamination process). The battery manufacturing system (10) may further include assembly equipment. The assembly equipment may include at least one of lamination equipment and stacking equipment.

[0114] The disposal of the defective part (DES) in the electrode manufacturing process described below may be for long defects. After cutting the starting position of the defect (or, considering the process margin, a position adjacent to the starting position of the defect) on the splicing table (115), the scrap port (117) may be configured to wind the defective part (DES) of the electrode sheet (ES), as indicated by the thick dashed line. After the defective part (DES) of the electrode sheet (ES) is sufficiently wound by the scrap port (117), the electrode sheet (ES) connected to the scrap port (117) and the electrode sheet (ES) connected to the unwinder (111) may be separated. Subsequently, the current process may be continued by joining the part of the electrode sheet (ES) connected to the unwinder (111) and the part of the electrode sheet (ES) connected to the rewinder (113). The portion of the electrode sheet (ES) connected to the unwinder (111) and the portion of the electrode sheet (ES) connected to the rewinder (113) can be connected on the splicing table (115).

[0115] In some embodiments, after stopping the unwinder (111) and rewinder (113) for disposal of the defective portion (DES) of the electrode sheet (ES), the defective portion (DES) of the electrode sheet (ES) can be moved to a scrap port by driving the unwinder (111) without driving the rewinder (113).

[0116] In some embodiments, the roll map PLC (141) may be configured to collect scrap data (SD) based on the unwinding amount signal (UWAS) after the disposal of the defective portion (DES) of the electrode sheet (ES) has begun. In some embodiments, for the collection of scrap data (SD), the roll map PLC (141) may receive signals from the process PLC (143) to control the operation of the unwinder (111) and the rewinder (113). In another example, the roll map PLC (141) may be configured to collect scrap data (SD) based on the amount of rotation of the drive roll of the scrap port (117). In another example, the roll map PLC (141) may be configured to collect scrap data (SD) based on the change in the distance between reference points on the electrode sheet (ES) and the distance between the seam on the electrode sheet (ES) and the reference point.

[0117] The roll map PLC (141) can be configured to collect scrap data (SD) indicating the length of electrode sheets (ES) discarded due to defects from the electrode rolls for the electrode process equipment (100). Accordingly, the length of the discarded electrodes at the rewinding stages (600) can be updated, and the traceability of the battery manufacturing process can be improved.

[0118] In some embodiments, the roll map PLC (141) may be configured to calculate the length of the discarded electrode sheet from the unwinding amount signal (UWAS) and the winding amount signal (WAS). In some embodiments, the roll map PLC (141) may be configured to check whether the difference between the unwinding amount and the winding amount calculated from the unwinding amount signal (UWAS) and the winding amount signal (WAS) corresponds to the scrap data (SD). In some embodiments, the roll map PLC (141) may be configured to determine the scrap data (SD) as the discarded amount of the electrode sheet if the difference between the unwinding amount and the winding amount corresponds to the scrap data (SD).

[0119] A seam sensor (133) may be configured to sense a seam on an electrode sheet (ES) to generate a seam detection signal (JSS). The seam may be a portion formed by joining the two ends of the electrode sheet (ES) after removing a defective portion (DES) of the electrode sheet (ES). As a non-limiting example, the seam sensor (133) may be either a color sensor or a vision machine. The seam sensor (133) may be configured to transmit the seam detection signal (JSS) to a roll map PLC (141).

[0120] The roll map PLC (141) can be configured to collect seam detection data (JSD) based on the seam detection signal (JSS). The roll map PLC (141) can be configured to collect seam detection data (JSD) by associating the seam detection signal (JSS) with coordinate data.

[0121] According to exemplary embodiments, the roll map PLC (141) can correct coordinate data collected at the same time as the seam detection signal (JSS) based on the offset length (OL2) to collect seam detection data (JSD) and associate the corrected coordinates with the seam detection signal (JSS).

[0122] The offset length (OL2) is the length of the electrode sheet (ES) between the seam sensor (133) and the rewinder (113) along the movement path of the electrode sheet (ES). The offset length (OL2) may be equal to the straight-line distance between the seam sensor (133) and the rewinder (113).

[0123] A reference point sensor (135) may be configured to sense reference points on an electrode sheet (ES) to generate a reference point detection signal (DSS). Reference points may be formed at set intervals on the electrode sheet (ES) to indicate a position on the electrode sheet (ES). In some embodiments, each reference point may be a two-dimensional barcode containing information, for example, the direction of the reference point and the sequence number of the reference point. In some embodiments, the reference point may be in the form of a character and a number. The reference point detection signal (DSS) may include a time value corresponding to the sensing of the reference point and a sequence number value of the reference point. The reference point sensor (135) may be configured to transmit the reference point detection signal (DSS) to a roll map PLC (141).

[0124] The roll map PLC (141) may be configured to collect (or generate) reference point detection data (DSD) based on a reference point detection signal (DSS). In some embodiments, the roll map PLC (141) may be configured to collect reference point detection data (DSD) by associating the reference point detection signal (DSS) with coordinate data.

