Sealing tool inspection device and battery cell sealing system including same

Abstract

A sealing tool inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure inspects a pair of sealing tools that, with a sealing target portion of a battery cell therebetween, come into contact with the sealing target portion on opposite sides and seal the sealing target portion. The sealing tool inspection apparatus includes: a camera configured to photograph a pair of sealing tools in contact with a sealing target portion and generate an image showing a gap between the pair of sealing tools; and a processor configured to generate first information related to at least one of a pitch between the pair of sealing tools and a posture of the pair of sealing tools based on the pitch of the gap shown in the image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0088568 filed in Korea on Jul. 7, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a sealing tool inspection device and a battery cell sealing system including the sealing tool inspection device, and more particularly, to a sealing tool inspection device for inspecting a sealing tool configured to seal a housing of a battery cell and a battery cell sealing system including the sealing tool inspection device. Background Art

[0003] Generally, a secondary battery refers to a battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as a lithium-ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-zinc battery, etc. A battery cell, which is the most basic secondary battery, can provide an output voltage of about 2.5V to 4.2V.

[0004] Recently, as these secondary batteries have been applied to devices requiring high output voltage and large charging capacity such as electric vehicles or ESS (Energy Storage Systems), battery modules formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series, in parallel, or a combination thereof, and battery packs formed by connecting battery modules in series, in parallel, or a combination thereof are widely used.

[0005] In this way, the battery cells included in the battery module or battery pack can be manufactured by accommodating an electrode assembly including a current collector and an electrolyte material in a battery cell housing and then sealing the corresponding housing. In this case, the sealing quality of the battery cell can be determined based on the state of a sealing tool that seals the housing of the battery cell by pressing / heating.

[0006] However, the prior art indirectly checks the state of the sealing tool by periodically sampling some of the battery cells that have completed the sealing process and checking the thickness of the sealed portion of the sampled battery cells via a contact measuring device such as a micrometer. Therefore, the prior art requires a lot of time and cost to check the sealing tool, and the defect rate of the battery cell increases due to the delay in inspection, which reduces the battery manufacturing efficiency.

[0007] Furthermore, if the state of the sealing tool is directly checked via a contact measuring device such as a micrometer, it takes a lot of time and cost to cool the sealing tool heated to a high temperature of about 250°C during the sealing process and then reheat the cooled sealing tool after the inspection. In addition, there is a problem of measurement error due to thermal expansion of the measurement target and the measuring device in a high temperature environment. Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The present disclosure aims to provide a sealing tool inspection device and a battery cell sealing system including the sealing tool inspection device, which can quickly and easily check the status of a sealing tool regardless of the temperature and can manage the sealing tool in real time while performing a sealing process.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a sealing tool inspection device is provided, which inspects a pair of sealing tools, which contact and seal a sealing target part of a battery cell on opposite sides with the sealing target part therebetween, and the sealing tool inspection device includes: a camera, which is configured to photograph the pair of sealing tools in contact with the sealing target part and generate an image showing a gap between the pair of sealing tools; and a processor, which is configured to generate first information related to at least one of a spacing between the pair of sealing tools and a posture of the pair of sealing tools based on a spacing of the gap shown in the image.

[0012] In an embodiment, the camera may include: a first camera, the first camera being configured to generate a first image showing a gap between one end of the pair of sealing tools facing each other; and a second camera, the second camera being configured to generate a second image showing a gap between the other end of the pair of sealing tools facing each other.

[0013] In an embodiment, the sealing tool inspection device may further include: a position adjustment unit configured to adjust a position of the camera.

[0014] In an embodiment, the position adjustment unit may include a guide rail to guide the movement of the camera.

[0015] In an embodiment, the guide rail may include: a first guide rail configured to guide the camera to move in a first axis direction; and a second guide rail configured to guide the camera to move in a second axis direction intersecting the first axis direction.

[0016] In an embodiment, the sealing tool inspection device may further include: an extension structure, which is arranged on at least one end of a first sealing tool in the pair of sealing tools and extends outward from the first sealing tool; and a displacement sensor, which is arranged at a predetermined position and configured to sense the displacement value of the extension structure in a non-contact manner.

[0017] In an embodiment, the displacement sensor may be configured to irradiate laser light or light toward the extension structure, and sense the displacement value of the extension structure using the laser light or light reflected from the extension structure.

