JP2011210663A - Cylindrical battery with individual identification information - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cylindrical battery with individual identification information printed in consideration of influence of a tool or the like in a production process for obtaining effective traceability.SOLUTION: In a cylindrical battery 10, a two-dimensional code 15 described with the individual identification information is printed on a specific region D of a battery side part 13 having the prescribed distance d1 from the battery bottom 11 and the prescribed distance d2 from the battery top 12. The specific region D is a position not influenced by production work using tools in a battery manufacturing process.

Description

  The present invention relates to a cylindrical battery having individual identification information by printing a two-dimensional code on a main body.

  As is well known, cylindrical batteries have many demands in a wide range of markets from industrial equipment to consumer equipment in terms of portability and functionality. In order to meet this demand, battery manufacturers are operating a plurality of production lines to manufacture a large number of batteries to ensure a stable supply of batteries in the market.

  In this way, while the market requires a stable supply of batteries, if a battery failure occurs, identify the cause of the defective battery, and if necessary, all of the target batteries It is also required to recover and secure the market. When this battery failure occurs, if it can be specified in which production line the defective battery was manufactured, it will be manufactured in the specified production line without collecting all the same type of batteries as the defective battery. It is possible to recover only the batteries. For these reasons, demand for traceability in the market has increased in recent years.

  Therefore, in order to cope with traceability in the market, it has been proposed to attach individual identification information such as a barcode to the battery. See, for example, US Pat. By making it possible to specify the date of manufacture, the type of battery, the production line, etc. from this individual identification information, traceability in the market can be realized.

JP 2008-251197 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-31485

  Here, in order to associate information such as manufacturing equipment used for battery processing in a manufacturing process on a manufacturing line with a battery that has been subjected to processing, individual identification information is included in the stage prior to performing this manufacturing process. It must be printed on the battery.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when associating information on manufacturing equipment used in the first and second manufacturing processes with the battery, the individual identification information 105 is printed on the battery 100 in the previous process of the first manufacturing process. Keep it. Then, in the first manufacturing process, the individual identification information 105 printed on the battery 100 is read and transmitted to the management terminal 113 such as a personal computer together with information on the manufacturing equipment 111 used for the processing, and also in the second manufacturing process. The individual identification information 105 printed on the battery 100 is read and transmitted to the management terminal 113 together with information on the manufacturing facility 112 used for the processing.

  In general, a dedicated jig is generally used for processing in a manufacturing process, and conveyance and movement between manufacturing processes. These jigs cover or grip a part of the battery. For this reason, when the individual identification information is printed on the battery at a stage prior to the manufacturing process using the jig, the influence of the jig must be fully considered.

  However, in the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the individual identification information is not printed in consideration of the influence of a jig or the like used in the manufacturing process, and the manufacturing process information is completely associated with the battery. I can't. For this reason, there is a problem that effective traceability cannot be realized.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cylindrical battery having individual identification information printed in consideration of the influence of a jig or the like in the manufacturing process in order to realize effective traceability.

  The present invention is directed to a cylindrical battery, and in order to achieve the above object, the specific area on the side of the battery having a first distance from the battery bottom and a second distance from the battery head In addition, a two-dimensional code in which individual identification information is written is provided, and the specific region is a position that is not affected by the manufacturing action in the battery manufacturing process.

  Typically, the first distance is set including the height of the jig for transporting the battery in a standing state, and the second distance is set including the height of the jig for holding and moving the battery. Is done. Moreover, you may further provide the label | marker used as the reading reference | standard of a two-dimensional code in the vicinity of the two-dimensional code in a specific area. Moreover, you may further provide the auxiliary | assistant two-dimensional code which described the same individual identification information as a two-dimensional code in the position which has a 3rd distance from the two-dimensional code in a specific area | region. This third distance is preferably equal to or greater than the width of the joint portion where both ends of the outer tube covering the metal can overlap, and the auxiliary two-dimensional code is provided on the circumference parallel to the battery bottom passing through the two-dimensional code. It is preferred that

  According to the present invention, the battery has the individual identification information printed in consideration of the influence of a jig or the like in the manufacturing process. As a result, the manufacturing process information can be completely associated with the battery, and effective traceability including manufacturing information can be realized.