[0125] According to exemplary embodiments, the roll map PLC (141) can correct coordinate data collected at the same time as the reference point detection signal (DSS) based on the offset length (OL3) to collect reference point detection data (DSD), and can associate the corrected coordinate data with the reference point detection signal (DSS).

[0126] The offset length (OL3) is the length of the electrode sheet (ES) between the reference point sensor (135) and the rewinder (113) along the movement path of the electrode sheet (ES). The offset length (OL3) may be equal to the straight-line distance between the reference point sensor (135) and the rewinder (113).

[0127] According to exemplary embodiments, any data generated based on events of scrap data (SD), defect detection data (NSD), and electrode sheet (ES) can be corrected based on reference point detection data (DSD).

[0128] The electrode process equipment (100) may further include additional inspection measuring instruments. Here, an inspection measuring instrument is a term that encompasses all devices capable of performing only inspection, devices capable of performing only measurement, and devices capable of performing both inspection and measurement; if it falls under any one of these three, it will be referred to as an inspection measuring instrument. The inspection measuring instrument may include a sensing unit and a processing unit.

[0129] The above inspection measuring instrument may be configured to collect or generate inspection measuring data. Here, inspection measuring data is a term encompassing both inspection data and measuring data, and if it corresponds to only one of the two, it will be referred to as inspection measuring data. The processing unit of the above inspection measuring instrument may be connected to the sensing unit via a wired or wireless connection.

[0130] The above measurement data may include a plurality of measurement values ​​expressed numerically. For example, the above measurement data may include dimensional data of the electrode sheet (ES), such as thickness and width; loading amount data of the coating material on the electrode sheet (ES); dimensional data such as the width of the insulating material provided on the coating material and the overlap width between the coating material and the insulating material; and mismatch data between the retaining lanes on the upper surface of the electrode sheet (ES) and the retaining lanes on the lower surface of the electrode sheet (ES). Here, the loading amount represents the amount of coating material loaded per unit area of ​​the electrode sheet (ES) and may be the area density of the coating material.

[0131] The above inspection data may include judgments on the quality of parts of the electrode sheet (ES) and process events. For example, the above inspection data may include data on the appearance of the electrode sheet (ES) collected by an image-based inspection device such as a vision machine, data on open circuits and seams of the electrode sheet (ES), data on parts of the electrode sheet (ES) where sampling inspection has been performed, data on parts of the electrode sheet (ES) scheduled for disposal, data on parts of the electrode sheet (ES) that have been disposed of, data on the quality of coating materials and insulating materials on the electrode sheet (ES), data on reference points indicating the location of the electrode sheet (ES), and defect data such as pinhole defects, crater defects, line defects, crack defects, side ring defects, island defects, folding defects, wrinkle defects, gouge defects, and dent defects. The inspection device may be any one of a color sensor, a seam sensor, a reference point sensor, and a vision machine.

[0132] The inspection and measurement data described above may be time-series data. The inspection and measurement data may be ordered temporally. Temporal ordering is a key characteristic of time-series data, which involves organizing events in the order in which they occur and arrive for processing. That is, the inspection and measurement data may be stored based on the time at which the inspection and / or measurement was performed, and the inspection and measurement data may be associated with time. Accordingly, each of the measurement values ​​and each of the inspection values ​​of the inspection and measurement data may be matched to time.

[0133] The roll map PLC (141) may be in operative communication via a wired or wireless data network with the first rotary encoder (121), the second rotary encoder (123), the defect detection sensor (131), the seam sensor (133), the reference point sensor (135), and additional measuring instruments and inspectors. The data network may be unidirectional or bidirectional. The data network may be implemented by a physical channel, a public network and / or a specialized network using WiFi, Bluetooth and / or other frequency bands. The first rotary encoder (121), the second rotary encoder (123), the defect detection sensor (131), the seam sensor (133), the reference point sensor (135), and additional measuring instruments and inspectors may be configured to collect data from equipment, workpieces, semi-finished products and products within the electrode process facility (100), or to generate signals for collecting data.

[0134] The roll map PLC (141) may be configured to transmit defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD), and reference point detection data (DSD) to the process PLC (143). The defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD), and reference point detection data (DSD) may be transmitted to the first server (1020) via the process PLC (143) and the communication server (1010). The process PLC (143) and the communication server (1010) may relay the communication of data including defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD), and reference point detection data (DSD) between the first server (1020) and the roll map PLC (141). However, it is not limited to this, and the roll map PLC (141) may also directly transmit defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD) and reference point detection data (DSD) to the server (1020).

[0135] For process control, a communication line connecting the process PLC (143) and the server (1020) via a communication server (1010) may be installed. Accordingly, data transmission through the process PLC (143) can reduce the resources required for the installation of the communication line and can streamline data processing and management compared to cases where the first and second rotary encoders (121, 123) and the reference point sensor (135) directly transmit unwinding amount signals (UWAS), winding amount signals (WAS), and measurement signals to the server (1020), and cases where the roll map PLC (141) directly transmits defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD), and reference point detection data (DSD) to the server (1020).