[0018] In an embodiment, the extension structure may include: a connecting portion connected to the first sealing tool; and a reflecting portion configured to extend from the connecting portion to the outside of the first sealing tool and reflect light or laser irradiated from the displacement sensor toward the displacement sensor.

[0019] In an embodiment, the processor may be configured to further generate second information related to at least one of a position of the first sealing tool, a spacing between the pair of sealing tools, and a posture of the pair of sealing tools based on a displacement value of the extension structure sensed by the displacement sensor.

[0020] In an embodiment, the processor may be further configured to determine whether the status of the pair of sealing tools is abnormal based on the first information and the second information, and the sealing tool inspection device 200 may further include an output device configured to output a warning signal when the status of the pair of sealing tools is determined to be abnormal.

[0021] In an embodiment, the extension structure may include: a first extension structure provided at one end of the first sealing tool; and a second extension structure provided at the other end of the first sealing tool.

[0022] In an embodiment, the displacement sensor may include: a first displacement sensor configured to sense a displacement value of the first extension structure at a first position; and a second displacement sensor configured to sense a displacement value of the second extension structure at a second position.

[0023] In an embodiment, the pair of sealing tools can be configured to seal the sealing target portion by transferring heat of a predetermined temperature or higher to the sealing target portion, and the displacement sensor can be disposed below the pair of sealing tools so as not to encounter heat moving upward from the pair of sealing tools or the sealing target portion.

[0024] A battery cell sealing system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes the sealing tool inspection device according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0025] Beneficial Effects

[0026] According to the present disclosure, since the state of the sealing tool that seals the sealing target portion of the battery cell housing by pressing and heating is automatically checked in a non-contact manner, the state of the sealing tool can be quickly and easily checked regardless of the temperature of the sealing tool, and the sealing tool can be managed in real time while the sealing process is being performed. As a result, the defect rate of the battery cell manufactured by the sealing process can be reduced, and a quick response can be made when a defect occurs.

[0027] Furthermore, by inspecting the state of the sealing tool using a camera and a displacement sensor that may be disposed at a position away from the sealing tool, errors due to heat may be minimized and the accuracy and reliability of the inspection result may be improved.

[0028] Furthermore, by determining whether the sealing tool is in an abnormal state based on the first information obtained via the camera and the second information obtained via the displacement sensor, the accuracy and reliability of the inspection result can be further improved.

[0029] Furthermore, since information related to both ends in the length direction of the sealing tool is obtained by a plurality of cameras and a plurality of displacement sensors, various information related to the state of the sealing tool can be collected, and the accuracy and reliability of the inspection result can be further improved.

[0030] In addition, those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will be able to clearly understand from the following description that various embodiments according to the present disclosure can solve various technical problems not mentioned above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a battery cell sealing system including a sealing tool inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a sealing tool inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 3is a diagram showing an example of a battery cell that may be sealed by a battery cell sealing system according to the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a housing portion of a battery cell is shown.

[0035] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a diagram showing a battery cell sealing system for sealing a battery cell.

[0036] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing the casing portion of the battery cell corresponding to the sealing target.

[0037] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the sealed state of the housing is shown.

[0038] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 6 A diagram of the A1 region is shown.

[0039] Fig.10 It is shown Figure 6 A diagram of the A2 region is shown.

[0040] Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating a position adjustment unit of a sealing tool inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating a battery cell sealing system according to a modified embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to illustrate the solutions to the technical problems of the present disclosure. However, when describing the present disclosure, descriptions of related known technologies that may obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure may be omitted. In addition, the terms used in this application are defined in consideration of the functions of the present disclosure, and these terms may be changed according to the intentions of designers, manufacturers, etc. or their habits. Therefore, the definitions of the terms described below should be made based on the description of the entire present application.

[0043] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a battery cell sealing system 10 including a sealing tool inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, a battery cell sealing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a sealing device 100 and a sealing tool inspection device 200 according to the present disclosure.

[0045] The sealing device 100 is configured to seal a housing forming an outer body of a battery cell. As will be described again below, the sealing device 100 may include a pair of sealing tools that contact the sealing target portion at opposite sides with the sealing target portion of the battery cell therebetween to seal the sealing target portion.

[0046] The sealing tool inspection device 200 according to the present disclosure includes a camera 210 and a processor 220 .

