Code reader and code reading method using the same

Abstract

The technical concept of the present invention provides a code reader comprising: a vision device configured to recognize an identification code of an article; a lower frame provided below the vision device and providing a passage through which the article moves; an alignment jig detachably mounted on the lower frame and accommodated in the passage of the lower frame; and a fixed holder positioned at a reference position, wherein the vision device is aligned at the reference position by inserting the alignment jig into the fixed holder.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a code reader and a code reading method using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries are rechargeable and are currently the subject of extensive research and development due to their potential for miniaturization and high capacity. As technological development and demand for electric vehicles and mobile devices increase, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly growing.

[0003] The production process of secondary batteries can be carried out by various facilities, such as notching equipment for the notching process, laminating equipment for the laminating process, stacking equipment for the stacking process, and packaging equipment for the packaging process. In the event that a problem occurs in a secondary battery cell, each battery cell must be individually managed at each stage of the production process to identify the cause of the problem. Accordingly, a method is required to uniquely identify each secondary battery cell within the production process and to effectively identify the battery cells by process. Prior art literature

[0004] Republic of Korea Published Patent Application No. 10-2023-0112517 The problem to be solved

[0005] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a code reader and a code reading method using the same. means of solving the problem

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a code reader comprising: a vision device configured to recognize an identification code of an article; a lower frame provided below the vision device and providing a passage through which the article moves; an alignment jig detachably mounted on the lower frame and accommodated in the passage of the lower frame; and a fixed holder positioned at a reference position, wherein the vision device is aligned at the reference position by inserting the alignment jig into the fixed holder.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the passage of the lower frame is characterized by extending horizontally across the lower frame.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the alignment jig is characterized by comprising: a fastening blade that extends along the passage of the lower frame and is detachably fastened to the lower frame; and an alignment column connected to the center of the fastening blade and configured to be inserted into the fixed holder.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the alignment column is characterized by protruding downward from the lower frame.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the first and second ends of the fastening blade, which are opposite to each other, are each fastened to the lower frame by a bolt.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the first end and the second end of the fastening blade are characterized by being exposed to the outside of the lower frame.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the vision device is further provided with an upper frame that accommodates the vision device and is provided on the lower frame, wherein the lower frame comprises: an upper cover plate connected to the upper frame; a lower cover plate facing the upper cover plate and having an opening communicating with the passage of the lower frame; and a side plate extending from the edge of the upper cover plate to the edge of the lower cover plate.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the fastening blade is characterized by being detachably fastened to the upper cover plate.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the upper frame is characterized by being mounted to a vertical movement guide so as to be movable in a vertical direction.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, while the upper frame moves in the vertical direction, the lower frame and the alignment jig move together with the upper frame in the vertical direction.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the article is characterized as being a can containing a battery cell.

[0017] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a code reading method comprising: mounting an alignment jig in a passage of a lower frame provided below a vision device; inserting the alignment jig into a fixed holder located at a reference position to align the vision device to the reference position; separating the alignment jig from the lower frame; introducing an article having an identification code into the passage of the lower frame; and recognizing the identification code of the article with the vision device.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the article is characterized as being a can containing a battery cell.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the passage of the lower frame extends horizontally across the lower frame, and the alignment jig is characterized by comprising: a fastening blade extending along the passage of the lower frame and detachably fastened to the lower frame; and an alignment column connected to the center of the fastening blade and configured to be inserted into the fixed holder.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the vision device is further provided with an upper frame that accommodates the vision device and is provided on the lower frame, wherein the lower frame comprises: an upper cover plate connected to the upper frame; a lower cover plate facing the upper cover plate and having an opening communicating with the passage of the lower frame; and a side plate extending from the edge of the upper cover plate to the edge of the lower cover plate; and wherein the fastening blade is detachably fastened to the upper cover plate. Effects of the invention

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a vision device can be aligned using an alignment jig. Accordingly, the time required for the alignment of the vision device can be reduced, and the position alignment of the vision device can be improved, thereby improving the recognition rate and accuracy of code reading.