[0136] The communication server (1010) may be a device for communication between the process PLC (143) of the manufacturing equipment and the upper server (1020). The communication server (1010) may include an equipment interface (EIF).

[0137] In some embodiments, the server (1020) may include a roll map creation unit configured to generate a roll map. The roll map may be a plane simulating the process data of the electrode sheet (ES) moving between the unwinder (111) and the rewinder (113). In some embodiments, the server (1020) may operate as a roll map creation device.

[0138] In some embodiments, the roll map PLC (141) may include a roll map creation unit configured to generate the roll map. In this case, the roll map PLC (141) may function as a roll map creation device. In other embodiments, the server (1020) may include a roll map creation unit configured to generate the roll map. The roll map PLC (141) may also be configured to generate the roll map in an identical, equivalent, or analogous manner to the configuration of the server (1020) for generating the roll map.

[0139] The server (1020) may be configured to generate a roll map based on defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD), and reference point detection data (DSD). The roll map may be generated on a lot basis. The roll map may include data regarding the specifications of the lot. The specifications of the lot may include, for example, the lot number, the length of the wound electrode sheet (ES), the width of the electrode sheet (ES), and the material and composition used in processing the electrode sheet (ES).

[0140] According to exemplary embodiments, the server (1020) may be a data processing system that supports all activities necessary to manage the manufacturing of secondary batteries, such as work schedule management, work instructions, quality control, and work performance aggregation. The server (1020) may include, for example, a manufacturing execution system (MES). The server (1020) may be configured to perform input, processing, output, and communication of data necessary for electrode manufacturing, such as coating processes, press processes, and manufacturing processes.

[0141] According to other exemplary embodiments, the server (1020) may be configured to store and process raw measurement data. The server (1020) may manage the quality of processing of the electrode sheet (ES) by continuously monitoring the processing of the electrode sheet (ES) based on the measurement data. According to exemplary embodiments, the server (1020) may further include a statistical process controller (SPC). By collecting and analyzing manufacturing data in near real-time, the server (1020) may identify problematic conditions in a timely manner and provide an alarm to the operator before potential problems occur.

[0142] According to other exemplary embodiments, the server (1020) may further include, for example, a data warehouse and may store defect detection data (NSD), scrap data (SD), and coordinate data for a long period based on the product's warranty period, etc.

[0143] According to other exemplary embodiments, the server (1020) may perform all functions of the MES, SPC, and data warehouse, or may be provided separately from the MES, SPC, and data warehouse for creating a role map.

[0144] The roll map PLC (141), process PLC (143), communication server (1010), and server (1020) may be implemented using hardware, firmware, software, and combinations thereof. For example, the roll map PLC (141), process PLC (143), communication server (1010), and server (1020) may include computing devices such as workstation computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, and tablet computers. The roll map PLC (141), process PLC (143), communication server (1010), and server (1020) may include any one of a simple controller, a processor such as a microprocessor, a CPU (central processing unit), a GPU (graphic processing unit), a processor configured by software, dedicated hardware, and firmware. The roll map PLC (141), process PLC (143), communication server (1010) and server (1020) may be implemented by, for example, a general-purpose computer or application-specific hardware such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0145] The server (1020) may include a physical server or a cloud server. The server (1020) may provide data and analysis results to the operator through various frameworks. The framework may include a protocol that supports data transmission so that the display device (1030) can visualize data through a user interface and provide an updated visualization when new data is calculated by the server (1020). The protocol that supports data transmission may use HTML, JavaScript, and / or JSON.

[0146] The server (1020) may include various APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for storing data in databases and other data management tools. The APIs may also be used to retrieve data from databases of various data management systems. The data management system may provide access to the database, pull data from the database, retrieve data, and generate metrics. Here, metrics are tools for visualizing data. Metrics include time-series generated measurements and may be used for monitoring applications and generating status alerts.

[0147] The server (1020) can transmit a visualization command (VC) to the display device (1030), and the display device (1030) can visualize the roll map and display the visualized roll map.

[0148] The electrode process equipment (100) can implement a plug-and-play architecture with an API for data acquisition to provide plug-and-play connectivity for measuring instruments and inspectors. Accordingly, resources at a specific process step and a specific site can be easily transferred to another process and a different site, or new resources can be easily introduced to each process step and site.

[0149] The data network between the elements of the battery manufacturing system (10) may include various types of communication channels, including unidirectional, bidirectional wired and wireless communication. For example, the data network may include industrial protocol networks such as OPC, Modbus, ProfiNet, etc. The communication channel may be dedicated conduit communication such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE 802 (Ethernet), IEEE 1394 (FireWire), or other high-speed data communication standards.

[0150] In some embodiments, the battery manufacturing system (10) may further include a manual input system that allows an operator to input manufacturing data. The battery manufacturing system (10) may allow data input by an operator using an input tool and computer-based input of manufacturing data, such as scraping Excel files. The manual input system may be, for example, a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). SCADA may generally include a combination of software and hardware, such as a PLC and Remote Terminal Units (RTU). The HMI is a screen that supports communication between the operator and the SCADA system and is a key element of the SCADA system. For example, manual input via the HMI may include the selection of defect types and the reflection of performance upon completion.