[0047] The camera 210 is configured to photograph a pair of sealing tools in contact with a sealing target portion of a battery cell and generate an image showing a gap between the pair of sealing tools.

[0048] The processor 220 is configured to generate first information related to at least one of an actual distance between the pair of sealing tools and postures of the pair of sealing tools based on a distance of a gap between the pair of sealing tools shown in an image captured by the camera 210 .

[0049] In an embodiment, the sealing tool inspection device 200 may further optionally include a position adjustment unit 230. In this case, the position adjustment unit 230 may be configured to adjust the position of the camera 210.

[0050] Furthermore, in an embodiment, the sealing tool inspection device 200 may further optionally include a displacement sensor 240. In this case, the displacement sensor 240 may be configured to sense the position or displacement of the first sealing tool of the pair of sealing tools in a non-contact manner.

[0051] In addition, in an embodiment, the sealing tool inspection device 200 may further optionally include an output device 250. In this case, when the processor 220 determines that a pair of sealing tools are in an abnormal state, the output device 250 may be configured to output a visual, auditory or audio-visual warning signal. To this end, the output device 250 may optionally include a display, a printer, a warning light, a speaker, etc.

[0052] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a sealing tool inspection device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the sealing tool inspection device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to cooperate with the sealing device 100 of the battery cell sealing system 10 to automatically inspect the status of a pair of sealing tools 110 , 120 disposed in the corresponding sealing device 100 .

[0054] In this case, a pair of sealing tools 110, 120 provided in the sealing device 100 can be configured to contact the corresponding sealing target portions on opposite sides with the sealing target portion of the battery cell 20 (e.g., the edge portion of the battery cell) therebetween, and press and / or heat the corresponding sealing target portions to seal the sealing target portions.

[0055] To this end, the sealing device 100 may include a first jig 130 and a second jig 140 for moving a pair of sealing tools 110 and 120. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the first clamp 130 can be configured to raise or lower the first sealing tool 110 located on the upper side of the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120 according to the situation. The second clamp 140 can be configured to raise or lower the second sealing tool 120 located on the lower side of the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120 according to the situation. The first clamp 130 and the second clamp 140 can be configured to move the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120 in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) using an actuator such as a servo motor or a cylinder.

[0056] For example, when the battery cell 20 as a sealing target reaches a predetermined position, the first clamp 130 may lower the first sealing tool 110 to be in close contact with the upper surface of the sealing target portion of the battery cell 20, and the second clamp 140 may raise the second sealing tool 120 to be in close contact with the lower surface of the sealing target portion of the battery cell 20. Then, the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120 may press and / or heat the sealing target portion of the battery cell 20 to seal the corresponding sealing target portion.

[0057] To this end, the first sealing tool 110 may include a first contact bar 112 contacting the battery cell 20 , a first support block 114 configured to support the first contact bar 112 , and a first stopper 116 configured to determine a spacing between the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120 .

[0058] Furthermore, the second sealing tool 120 may include a second contact bar 122 contacting the battery cell 20 , a second support block 124 configured to support the second contact bar 122 , and a second stopper 126 configured to determine a spacing between the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120 .

[0059] In addition, the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120 may include a heater (not shown) that heats the first contact bar 112 and the second contact bar 122 .

[0060] In an embodiment, the sealing device 100 may include a shim provided at an end of at least one of the first stopper 116 and the second stopper 126 to change a spacing between the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120 .

[0061] The sealing tool inspection device 200 according to the present disclosure may be configured to automatically inspect the states of a pair of sealing tools 110 , 120 provided in the above-described sealing device 100 .

[0062] To this end, the sealing tool inspection device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a camera 210 and a processor 220. Figure 2 Although not shown in the figure, the processor 220 may be built in the camera 210 , or may be included in a separate control unit (not shown) that controls the sealing tool inspection device 200 .

[0063] The camera 210 is configured to photograph a pair of sealing tools 110, 120 in contact with the sealing target portion of the battery cell 20 and generate an image showing a gap between the pair of sealing tools 110, 120. In this case, the resolution of the camera 210 may be 1 / 10 of the pitch of the corresponding gap.