[0022] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 are side views illustrating the process of aligning a vision device to a reference position in a code reader according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the code reader of Figure 1. FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing the lower frame and alignment jig of the code reader of FIG. 1. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the alignment jig of the code reader of Figure 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a code reading method according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a side view schematically illustrating a code reading method according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] 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. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0029] (1st embodiment)

[0030] FIGS. 1 to 5 are drawings showing a code reader (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. FIGS. 1 and 2 are side views showing the process of aligning the vision device (110) of the code reader (100) to a reference position. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the code reader (100). FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing the lower frame (130) and alignment jig (150) of the code reader (100). FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the alignment jig (150) of the code reader (100).

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, a code reader (100) may be configured to read an identification code of an article (BC in FIG. 7). The article (BC) may be a battery can or a battery cell containing a battery cell. In exemplary embodiments, the article (BC) may be a cylindrical battery can containing a battery cell. The identification code may contain information about the article (BC). The identification code may be a mark formed on the outer surface of the article (BC) through a laser marking process. The identification code may include a one-dimensional code and / or a two-dimensional code. In exemplary embodiments, the identification code may include a QR code. The code reader (100) may recognize and read the identification code of the article (BC). The code reader (100) may provide the information obtained by reading the identification code to a cell management system. Based on the information provided by the code reader (100), the production process for the article (BC) may be monitored.

[0032] The code reader (100) may include a vision device (110), an upper frame (120), a lower frame (130), and an actuator (140).

[0033] The vision device (110) can recognize the identification code of an item (BC) placed on the stage (101). The vision device (110) may include an image sensor, a camera, or a combination thereof.

[0034] The upper frame (120) can accommodate a vision device (110). The vision device (110) can be mounted within the upper frame (120). The lower frame (130) can be attached to the lower end of the upper frame (120). The lower frame (130) can be positioned below the vision device (110). The lower frame (130) provides a vertically extended optical path, and the vision device (110) can capture the identification code of an item (BC) placed on the stage (101) through the optical path of the lower frame (130).

[0035] The lower frame (130) may have a roughly disc shape and may have a passage (139) through which an item (BC) moves in a horizontal direction. The passage (139) of the lower frame (130) may extend horizontally from one side of the lower frame (130) to the other side, and may extend through the lower frame (130) in a horizontal direction. While the item (BC) passes through the passage (139), the vision device (110) may capture an image of the item (BC).

[0036] The lower frame (130) may include an upper cover plate (135) connected to the lower part of the upper frame (120), a lower cover plate (131) facing the upper cover plate (135), and a side plate (133) extending from the edge of the upper cover plate (135) to the edge of the lower cover plate (131). A passage (139) of the lower frame (130) may communicate with a first opening and a second opening of the side plate (133) and may extend from the first opening to the second opening of the side plate (133). The passage (139) of the lower frame (130) may be exposed to the outside of the frame through the first opening and the second opening of the side plate (133). The first opening of the side plate (133) may be the entrance to the passage (139) through which the item (BC) is brought in, and the second opening of the side plate (133) may be the exit to the passage (139) through which the item (BC) is taken out. Additionally, the passage (139) of the frame may be connected to the opening of the lower cover plate (131). The passage (139) of the frame may be exposed to the outside of the frame through the opening of the lower cover plate (131).

[0037] The actuator (140) can move the upper frame (120), the vision device (110), and the lower frame (130) in a vertical direction. The actuator (140) may include a linear actuator (140). The upper frame (120) may be mounted so as to be movable in a vertical direction on the vertical movement guide (141) of the actuator (140). When the upper frame (120) is moved in a vertical direction by the actuator (140), the vision device (110) and the lower frame (130) fixed to the upper frame (120) can move in a vertical direction together with the upper frame (120).

[0038] The code reader (100) may include an alignment jig (150) and a fixed holder (160) that are used for alignment work to align the vision device (110) to a reference position.