[0151] According to some embodiments, the operation of the roll map PLC (141), process PLC (143), communication server (1010), and server (1020) 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 medium, optical storage medium, flash memory, electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of radio signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.) and any other signals.

[0152] The roll map PLC (141), process PLC (143), communication server (1010), and server (1020) may be composed of firmware, software, routines, and instructions for performing the aforementioned operation or any process described below. For example, the roll map PLC (141), process PLC (143), communication server (1010), and server (1020) may be implemented in memory.

[0153] The roll map PLC (141) can be implemented by software configured to receive a unwinding amount signal (UWAS), a winding amount signal (WAS), a defect detection signal (NSS), a seam detection signal (JSS), and a reference point detection signal (DSS), collect coordinate data, defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD), and reference point detection data (DSD), and transmit defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD), and reference point detection data (DSD).

[0154] The process PLC (143) can be implemented by software configured to generate control signals to control the unwinder (111), rewinder (113), scrap port (117), and processing mechanism (119) based on product ID, product recipe, defect data (DD), and defect detection signal (NSS), receive defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD), and reference point detection data (DSD), and transmit defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD), and reference point detection data (DSD).

[0155] The communication server (1010) may be implemented by software for relaying the transmission of data and information between the process PLC (143) and the server (1020). More specifically, the communication server (1010) may be implemented by software configured to perform flow control, error control, synchronization, sequence control, addressing, multiplexing, routing, and format conversion of communication between the process PLC (143) and the server (1020).

[0156] The server (1020) may be implemented by software configured to, for example, transmit product ID and product recipe to the process PLC (143) and generate a roll map based on defect detection data (NSD), seam detection data (JSD), scrap data (SD), and reference point detection data (DSD).

[0157] However, for the convenience of explanation, the operation of the aforementioned roll map PLC (141), process PLC (143), communication server (1010) and server (1020) may be caused by other devices executing computing devices, distributed computing devices, processors, firmware, software, routines and instructions, etc.

[0158] The architecture of a battery manufacturing system (10) configured to generate a roll map can be implemented by adding only a roll map PLC (141) to the processing unit, process PLC (143), communication server (1010), and server (1020), which are essential elements of a modern process management system. That is, the system according to exemplary embodiments can utilize the resources of the existing manufacturing site and reduce additional capital expenditure. In addition, by applying the same architecture as the existing manufacturing facility to the newly constructed manufacturing facility, the reliability of battery manufacturing, the discovery / improvement of problematic processes, and the introduction of new processes can be made more efficient.

[0159] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating tap unit discharge. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating communication between electrode manufacturing facilities. FIG. 5 to 7 may be described with reference to FIG. 1 to 4, and redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 5, in step S101, the battery manufacturing system (10) may form a first mark on the electrode sheet. In step S103, the battery manufacturing system (10) may form a second mark on the electrode sheet based on the first mark. In some embodiments, the first mark and the second mark may be defect marks. A defect detection sensor may detect a defect in the electrode sheet and form a first mark on the electrode sheet using a defect marker. A defect detection sensor included in an electrode process facility different from the defect detection sensor that formed the first mark may detect a defect in the electrode sheet and form a second mark on the electrode sheet using a defect marker.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first mark and the second mark may be formed in different processes. In some embodiments, the first mark may be formed in a coating process in which a slurry is applied to a current collector. In some embodiments, the first mark may be formed by a defect marker of the coating equipment (200). In some embodiments, the second mark may be formed in a notching process in which the electrode tab is formed on the electrode sheet. In some embodiments, the second mark may be formed by a defect marker of the notching equipment (500). The first mark may be formed chronologically earlier than the second mark.

[0162] In some embodiments, the second mark may overlap with the first mark. The marking recognition device of the notching facility (500) may recognize the first mark. The marking recognition device may correspond to the vision device of the defect detection sensor (131, FIG. 4). The defect marker of the notching facility (500) may overlap the second mark and the first mark by forming a second mark on the first mark. That is, the defect marker of the notching facility (500) may perform double marking. Accordingly, the first mark may be visually blocked by the second mark. Accordingly, the marking recognition device of the lamination process may not recognize the first mark but may recognize the second mark. By recognizing the second mark, the marking recognition device of the lamination process may discharge or discard a unit electrode including an electrode tab (2) corresponding to the second mark.

[0163] The battery manufacturing system (10) may cut the electrode sheet so that a plurality of electrodes are formed. In some embodiments, the battery manufacturing system (10) may form tabs in a notching process and cut the electrode sheet so that a plurality of electrodes are formed. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of electrodes may include one electrode tab (2). In some embodiments, each of the plurality of electrodes may include one or more electrode tabs (2). In some embodiments, if each of the plurality of electrodes cut in the notching process includes a plurality of electrode tabs (2), it may be cut in a subsequent process.