[0064] The processor 220 is configured to generate first information related to at least one of an actual spacing between the pair of sealing tools 110, 120 and a posture of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120 based on the spacing of the gap between the pair of sealing tools 110, 120 shown in the image captured by the camera 210. To this end, the processor 220 may pre-store an actual spacing value corresponding to the spacing of the gap shown in the image in an accessible recording medium.

[0065] In addition, the processor 220 may be configured to use the first information to determine whether the state of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120 is abnormal. If the state of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120 is determined to be abnormal, the processor 220 may control the Figure 1 The output device 250 depicted outputs a warning signal.

[0066] In an embodiment, the sealing tool inspection device 200 may include a position adjustment unit 230. The position adjustment unit 230 may be configured to adjust the position of the camera 210. To this end, the position adjustment unit 230 may include a guide rail to guide the camera 210 to move.

[0067] In this case, the guide rail may include a first guide rail 232 guiding the camera 210 to move in a first axis direction (eg, X axis direction) and a second guide rail 234 guiding the camera 210 to move in a second axis direction (eg, Y axis direction) intersecting the first axis direction.

[0068] In an implementation, the guide rail may include a third guide rail 236 that guides the camera 210 to move in a third axis direction (eg, a Z axis direction) that intersects the first axis direction and the second axis direction, respectively.

[0069] Furthermore, in an embodiment, the position adjustment unit 230 may include a rotating frame 238 that supports the cameras 210 and enables the corresponding cameras 210 to rotate within a predetermined angle range.

[0070] In this manner, by adjusting the position of the camera 210 via the position adjustment unit 230 , the camera 210 may be accurately located at a position corresponding to the focal length of the camera 210 , and an area photographed by the camera 210 may be easily changed.

[0071] In an embodiment, the sealing tool inspection device 200 may include a plurality of cameras 210. For example, the sealing tool inspection device 200 may include a first camera 210a that photographs one end of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120 and a second camera 210b that photographs the other end of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120 based on the length direction (X-axis direction) of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120.

[0072] In this case, the first camera 210a can be configured to generate a first image showing a gap between one end of a pair of sealing tools 110 and 120 facing each other, and the second camera 210b can be configured to generate a second image showing a gap between the other end of the pair of sealing tools 110 and 120.

[0073] Furthermore, the processor 220 may generate information related to at least one of an actual spacing between the pair of sealing tools 110 , 120 and postures of the pair of sealing tools 110 , 120 based on the spacing of the gaps shown in the first image and the spacing of the gaps shown in the second image.

[0074] In an embodiment, the sealing tool inspection device 200 may include a displacement sensor 240 instead of the camera 210 , or may further include the displacement sensor 240 together with the camera 210 .

[0075] In addition, when the sealing tool inspection device 200 includes the displacement sensor 240 , the sealing tool inspection device 200 may further include an extension structure 260 .

[0076] The extension structure 260 may be disposed on at least one end of the first sealing tool 110 of the pair of sealing tools 110 , 120 , and may be configured to extend to the outside of the first sealing tool 110 .

[0077] The displacement sensor 240 may be disposed at a predetermined position and configured to sense a displacement value of the extension structure 260 that moves along with the movement of the first sealing tool 110 in a non-contact manner.

[0078] For example, the displacement sensor 240 may be configured to irradiate laser or light toward the extension structure 260 , and sense the displacement value of the extension structure 260 using the laser or light reflected from the extension structure 260 .

[0079] To this end, the extension structure 260 may include a connection portion 262 connected to the first sealing tool 110 , and a reflection portion 260 extending from the connection portion 262 to the outside of the first sealing tool 110 to reflect light or laser irradiated from the displacement sensor 240 back to the displacement sensor 240 .

[0080] If the sealing tool inspection device 200 includes the displacement sensor 240 and the extension structure 260 in this manner, the processor 220 may be configured to generate second information related to at least one of the position of the first sealing tool 110, the spacing between the pair of sealing tools 110, 120, and the posture of the pair of sealing tools 110 based on the displacement value of the extension structure sensed by the displacement sensor. To this end, the processor 220 Can The position of the extension structure 260 or the distance to the extension structure 260 when the first sealing tool 110 is in the normal position may be pre-stored in the accessible recording medium.

[0081] In addition, the processor 220 may be configured to use the second information to determine whether the state of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120 is abnormal. If the state of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120 is determined to be abnormal, the processor 220 may control the Figure 1 The output device 250 depicted outputs a warning signal.