The figure explaining the cylindrical battery 10 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The figure explaining the outline of the manufacturing process of the cylindrical battery 10 The figure explaining the example of the positional relationship between a battery and the jig for battery conveyance The figure explaining the example of the positional relationship of a battery and the jig for battery movement The figure explaining cylindrical battery 50 of other examples concerning one embodiment of the present invention. The figure explaining cylindrical battery 60 of other examples concerning one embodiment of the present invention. The figure explaining cylindrical battery 70 of other examples concerning one embodiment of the present invention. The figure explaining the problem in the manufacturing process of the conventional cylindrical battery 100

[Appearance characteristics of cylindrical battery]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cylindrical battery 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cylindrical battery 10 of the present invention is three-dimensionally configured by a battery bottom portion 11 including a negative electrode terminal 11a, a battery head portion 12 including a positive electrode terminal 12a, and a battery side surface portion 13 which is a cylinder having a height h. The battery is shaped. The cylindrical battery 10 has a two-dimensional code 15 indicating individual identification information in a specific region D on the battery side surface portion 13.

  The specific region D is formed between a position separated from the battery bottom 11 in the direction of the battery head 12 by a predetermined distance d1 and a position separated from the battery head 12 in the direction of the battery bottom 11 by a predetermined distance d2. This is a band-like region on the battery side surface portion 13 (h = D + d1 + d2). The present invention is characterized in that the specific region D is provided at a position that is not affected by the manufacturing action in the battery manufacturing process. For this reason, the predetermined distances d1 and d2 are determined depending on the manufacturing action using the jig in the battery manufacturing process, as will be described later.

[Manufacturing process of cylindrical battery]
A process for manufacturing the cylindrical battery 10 of the present invention will be briefly described.
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a manufacturing process performed for manufacturing the cylindrical battery 10. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the positional relationship between the battery and the battery transport jig. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a positional relationship between the battery and the battery moving jig.

  First, the battery case 14 including the battery bottom 11 and the battery side 13 is prepared (step S21). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the battery case 14 is held by a jig 31 that conveys the battery case 14 in an upright state with the upper portion of the battery case 14 opened. At this time, the lower part of the battery case 14 is hidden in the jig 31 by the distance a.

  Next, the two-dimensional code 15 is printed on the specific region D on the battery side surface portion 13 of the battery case 14 held by the jig 31 (step S22). Next, an electrode is formed in the battery case 14 (step S23). At this time, the information of the two-dimensional code 15 printed on the battery case 14 and the information of the manufacturing equipment or the like on which the electrodes are formed are associated with each other and managed in an integrated manner by a management device (not shown) such as a personal computer. Next, an electrolytic solution is injected from the opening of the battery case 14 (step S24), and the opening is sealed (step S25). Also in steps S24 and S25, the information of the two-dimensional code 15 printed on the battery case 14 and the information of the manufacturing equipment used in each step are associated with each other and are managed by the management device. The cylindrical battery 10 is completed by performing steps S21 to S25.

  Finally, product inspection of the completed cylindrical battery 10 is performed (step S26), and the process proceeds to the next finishing step. When moving from the product inspection process to the next finishing process or the like, for example, a jig 41 for holding and moving the upper part of the cylindrical battery 10 as shown in FIG. 4 is used. At this time, the upper part of the cylindrical battery 10 is hidden in the jig 41 by a distance b.

  Considering the manufacturing process described above, the lower part of the battery case 14 (cylindrical battery 10) is hidden in the jig 31 by a distance a in step S21, and the upper part of the cylindrical battery 10 is moved in the jig 41 by a distance b in step S26. To hide. Therefore, in order to provide the specific region D at a position that is not affected by the manufacturing action in these manufacturing processes, a position at least a distance a away from the battery bottom 11 in the direction of the battery head 12 is defined as a predetermined distance d1. In addition, it is an absolute condition that a position at least a distance b away from the battery head 12 in the direction of the battery bottom 11 is a predetermined distance d2.

  Each manufacturing process shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and depending on the structure and type of the battery, one process is separated into a plurality of parts, a specific manufacturing process is omitted, and other manufacturing processes are added. Needless to say, it is done. It is also conceivable that the jig is changed as necessary for each manufacturing process. Therefore, it is necessary to set the distances d1 and d2 described above in consideration of all manufacturing processes and jigs.

[Two-dimensional code]
The two-dimensional code 15 indicates individual identification information of the cylindrical battery 10 to be printed. For example, the manufacturing date, manufacturing time, manufacturing line (lot number), and the like are included in the individual identification information. Accordingly, the two-dimensional code 15 printed on the cylindrical battery 10 is read and processed in cooperation with the above-described management apparatus, thereby specifying information such as manufacturing equipment used for manufacturing the cylindrical battery 10. It becomes possible. As an example of the two-dimensional code 15, for example, the one described below can be considered.

(1) First Example As described above, the two-dimensional code 15 is positioned at a predetermined distance d1 from the battery bottom 11 in the direction of the battery head 12 and the direction from the battery head 12 to the battery bottom 11. In this method, only one place is printed inside the specific area D formed between the predetermined distance d2 and the position separated by a predetermined distance d2. When the reading operation can be performed while holding the cylindrical battery 10, it is sufficient to print the two-dimensional code 15 in one place.