[0164] The battery manufacturing system (10) may form a third mark on the electrode sheet. In some embodiments, the size of the defective area of ​​the electrode sheet corresponding to the third mark may be larger than the size of the defective area of ​​the electrode sheet corresponding to the first mark. In some embodiments, the first mark may be associated with a short defect, which is a defect smaller than or equal to the width of a unit electrode. The third mark may be associated with a long defect, which is a defect for a plurality of unit electrodes.

[0165] In some embodiments, the third mark may be formed during a coating process. The shape of the third mark and the first mark may be different from each other. In some embodiments, the shape of the first mark and the second mark may be different from each other. The shape of the second mark and the third mark may be different from each other. That is, the shapes of the first mark, the second mark, and the third mark may each be different from each other. Since the shape of the first mark and the shape of the third mark are different, the defect detection sensor (131) of the roll pressing equipment (300) may be configured not to recognize the first mark but to recognize the third mark. Accordingly, the operating efficiency of the battery manufacturing system may be improved.

[0166] In step S105, the battery manufacturing system (10) can discharge a portion of the electrode sheet that includes an electrode tab (2) associated with the second mark.

[0167] Steps S103 and S105 may be performed in different processes. In some embodiments, Step S103 may be performed in an electrode manufacturing process, and Step S105 may be performed in an assembly process. The assembly process may be a process for assembling an anode, a cathode, a separator, and an electrolyte produced in the electrode manufacturing process. In some embodiments, Step S105 may be performed in a lamination process that combines a unit electrode including the electrode tab (2) and a separator. Referring to FIG. 6, the electrode tab (2) may include electrode tabs (2_1, 2_2, 2_3). The coating portion (1a) may include coating portions (1a_1, 1a_2, 1a_3). In some embodiments, when a marking recognition device of the lamination process (e.g., the marking recognition camera (730) of FIG. 9) recognizes a defect mark (e.g., a second mark) pointing to a unit electrode area (K1) including an electrode tab (2_1) and a coating portion (1a_1), the unit electrode area (K1) may be discharged or discarded. In some embodiments, when a marking recognition device of the lamination process recognizes a defect mark (e.g., a second mark) pointing to a unit electrode area (K2) including an electrode tab (2_2) and a coating portion (1a_2), the unit electrode area (K2) may be discharged or discarded. In some embodiments, when a marking recognition device of the lamination process recognizes a defect mark (e.g., a second mark) pointing to a unit electrode area (K3) including an electrode tab (2_3) and a coating portion (1a_3), the unit electrode area (K3) may be discharged or discarded. That is, defective areas can be discharged in units of electrode tabs (2) during the lamination process.

[0168] Meanwhile, the defective area of ​​the electrode sheet corresponding to the third mark may be discharged during the roll press process that presses the electrode sheet. The defective area of ​​the electrode sheet corresponding to the first mark may not be discharged during the roll press process, and the roll press process may be performed. That is, the defective area of ​​the electrode sheet corresponding to the first mark may be pressurized. The defective area of ​​the electrode sheet corresponding to the first mark is not discarded by the roll pressing equipment (300), but may be discarded in the lamination process after passing through the electrode manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the defect detection sensor (131) of the roll pressing equipment (300) may not recognize the first mark as a defect mark. Accordingly, the defective area corresponding to the first mark may not be discharged during the roll press process.

[0169] In some embodiments, a defect detection sensor of the roll press process can recognize a third mark. In some embodiments, a defect detection sensor (131) of the roll pressing equipment (300) can recognize the third mark as a defect mark. Accordingly, a defective area corresponding to the third mark can be discharged from the roll press process. In some embodiments, a defective area corresponding to the third mark can be cut on the splicing table (115) of the roll pressing equipment (300). In some embodiments, a defective area of ​​the electrode sheet corresponding to the third mark can be discharged (or discarded) from at least one of the roll pressing equipment (300), the rewinding stage (600), the slitting equipment (400), and the notching equipment (500).

[0170] As a specific example of the above S101 step, the battery manufacturing system (10) can detect a short defect of a size smaller than or equal to the width of a unit electrode in the coating process. Then, the battery manufacturing system (10) can form a first mark associated with the short defect. The notching equipment (500) can double-mark a second mark on the first mark through communication of process equipment regarding the short defect detected in the coating process, or the notching equipment (500) can recognize the first mark on its own and double-mark a second mark on the first mark.

[0171] The notching equipment (500) can recognize the first mark itself and double-mark the second mark on the first mark. As a specific example of step S103, the battery manufacturing system (10) can recognize the first mark using a marking recognition device and form the second mark on the first mark. In some embodiments, the marking recognition device of the notching equipment (500) (e.g., the vision device of the defect detection sensor (131)) can recognize the first mark and form the second mark on the first mark.