[0082] In an embodiment, when the sealing tool inspection device 200 includes both the camera 210 and the displacement sensor 240 , the processor 220 may be configured to determine whether the status of the pair of sealing tools 110 , 120 is abnormal based on first information obtained via the camera 210 and second information obtained via the displacement sensor 240 .

[0083] In this manner, the sealing tool inspection device 200 may improve the accuracy and reliability of the inspection result by performing multiple inspections on the states of the pair of sealing tools 110 , 120 through the camera 210 and the displacement sensor 240 .

[0084] In an embodiment, the sealing tool inspection device 200 may include a plurality of extension structures 260 and a plurality of displacement sensors 240, respectively. In this case, the extension structure 260 may include a first extension structure provided at one end of the first sealing tool 110 based on the length direction (X-axis direction) of the first sealing tool 110 and a second extension structure provided at the other end of the first sealing tool 110. In addition, the displacement sensor 240 may include a first displacement sensor for sensing a displacement value of the first extension structure at a first position, and a second displacement sensor for sensing a displacement value of the second extension structure at a second position.

[0085] In this way, the sealing tool inspection device 200 can collect various information related to the status of the sealing tools by obtaining information related to both ends in the length direction of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120, and can further improve the accuracy and reliability of the inspection results.

[0086] In addition, as described above, the pair of sealing tools 110, 120 of the sealing device 100 may be configured to transfer heat of a predetermined temperature or higher to the sealing target portion of the battery cell 20 to seal the corresponding sealing target portion. In this case, the displacement sensor 240 may be disposed below the pair of sealing tools 110, 120 so as not to encounter heat moving upward from the pair of sealing tools 110, 120 or the sealing target portion of the battery cell 20.

[0087] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a battery cell 20 that may be sealed by a battery cell sealing system according to the present disclosure.

[0088] like Figure 3 As shown, the battery cell 20 may include an electrode assembly 22 prepared by stacking a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate with a separator therebetween, and a case 28 accommodating the electrode assembly 22 together with an electrolyte material in an internal space S1.

[0089] In addition, the battery cell 20 may further include an electrode lead 24 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 22 , and a sealing tape 26 sealing the outer circumference of the electrode lead 24 .

[0090] The case 28 of the battery cell 20 may include a first case portion 28a and a second case portion 28b connected to each other to form an internal space S1. When the electrode assembly 22 is accommodated in the internal space S1, the case 28 may be sealed by hermetically combining the edge portions of the first case portion 28a and the second case portion 28b.

[0091] exist Figure 3, the battery cell 20 is illustrated as a pouch type or square type battery cell, but according to embodiments, the battery cell 20 may be modified into various shapes that can be sealed by the pair of sealing tools 110 , 120 .

[0092] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a housing portion of a battery cell is shown.

[0093] like Figure 4 As shown, the housing 28 of the battery cell 20 may have a multi-layer structure. For example, the first housing portion 28a of the housing 28 may include an aluminum sheet layer L1 that provides rigidity required to protect the electrode assembly 22, an insulating material layer L2 laminated on the outer surface of the aluminum sheet layer L1 to insulate the aluminum sheet layer L1, and a bonding material layer L3 laminated on the inner surface of the aluminum sheet layer L1 and bonded to the second housing portion 28b.

[0094] The insulating material layer L2 may include an insulating material such as PET (PolyEthylene Terephthalate) or nylon.

[0095] The bonding material layer L3 may include a heat-sealable material such as CPP (Casted PolyPropylene) or PP (PolyPropylene).

[0096] In addition, the second housing portion 28b of the housing 28 may also have a multi-layer structure that is the same as or similar to the first housing portion 28a described above.

[0097] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a diagram showing a battery cell sealing system 10 for sealing a battery cell.

[0098] like Figure 5 As shown, the sealing device 100 of the battery cell sealing system 10 may include a first clamp 130 and a second clamp 140 for moving a pair of sealing tools 110 and 120 .

[0099] The first jig 130 may be configured to raise or lower the first sealing tool 110 located on the upper side of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120 according to circumstances. In addition, the second jig 140 may be configured to raise or lower the second sealing tool 120 located on the lower side of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120 according to circumstances. The first jig 130 and the second jig 140 may raise or lower the pair of sealing tools 110, 120 using an actuator such as a servo motor or a cylinder.