(2) Second Embodiment The two-dimensional code 15 can exhibit its function not only in the traceability in the market but also in the traceability in the manufacturing process. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the reading of the two-dimensional code 15 in the manufacturing process.

  Due to its shape, the cylindrical battery 10 may rotate during the manufacturing process, and the position where the two-dimensional code 15 is printed may move. Therefore, the two-dimensional code 15 does not always come to the front of the two-dimensional code automatic reading device in the inspection process or the like. As a countermeasure, there is a method of rotating the cylindrical battery 10 and causing the two-dimensional code reading device to read the two-dimensional code 15. When reading the two-dimensional code 15 from the rotating cylindrical battery 10, the reading accuracy can be improved if there is a sign that can identify the position of the two-dimensional code 15.

  Therefore, as in the cylindrical battery 50 shown in FIG. 5, a method of printing a label 16 serving as a reference for reading the two-dimensional code 15 in the vicinity of the two-dimensional code 15 in the specific region D can be considered. Note that the shape, size, and print position of the marker 16 may be other than those shown in FIG. 5 as long as they are within the specific region D and the position of the two-dimensional code 15 can be specified.

(3) Third Example Normally, the cylindrical battery 10 has an outer tube made of an insulating material for the purpose of protecting a metal can such as the battery case 14 and isolating the positive electrode terminal 12a and the negative electrode terminal 11a. Covered. At the time of this coating, a joint portion where both ends of the outer tube overlap is generated. If this joined portion overlaps the printed two-dimensional code 15, the reading accuracy of the two-dimensional code 15 may be reduced.

  Therefore, as in the cylindrical battery 60 shown in FIG. 6, a method of further printing the auxiliary two-dimensional code 17 describing the same individual identification information as the two-dimensional code 15 with a predetermined distance d3 is considered. This predetermined distance d3 is set to be equal to or larger than the width w of the joint portion 62 where both ends of the outer tube 61 overlap. In addition, the auxiliary two-dimensional code 17 is provided on the circumference parallel to the battery bottom 11 passing through the two-dimensional code 15, that is, when the two-dimensional code 15 is read by rotating the cylindrical battery 60. 60 rotation directions are provided. When the auxiliary two-dimensional code 17 is printed, an auxiliary indicator 18 serving as a reference for reading the auxiliary two-dimensional code 17 may be printed in the vicinity of the auxiliary two-dimensional code 17 ( FIG. 7).

  The outer tube 61 is often printed with various information such as a manufacturer name and a product part number, and there is a possibility that the reading accuracy of the two-dimensional code 15 may be lowered due to the overlap with the printed information. Therefore, when information is printed on the outer tube 61, it is desirable to determine the predetermined distances d1 and d2 in consideration of the printing range.

  As described above, the cylindrical battery according to the embodiment of the present invention has the individual identification information printed in consideration of the influence of a jig or the like in the manufacturing process. As a result, the manufacturing process information can be completely associated with the battery, and effective traceability including manufacturing information can be realized.

  The cylindrical battery of the present invention can be used for realizing traceability and the like, and particularly useful for realizing effective traceability including manufacturing information.

10, 50, 60, 70, 100 Cylindrical battery 11 Battery bottom 11a Negative electrode terminal 12 Battery head 12a Positive electrode terminal 13 Battery side surface 14 Battery case 15, 17, 105 Two-dimensional code (individual identification information)
16, 18 Marking 31, 41 Jig 61 Outer tube 62 Joining part 111, 112 Manufacturing equipment 113 Management terminal D Specific area a, b, d1, d2, d3 Distance

Claims (6)

A cylindrical battery,
A two-dimensional code in which individual identification information is written in a specific region on the side of the battery having a first distance from the battery bottom and a second distance from the battery head;
The cylindrical battery is characterized in that the specific region is a position that is not affected by a manufacturing action in a battery manufacturing process. The first distance includes the height of a jig that conveys the battery in an upright state,
The cylindrical battery according to claim 1, wherein the second distance includes a height of a jig that sandwiches and moves the battery.   The cylindrical battery according to claim 1, further comprising a label serving as a reference for reading the two-dimensional code in the vicinity of the two-dimensional code in the specific region.   2. The cylindrical battery according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary two-dimensional code in which the same individual identification information as the two-dimensional code is written at a position having a third distance from the two-dimensional code in the specific region.   5. The cylindrical battery according to claim 4, wherein the third distance is equal to or greater than a width of a joint portion where both ends of the outer tube covering the metal can overlap.   The cylindrical battery according to claim 5, wherein the auxiliary two-dimensional code is provided on a circumference parallel to a battery bottom passing through the two-dimensional code.

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