[0172] In the coating process, the notching equipment (500) can double-mark a second mark on a first mark through communication of the process equipment for a short defect detected. Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 together, in step S103, the first controller (140_1) can transmit the short defect information (NG_I) to the server (1020). The first controller (140_1) can correspond to the PLC (140) of the coating equipment (200). The second controller (140_2) can receive the short defect information (NG_I) from the server (1020). The second controller (140_2) can correspond to the PLC (140) of the notching equipment (500). The NG recognizer (201) of the coating process (e.g., defect detection sensor (131)) can recognize a short defect and transmit a defect detection signal (NSS) to the first controller (140_1). The short defect information (NG_I) may include information regarding the location of the short defect, etc. The short defect information (NG_I) may include a defect detection signal (NSS).

[0173] The second controller (140_2) may receive expected defect area information (Exp_NG) from the server (1020). The server (1020) may calculate the expected defect area information (Exp_NG) and then transmit it to the second controller (140_2). The server (1020) may receive the coordinates of a shot defect from the first controller (140_1) of the coating process and convert or estimate them into coordinates (expected defect area) for the notching process. In some embodiments, the server (1020) may include an SPC, and after calculating the expected defect area information (Exp_NG) based on at least one of the analysis results of the SPC and the shot defect information (NG_I), transmit it to the second controller (140_2) via the MES. In some embodiments, the SPC may generate expected defect area information (Exp_NG), including the location of the expected defect area, using short defect information (NG_I), and transmit it to the second controller (140_2) via the MES. The second controller (140_2) may control the marker (401) to double-mark the second mark over the first mark based on the expected defect area information. The marker may correspond to the defect marker of the defect detection sensor (131).

[0174] The battery manufacturing system (10) can form the second mark on the first mark using short defect information or expected defect area information (Exp_NG). For example, the notching facility (500) can form the second mark on the first mark using short defect information or expected defect area information (Exp_NG). The first controller (140_1) and the second controller (140_2) can control different processes.

[0175]

[0176] [Second embodiment]

[0177] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. A battery manufacturing system (10) detects a defect in a coating process, and if the detected defect is not marked, it performs marking for the defect in a notching process and can discharge an area corresponding to the defect in an assembly process. This will be described in detail below. FIG. 8 may be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, and redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0178] Referring to FIG. 8, in step S201, the battery manufacturing system (10) can detect a defect in the electrode sheet during a coating process in which a slurry is applied to a current collector. The electrode sheet includes a slurry and a current collector.

[0179] In step S203, the battery manufacturing system (10) may perform marking for the defect in a notching process for forming electrode tabs on the electrode sheet. In the notching process, the electrode sheet may be cut into a plurality of electrodes.

[0180] In step S205, the battery manufacturing system (10) may discharge a portion of the electrode sheet including the electrode tab associated with the defect in a lamination process that combines a plurality of electrodes and a separator. In some embodiments, the portion of the electrode sheet including the electrode tab may refer to a unit electrode including the electrode tab.

[0181] In some embodiments, the battery manufacturing system (10) may have a first controller (140_1) associated with the coating process transmit first information about the defect to a server (1020). A second controller (140_2) associated with the notching process may receive second information about the defect from the server (1020). In step S203, the second controller (140_2) may control a marker (401) to perform the marking of the defect on the electrode sheet using the second information about the defect.

[0182] In some embodiments, the server (1020) may include a statistical process controller (SPC). In some embodiments, the second information regarding a defect transmitted by the server (1020) to the second controller (140_2) may include expected defect area information (Exp_NG, FIG. 7) including location information regarding a short defect generated by the SPC. The first information may include short defect information (NG_I, FIG. 7).

[0183] In some embodiments, the defect may be a defect smaller than or equal to the width of the unit electrode.

[0184]

[0185] FIG. 9 shows an L&S (Lamination and Stacking) facility according to exemplary embodiments.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 9, the battery manufacturing system (10) may include an L&S facility (700).

[0187] The L&S equipment (700) may be configured to form a plurality of mono cells (MC) using an anode roll (ERP), a cathode roll (ERN), and separator rolls (SRS). The L&S equipment (700) may be configured to separate good products and defective products among the plurality of mono cells (MC). The L&S equipment (700) may be configured to transfer good products among the plurality of mono cells (MC) to a subsequent process equipment and discharge defective products.

[0188] The L&S equipment (700) may include an anode unwinder (711P), a cathode unwinder (711N), and separator unwinders (711S1, 711S2), electrode cutters (713P, 713N), guide rolls (715), separator cutter (717), a transfer device (719), a marking recognition camera (730), and a controller (740).

[0189] The L&S facility (700) may be configured to perform, for example, a lamination and stacking process. As a result of the lamination process, mono cells (MC) may be provided. Each of the mono cells (MC) may include an anode (EPP), a cathode (EPN), and a separator. In the stacking process, the mono cells (MC) and additional half cells may be stacked in a vertical direction, thereby providing an electrode assembly.

[0190] Unwinders (711P, 711N, 711S1, 711S2) may be configured to feed roll-type materials into the L&S facility (700). More specifically, unwinder (711P) may be configured to unwind an anode sheet (ESP) from an anode roll (ERP), unwinder (711N) may be configured to unwind a cathode sheet (ESN) from a cathode roll (ERN), and unwinders (711S1, 711S2) may be configured to unwind separator sheets (SS1, SS2) from separator rolls (SR1, SR2).