[0100] For example, when the battery cell 20 serving as the sealing target reaches a predetermined position, the first clamp 130 lowers the first sealing tool 110 to be in close contact with the upper surface of the sealing target portion of the battery cell 20, and the second clamp 140 raises the second sealing tool 120 to be in close contact with the lower surface of the sealing target portion of the battery cell 20.

[0101] Next, if Figure 6 As shown, the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120 of the sealing device 100 may press and / or heat the sealing target portion of the battery cell 20 to seal the corresponding sealing target portion.

[0102] In this case, the first contact bar 112 of the first sealing tool 110 is supported by the first support block 114 and can be in close contact with the upper surface of the sealing target part. In addition, the second contact bar 122 of the second sealing tool 120 is supported by the second support block 124 and can be in close contact with the lower surface of the sealing target part. At this time, the spacing between the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120 can be determined by the stoppers 116 and 126.

[0103] Next, the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120 may apply high temperature heat to the sealing target portion to thermally fuse the corresponding portions. As previously described, the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120 may include a heater (not shown) that heats the first contact bar 112 and the second contact bar 122 .

[0104] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing the casing portion of the battery cell corresponding to the sealing target.

[0105] like Figure 7 As shown, the sealing target portion of the battery cell 20 is a portion where the edge portion of the first case portion 28 a and the edge portion of the second case portion 28 b face each other in the entire case 28 .

[0106] The sealing target portion of the battery cell 20 may have a structure in which the insulating material layer L2, the aluminum sheet layer L1 and the bonding material layer L3 of the first shell portion 28a; and the bonding material layer L3', the aluminum sheet layer L1' and the insulating material layer L2' of the second shell portion 28b are stacked sequentially.

[0107] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the sealed state of the housing is shown.

[0108] like Figure 8As shown, when the sealing target portion of the battery cell 20 is sealed by the pair of sealing tools 110, 120, the bonding material layer L3 of the first case portion 28a and the bonding material layer L3' of the second case portion 28b are thermally fused to form one layer L3".

[0109] In addition, as described above, the sealing tool inspection device 200 according to the present disclosure can automatically inspect the states of the pair of sealing tools 110 , 120 while the sealing device 100 performs the sealing process.

[0110] Specifically, the camera 210 of the sealing tool inspection device 200 may photograph the pair of sealing tools 110 , 120 in contact with the sealing target portion of the battery cell 20 to generate an image showing a gap between the pair of sealing tools 110 , 120 .

[0111] If the sealing tool inspection apparatus 200 includes a plurality of cameras, the plurality of cameras may be configured to photograph different portions of the pair of sealing tools 110 , 120 .

[0112] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 6 A diagram of the A1 region is shown.

[0113] like Fig. 9 As shown, the first camera 210 a among the plurality of cameras may be configured to photograph one end of the pair of sealing tools 110 , 120 , such as an end adjacent to a degassing-related component of the battery cell 20 .

[0114] In this case, a step portion 112 a may be provided at the first contact bar 112 of the first sealing tool 110 to expand the gap between the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120 , thereby facilitating measurement of the interval D1 of the gap.

[0115] In addition, a step portion 122 a corresponding to the step portion 112 a of the first contact bar 112 may be provided at the second contact bar 122 of the second sealing tool 120 .

[0116] Fig.10 It is shown Figure 6 A diagram of the A2 region is shown.

[0117] like Fig.10 As shown, a second camera 210 b among the plurality of cameras may be configured to photograph another end of the pair of sealing tools 110 , 120 , such as an end adjacent to a portion of the battery cell 20 that has no sealing edge.

[0118] In this case, a step portion 112 b may be provided at the first contact bar 112 of the first sealing tool 110 to expand the gap between the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120 , thereby facilitating measurement of the interval D2 of the gap.

[0119] In addition, a step portion 122 b corresponding to the step portion 112 b of the first contact bar 112 may be provided at the second contact bar 122 of the second sealing tool 120 .

[0120] exist Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , the steps on both sides of the sealing tool are shown as having similar lengths, but the step adjacent to the degassing-related components of the battery cell 20 may be longer than the step on the opposite side.

[0121] Refer again Figure 6 , the sealing tool inspection device 200 may include a plurality of displacement sensors 240 and a plurality of extension structures 260 . In this case, the extension structures 260 may be provided at both ends of the first sealing tool 110 , respectively.