[0039] The alignment jig (150) can be detachably mounted to the lower frame (130). For example, the alignment jig (150) can be fastened to the lower frame (130) via bolts. The alignment jig (150) can be fastened to the lower frame (130) so as to be received or inserted into the passage (139) of the lower frame (130). When the alignment jig (150) is fastened to the lower frame (130), the alignment jig (150) can be exposed to the outside of the lower frame (130) through the first opening and the second opening of the side plate (133) of the lower frame (130). Additionally, when the alignment jig (150) is fastened to the lower frame (130), the alignment jig (150) can be exposed to the outside of the lower frame (130) through the opening of the lower cover plate (131) of the lower frame (130). When the alignment jig (150) is attached to the lower frame (130), the alignment jig (150) can move vertically together with the lower frame (130) when the lower frame (130) moves vertically.

[0040] The alignment jig (150) may include a fastening blade (151) that is fastened to a lower frame (130) and an alignment column (155) connected to the fastening blade (151).

[0041] The fastening blade (151) may extend along the passage (139) of the lower frame (130) from one end of the passage (139) of the lower frame (130) to the other end. The fastening blade (151) may have a generally uniform thickness. When viewed in a planar view, the fastening blade (151) may have a bent shape corresponding to the bent shape of the passage (139) of the lower frame (130). The fastening blade (151) may be exposed to the outside of the lower frame (130) through the first opening and the second opening of the lower frame (130).

[0042] The fastening blade (151) may have a first end (1511) and a second end (1513) that are opposite to each other. The first end (1511) and the second end (1513) of the fastening blade (151) may be exposed to the outside of the lower frame (130) through the first opening and the second opening of the side wall of the lower frame (130), respectively. The first end (1511) and the second end (1513) of the fastening blade (151) may each be detachably fastened to the lower frame (130). For example, the first end (1511) and the second end (1513) of the fastening blade (151) may each be fastened to the upper cover plate (135) of the lower frame (130) by a bolt. By fastening the first end (1511) and the second end (1513) of the fastening blade (151) to the lower frame (130), the fastening blade (151) can be fixed in close contact with the bottom surface of the upper cover plate (135) of the lower frame (130).

[0043] The alignment column (155) can be connected to the center of the fastening blade (151) between the first end (1511) and the second end (1513) of the fastening blade (151). The alignment column (155) may have the shape of a cylinder or polygonal column extending in the vertical direction. When the alignment jig (150) is mounted on the lower frame (130), a portion of the alignment jig (150) may protrude downward from the lower frame (130).

[0044] A fixed holder (160) may be provided on a stage (101) and fixed at a predetermined reference position. The reference position is a position suitable for recognizing the identification code of an item (BC) provided within the lower frame (130) by the vision device (110). The fixed holder (160) may include an insertion groove into which an alignment column (155) is inserted. By inserting the alignment column (155) into the insertion groove of the fixed holder (160), the vision device (110) can be aligned at the reference position. The position of the lower frame (130) and / or the upper frame (120) is adjusted so that the alignment column (155) is inserted into the insertion groove of the fixed holder (160), and when the insertion process of the alignment column (155) into the insertion groove of the fixed holder (160) is completed, the vision device (110) can be automatically aligned at the reference position.

[0046] (2nd Example)

[0047] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a code reading method according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a side view schematically illustrating a code reading method according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Hereinafter, a code reading method using a code reader (100) will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, an alignment jig (150) is mounted on the lower frame (130) of the code reader (100) (S110). In step S110, the first end (1511) and the second end (1513) of the fastening blade (151) of the alignment jig (150) can each be fastened to the upper cover plate (135) of the lower frame (130) through bolts.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 2, after mounting the alignment jig (150) on the lower frame (130) of the code reader (100), the alignment column (155) of the alignment jig (150) is inserted into a fixed holder (160) located at a reference position to align the vision device (110) to a reference position (S120). In step S120, the actuator (140) can move the lower frame (130) and the alignment jig (150) downward toward the fixed holder (160) placed on the stage (101). When the alignment column (155) of the alignment jig (150) is inserted into the insertion groove of the fixed holder (160), the position of the vision device (110) can be automatically aligned to a reference position.

[0050] After aligning the vision device (110) to a reference position, the alignment jig (150) is separated from the lower frame (130) (S130). A bolt can be separated from each of the first end (1511) and second end (1513) of the fastening blade (151) to release the fastening between each of the first end (1511) and second end (1513) of the fastening blade (151) and the lower frame (130).