[0191] The positive electrode roll (ERP) and the negative electrode roll (ERN) may be provided by a notching facility (500, FIG. 3). Each positive electrode tab (TP) of the positive electrode sheet (ESP) unwound from the positive electrode roll (ERP) may include a data matrix. Each negative electrode tab (TN) of the negative electrode sheet (ESN) unwound from the negative electrode roll (ERN) may include a data matrix. The data matrix may be formed on the electrode tabs. The data matrix may be, for example, a two-dimensional barcode. The data matrix may include information regarding the electrode ID (cell ID). That is, the electrode ID may be read from the data matrix. The electrode ID may be used to identify the electrode tabs. The electrode ID may include a symbol indicating the location where the notching facility (500) is installed, the time when the electrode tabs were formed, and the lot number of the electrode roll.

[0192] The anode cutter (713P) may be configured to cut the anode sheet (ESP). Multiple anodes (EPP) may be provided by cutting the anode sheet (ESP). The cathode cutter (713N) may be configured to cut the cathode sheet (ESN). Multiple cathodes (EPN) may be provided by cutting the cathode sheet (ESN).

[0193] The controller (740) can control the operation of the positive cutter (713P) and the negative cutter (713N), and accordingly, can be configured to count the cut of the positive sheet (ESP) by the positive cutter (713P) and the cut of the negative sheet (ESN) by the negative cutter (713N).

[0194] Guide rolls (715) can be configured to define the paths of the separator sheets (SS1, SS2). The separator sheets (SS1, SS2) can be aligned side by side by the guide rolls (715). Anodes (EPP) and cathodes (EPN) can be placed on the separator sheets (SS1, SS2). For example, cathodes (EPN) can be placed on the separator sheet (SS2), and anodes (EPP) can be placed on the separator sheet (SS1). The anodes (EPP) and cathodes (EPN) can be electrically and physically separated by the separator sheet (SS1).

[0195] The separator cutter (717) may be configured to cut the separator sheets (SS1, SS2). Before the separator sheets (SS1, SS2) are cut by the separator cutter (717), the laminated structure of the separator sheets (SS1, SS2), positive electrodes (EPP), and negative electrodes (EPN) may be pressed by a nip roll (not shown), etc. By cutting the separator sheets (SS1, SS2), a mono cell (MC) including positive electrodes (EPP), negative electrodes (EPN), and separators may be provided.

[0196] The transfer device (719) may be configured to transfer the mono cell (MC) to a subsequent process facility, such as a stacking facility. The transfer device (719) may include, but is not limited to, a gripper configured to grip the mono cell (MC) using vacuum pressure.

[0197] The electrode ID reader may be configured to detect a data matrix. The electrode ID reader may be configured to read out the electrode ID represented by the data matrix. The electrode ID reader may include, for example, a Bar Code Reader (BCR), but is not limited thereto. The electrode ID reader may also include an Optical Character Reader (OCR). The electrode ID reader may include a camera configured to capture an image containing the data matrix and a processor configured to process said image. The electrode ID reader may be configured to generate an electrode ID detection signal based on the detection of the data matrix. The electrode ID reader may be configured to transmit the electrode ID detection signal to the controller (740).

[0198] The marking recognition camera (730) may include a camera configured to capture an image including a mark formed in a notching process and a processor configured to process the image. The mark formed in the notching process may be the second mark of FIG. 5. That is, the mark may be formed on the first mark formed in the coating process. The marking recognition camera (730) may be configured to generate a short defect detection signal based on the detection of the mark formed in the notching process. The marking recognition camera (730) may be configured to transmit the short defect detection signal to a controller (740).

[0199] The controller (740) may be configured to control elements of the L&S facility (700), such as, for example, unwinders (711P, 711N, 711S1, 711S2), a positive electrode cutter (713P), a negative electrode cutter (713N), a marking recognition camera (730), a separator cutter (717), and a transfer device (719).

[0200] The controller (740) may be configured to receive quality data associated with an electrode ID transmitted from the server (1020) and electrode ID data transmitted from the data matrix reader. The controller (740) may be configured to generate a signal to control the operation of the transfer device (719) based on the quality data associated with the electrode ID and the electrode ID data transmitted from the server (1020).

[0201] The controller (740) may be configured to determine defects. In some embodiments, the determination of defects in the mono cell (MC) may be performed based on data received from the server (1020). The controller (740) may perform the determination of defects in the mono cell (MC) based on data associated with an electrode ID received from the server (1020). In some embodiments, the controller (740) may perform the determination of defects in the mono cell (MC) based on a short defect detection signal. The controller (740) of the lamination process may be configured to recognize a mark indicating a short defect in the anode (EPP) and to generate a control signal for discharging the anode (EPP) containing said mark. The controller (740) of the lamination process may be configured to recognize a mark indicating a short defect in the cathode (EPN) and to generate a control signal for discharging the cathode (EPN) containing said mark. The mark may be formed in the notching process and may be a mark indicating a short defect.