[0122] The displacement sensor 240 includes a first displacement sensor sensing a displacement value or distance (D3) of an extension structure on one side at a first position, and a second displacement sensor sensing a displacement value or distance (D4) of a second extension structure on the other side at a second position.

[0123] In this way, the sealing tool inspection device 200 can collect various information related to the status of the sealing tools by obtaining information related to both ends in the length direction of the pair of sealing tools 110, 120, and can further improve the accuracy and reliability of the inspection results.

[0124] Furthermore, the displacement sensor 240 may be disposed below the pair of sealing tools 110 , 120 so as not to encounter heat moving upward from the pair of sealing tools 110 , 120 or the sealing target portion of the battery cell 20 .

[0125] Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating a position adjustment unit 230 of a sealing tool inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0126] like Fig.11 As shown, the position adjustment unit 230 may be configured to adjust the position of the camera 210. To this end, the position adjustment unit 230 may include a guide rail for guiding the camera 210 to move.

[0127] In this case, the guide rail may include a first guide rail 232 guiding the camera 210 to move in a first axis direction (eg, X axis direction) and a second guide rail 234 guiding the camera 210 to move in a second axis direction (eg, Y axis direction) intersecting the first axis direction.

[0128] In an implementation, the guide rail may further include a third guide rail 236 that guides the camera 210 to move in a third axis direction (eg, a Z axis direction) that intersects the first axis direction and the second axis direction, respectively.

[0129] Furthermore, in an embodiment, the position adjustment unit 230 may include a rotating frame 238 that supports the cameras 210 and enables the corresponding cameras 210 to rotate within a predetermined angle range.

[0130] In an embodiment, when the sealing tool inspection device 200 includes a plurality of cameras, the position adjustment unit 230 may be configured to adjust the positions of the plurality of cameras, respectively.

[0131] By adjusting the position of the camera 210 via the position adjustment unit 230 in this manner, the camera 210 can be accurately located at a position corresponding to the focal length of the camera 210 , and an area photographed by the camera 210 can be easily changed.

[0132] Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating a battery cell sealing system according to a modified embodiment.

[0133] like Fig.12 As shown, the battery cell sealing system 10' according to the modified embodiment may include a sealing device 100 and a sealing tool inspection device 200, similar to the above reference Figures 1 to 11 A battery cell sealing system 10 is described.

[0134] It should be noted that the sealing tool inspection device 200 of the battery cell sealing system 10 ′ includes an extension structure 260 ′ that is integral with the stopper of the sealing device 100 .

[0135] That is, the extension structure 260 ′ may include a connection portion 262 ′ connected to the first sealing tool 110 , and a reflection portion 260 ′ extending from the connection portion 262 ′ to the outside of the first sealing tool 110 to reflect light or laser irradiated from the displacement sensor 240 back to the displacement sensor 240 .

[0136] In this case, the connection portion 262 ′ of the extension structure 260 ′ may serve as a stopper that limits the interval between the first sealing tool 110 and the second sealing tool 120 .

[0137] As described above, according to the present disclosure, since the state of the sealing tool that seals the sealing target portion of the battery cell housing by pressing and heating is automatically checked in a non-contact manner, the state of the sealing tool can be quickly and easily checked regardless of the temperature of the sealing tool, and real-time management of the sealing tool can be performed while the sealing process is being performed. As a result, the defect rate of the battery cell manufactured by the sealing process can be reduced, and a quick response can be made when a defect occurs.

[0138] Furthermore, by inspecting the state of the sealing tool using a camera and a displacement sensor that may be disposed at a position away from the sealing tool, errors due to heat may be minimized and the accuracy and reliability of the inspection result may be improved.

[0139] Furthermore, by determining whether the sealing tool is in an abnormal state based on the first information obtained via the camera and the second information obtained via the displacement sensor, the accuracy and reliability of the inspection result can be further improved.

[0140] Furthermore, since information related to both ends in the length direction of the sealing tool is obtained by a plurality of cameras and a plurality of displacement sensors, various information related to the state of the sealing tool can be collected, and the accuracy and reliability of the inspection result can be further improved.

[0141] In addition, the embodiments according to the present disclosure can also solve various other technical problems in the associated technical fields and related technical fields except the technical problems mentioned in the present application.