[0051] Referring to FIG. 7, after separating and removing the alignment jig (150) from the lower frame (130), an item (BC) having an identification code is introduced into the passage (139) of the lower frame (130) (S140). Then, the identification code of the item (BC) introduced into the passage (139) of the lower frame (130) is read using a vision device (110) (S150).

[0052] According to a comparative example, the task of aligning the vision device (110) to a reference position can be performed manually by a worker. In this case, when the position of the vision device (110) is manually aligned, the position of the vision device (110) may change with each operation, and there is a problem that the degree of alignment of the vision device (110) varies from worker to worker.

[0053] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a vision device (110) can be aligned using an alignment jig (150). Accordingly, the time required for the alignment of the vision device (110) can be reduced, and the position alignment of the vision device (110) can be improved, thereby improving the recognition rate and accuracy of code reading.

[0055] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application. Explanation of the symbols

[0056] 100: Code reader 110: Vision device 120: Upper frame 130: Lower frame 140: Actuator 150: Alignment jig 151: Fastening blade 155: Alignment column 160: Fixed holder

Claims

Claim 1 A code reader comprising: a vision device configured to recognize an identification code of an item; a lower frame provided below the vision device and providing a passage through which the item moves; an alignment jig detachably mounted on the lower frame and accommodated in the passage of the lower frame; and a fixed holder positioned at a reference position; wherein the vision device is aligned at the reference position by inserting the alignment jig into the fixed holder, and the alignment jig comprises: a fastening blade extending along the passage of the lower frame and detachably fastened to the lower frame; and an alignment column connected to the center of the fastening blade and configured to be inserted into the fixed holder. Claim 2 A code reader according to claim 1, characterized in that the passage of the lower frame extends horizontally across the lower frame. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A code reader according to claim 1, characterized in that the alignment column protrudes downward from the lower frame. Claim 5 A code reader according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second ends of the fastening blades, which are opposite to each other, are each fastened to the lower frame by a bolt. Claim 6 A code reader according to claim 5, characterized in that the first end and the second end of the fastening blade are exposed to the outside of the lower frame. Claim 7 A code reader according to claim 1, further comprising an upper frame provided on the lower frame for housing the vision device, wherein the lower frame comprises: an upper cover plate connected to the upper frame; a lower cover plate facing the upper cover plate and having an opening communicating with the passage of the lower frame; and a side plate extending from the edge of the upper cover plate to the edge of the lower cover plate. Claim 8 A code reader according to claim 7, characterized in that the fastening blade is detachably fastened to the upper cover plate. Claim 9 A code reader according to claim 7, characterized in that the upper frame is mounted so as to be movable in a vertical direction on a vertical movement guide. Claim 10 A code reader according to claim 9, characterized in that while the upper frame moves in the vertical direction, the lower frame and the alignment jig move together with the upper frame in the vertical direction. Claim 11 A code reader according to claim 1, characterized in that the article is a can containing a battery cell. Claim 12 A code reading method comprising: a step of mounting an alignment jig in a passage of a lower frame provided below a vision device; a step of aligning the vision device to a reference position by inserting the alignment jig into a fixed holder located at a reference position; a step of separating the alignment jig from the lower frame; a step of introducing an article having an identification code into the passage of the lower frame; and a step of recognizing the identification code of the article with the vision device; wherein the alignment jig comprises: a fastening blade extending along the passage of the lower frame and detachably fastened to the lower frame; and an alignment column connected to the center of the fastening blade and configured to be inserted into the fixed holder. Claim 13 A code reading method according to claim 12, characterized in that the above article is a can containing a battery cell. Claim 14 In claim 12, the passage of the lower frame extends horizontally across the lower frame, a code reading method. Claim 15 A code reading method according to claim 12, further comprising an upper frame provided on the lower frame for housing the vision device, wherein the lower frame comprises: an upper cover plate connected to the upper frame; a lower cover plate facing the upper cover plate and having an opening communicating with the passage of the lower frame; and a side plate extending from the edge of the upper cover plate to the edge of the lower cover plate; and wherein the fastening blade is detachably fastened to the upper cover plate.

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