[0202] The controller (740) can be configured to generate a signal to turn off the vacuum of the transfer device (719).

[0203] A mono cell (MC) containing at least one of an anode (EPP) containing a short defect and a cathode (EPN) containing a short defect may not be transferred to a subsequent process. The mono cell (MC) may be discharged to an NG box (720).

[0204] As described above, although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to modify and implement the present invention in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, future modifications to the embodiments of the present invention will not depart from the technology of the present invention.

Claims

1. A step of forming a first mark on an electrode sheet; A step of forming a second mark on the electrode sheet based on the first mark; and A battery manufacturing method comprising the step of discharging a portion including an electrode tab associated with the second mark from the electrode sheet.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above first mark is formed in a coating process in which a slurry is applied to a current collector, and A battery manufacturing method characterized in that the above-mentioned second mark is formed in a notching process that forms the electrode tab on the electrode sheet.

3. In Paragraph 2, The method further includes the step of cutting the electrode sheet so that a plurality of electrodes are formed, and A battery manufacturing method characterized in that each of the plurality of electrodes comprises at least one electrode tab.

4. In Paragraph 1, The step of discharging a portion including an electrode tab associated with the second mark from the electrode sheet is: A battery manufacturing method characterized by being performed in a different process from the step of forming a second mark on the electrode sheet based on the first mark above.

5. In Paragraph 1, The step of discharging a portion including an electrode tab associated with the second mark from the electrode sheet is: A battery manufacturing method characterized by being performed in a lamination process that combines a unit electrode including the above electrode tab and a separator.

6. In Paragraph 1, A battery manufacturing method characterized in that the second mark overlaps with the first mark.

7. In Paragraph 1, A battery manufacturing method characterized in that the first mark is visually blocked by the second mark.

8. In Paragraph 1, The method further includes the step of forming a third mark on the electrode sheet, A battery manufacturing method characterized in that the size of the defective area of ​​the electrode sheet corresponding to the third mark is larger than the size of the defective area of ​​the electrode sheet corresponding to the first mark.

9. In Paragraph 1, The method further includes the step of forming a third mark on the electrode sheet, The above first mark is associated with a short defect, which is a defect smaller than or equal to the width of the unit electrode, and A battery manufacturing method characterized in that the above-mentioned third mark is associated with a long defect, which is a defect for a plurality of unit electrodes.

10. In Paragraph 8, A battery manufacturing method characterized in that the above-mentioned third mark is formed in a coating process in which a slurry is applied to a current collector.

11. In Paragraph 8, A battery manufacturing method characterized in that the shape of the first mark and the shape of the third mark are different from each other.

12. In Paragraph 8, The defective area of ​​the electrode sheet corresponding to the third mark above is discharged in the roll press process that presses the electrode sheet, and A battery manufacturing method characterized in that the defective area of ​​the electrode sheet corresponding to the first mark above is subjected to the roll press process.

13. In Paragraph 1, The step of forming the first mark on the electrode sheet is, A step of detecting a short defect of a size smaller than or equal to the width of a unit electrode; and It includes the step of forming the first mark associated with the short defect, The step of forming a second mark on the electrode sheet based on the first mark above is, A step of recognizing the above-mentioned first mark using a marking recognition device; and A battery manufacturing method comprising the step of forming the second mark on the first mark.

14. In Paragraph 1, The step of forming the first mark on the electrode sheet is, A step of detecting a short defect of a size smaller than or equal to the width of the unit electrode; and It includes the step of forming the first mark associated with the short defect, The above battery manufacturing method is, The first controller further includes the step of transmitting the short failure information to the server, and The step of forming a second mark on the electrode sheet based on the first mark above is, The second controller receiving the short failure information from the server; and The method includes the step of forming the second mark on the first mark using the short defect information. A battery manufacturing method characterized in that the first controller and the second controller control different processes.

15. A step of detecting defects in the electrode sheet during a coating process of applying a slurry to the current collector; A step of performing marking for the defect in a notching process for forming an electrode tab on the electrode sheet; and A battery manufacturing method comprising the step of discharging a portion of the electrode sheet including the electrode tab associated with the defect in a lamination process that combines a plurality of electrodes and a separator.

16. In Paragraph 15, A first controller associated with the above coating process transmits first information regarding the defect to a server; and The second controller associated with the above notching process further includes the step of receiving second information regarding the defect from the server, and The step of performing marking for the defect in the notching process of forming an electrode tab on the electrode sheet is A battery manufacturing method characterized by the second controller controlling the electrode sheet to perform the marking of the defect using the second information regarding the defect.

17. In Paragraph 16, The above server includes an SPC (statistical process controller), and A battery manufacturing method characterized in that the second information regarding the above defect is location information regarding a short defect generated by the SPC.

18. In Paragraph 15, A battery manufacturing method characterized in that the above defect is a defect of a size smaller than or equal to the width of a unit electrode.

19. In Paragraph 15, A battery manufacturing method further comprising the step of detecting a marking for the defect in the above lamination process.

Images