[0142] So far, the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that various modified embodiments can be implemented within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the previously disclosed embodiments should be regarded as embodiments intended to describe the present disclosure, rather than embodiments intended to limit the present disclosure. In other words, the true scope of the technical ideas of the present disclosure is shown in the claims, and all differences within the equivalent scope of the claims should be interpreted as included in the present disclosure.

[0143] [Reference Symbols]

[0144] 10, 10': Battery cell sealing system

[0145] 100: Sealing device

[0146] 110: First Sealing Tool

[0147] 120: Second sealing tool

[0148] 130: First fixture

[0149] 140: Second fixture

[0150] 200: Sealing tool inspection device

[0151] 210: Camera

[0152] 220: Processor

[0153] 230: Position adjustment unit

[0154] 240: Displacement sensor

[0155] 250: Output device.

Claims

1. A sealing tool inspection device, the sealing tool inspection device inspecting a pair of sealing tools, the pair of sealing tools contacting and sealing a sealing target portion of a battery cell at opposite sides with the sealing target portion interposed therebetween, the sealing tool inspection device comprising: a camera configured to photograph the pair of sealing tools in contact with the sealing target portion and generate an image showing a gap between the pair of sealing tools; as well as A processor is configured to generate first information related to at least one of a spacing between the pair of sealing tools and a posture of the pair of sealing tools based on the spacing of the gap shown in the image.

2. The sealing tool inspection device according to claim 1, The camera comprises: a first camera configured to generate a first image showing a gap between one ends of the pair of sealing tools facing each other; as well as A second camera configured to generate a second image showing a gap between the other ends of the pair of sealing tools facing each other.

3. The sealing tool inspection device according to claim 1, further comprising: A position adjustment unit is configured to adjust the position of the camera.

4. The sealing tool inspection device according to claim 3, The position adjustment unit includes a guide rail for guiding the movement of the camera.

5. The sealing tool inspection device according to claim 4, The guide rail comprises: a first guide rail, the first guide rail being configured to guide the camera to move in a first axis direction; as well as A second guide rail is configured to guide the camera to move in a second axis direction intersecting with the first axis direction.

6. The sealing tool inspection device according to claim 1, further comprising: an extension structure disposed on at least one end of a first sealing tool of the pair of sealing tools and extending outwardly from the first sealing tool; as well as A displacement sensor is disposed at a predetermined position and configured to sense a displacement value of the extension structure in a non-contact manner.

7. The sealing tool inspection device according to claim 6, The displacement sensor is configured to irradiate laser light or light toward the extension structure, and sense a displacement value of the extension structure using the laser light or light reflected from the extension structure.

8. The sealing tool inspection device according to claim 7, The extended structure comprises: a connecting portion connected to the first sealing tool; and A reflecting portion is configured to extend from the connecting portion to the outside of the first sealing tool and to reflect the light or laser irradiated from the displacement sensor toward the displacement sensor.

9. The sealing tool inspection device according to claim 6, The processor is configured to further generate second information related to at least one of a position of the first sealing tool, a distance between the pair of sealing tools, and postures of the pair of sealing tools based on the displacement value of the extension structure sensed by the displacement sensor.

10. The sealing tool inspection device according to claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to determine whether the state of the pair of sealing tools is abnormal based on the first information and the second information, and The sealing tool inspection device further includes an output device configured to output a warning signal when the state of the pair of sealing tools is determined to be abnormal.

11. The sealing tool inspection device according to claim 6, The extended structure comprises: a first extension structure, the first extension structure being disposed at one end of the first sealing tool; as well as A second extension structure is provided at the other end of the first sealing tool.

12. The sealing tool inspection device according to claim 11, The displacement sensor comprises: a first displacement sensor, the first displacement sensor being configured to sense a displacement value of the first extension structure at a first position; as well as A second displacement sensor is configured to sense a displacement value of the second extension structure at a second position.

13. The sealing tool inspection device according to claim 6, wherein the pair of sealing tools is configured to seal the sealing target portion by transferring heat of a predetermined temperature or higher to the sealing target portion, and The displacement sensor is disposed below the pair of sealing tools so as not to encounter heat moving upward from the pair of sealing tools or the sealing target portion.

14. A battery cell sealing system, comprising the sealing tool inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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