Battery shape inspection apparatus and method

Abstract

A battery shape inspection apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one processor, and a memory for storing at least one instruction executed by the at least one processor. Here, the at least one instruction may include: an instruction to obtain a vertical cross-sectional image of the battery; instructions to define a reference line passing through a region of the crimp unit in the vertical cross-sectional image; and an instruction to calculate a flatness of the crimp unit using an intersection of the reference line and the region of the crimp unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0107283, filed on August 12, 2024 with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for inspecting the shape of a battery, and more specifically, to apparatus and methods for inspecting the shape of a battery by using CT data of the battery to measure one or more dimensions related to the shape of the battery. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries are rechargeable and reusable, and can be used as a power source for small devices such as mobile phones, tablets and vacuum cleaners, as well as for medium and large-sized devices such as automobiles and smart grid energy storage systems (ESS).

[0004] Secondary batteries can be divided into can-type batteries and pouch-type batteries. In can-type batteries, the electrode assembly is housed in a cylindrical metal can, while in pouch-type batteries, the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch-shaped box. It is well known that cylindrical can-type batteries have relatively large capacity and high structural stability.

[0005] Cylindrical batteries can be manufactured through processes such as electrode manufacturing, electrode assembly manufacturing, electrode assembly insertion, and can assembly joining. Quality checks can be performed during the manufacturing process and final stages of cylindrical batteries.

[0006] Battery shape inspection is the process of determining whether the battery shape is formed as expected. Typically, this process involves using an external image of the battery to measure dimensions such as its overall height, outer diameter, and rib height.

[0007] This image-based shape inspection only checks the dimensions visible from the outside of the battery and cannot check areas that are obscured by external factors.

[0008] Among the prior art documents related to this invention, KR 10-2024-0026118 A is somewhat relevant. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] To eliminate one or more problems of the related technologies, embodiments of this disclosure provide a battery shape inspection apparatus that uses CT data to measure one or more dimensions related to the shape of the battery.

[0011] To eliminate one or more problems of the related technologies, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a battery shape inspection method using a battery shape inspection device.

[0012] To eliminate one or more problems of the related technologies, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a battery shape inspection system including a battery shape inspection device.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] To achieve the objectives of this disclosure, a battery shape inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: at least one processor; and a memory configured to store at least one instruction executed by the at least one processor.

[0015] Here, the at least one instruction may include: an instruction to obtain a vertical cross-sectional image of the battery; an instruction to define a reference line passing through the region of the crimped area in the vertical cross-sectional image; and an instruction to calculate the flatness of the crimped area using the intersection of the reference line and the region of the crimped area.

[0016] Instructions for obtaining a vertical cross-sectional image of a battery may include: instructions for obtaining computed tomography (CT) data of the battery from a computed tomography imaging device; and instructions for extracting a vertical cross-sectional image of the region including the crimped area from the CT data.

[0017] Instructions for defining reference lines may include: instructions for defining a reference point on the contour of the crimping area; instructions for defining a parallel line tangent to the reference point; instructions for vertically moving the parallel line a predetermined distance so that the parallel line passes through the area of ​​the crimping area; and instructions for defining the vertically moved parallel line as a reference line.

[0018] The instruction to define a reference point may include an instruction to define the highest point on the contour of the upper surface of the pressing area as the reference point; and the instruction to move the parallel line vertically by a predetermined distance may include an instruction to move the parallel line downward by a predetermined distance.

[0019] The instruction to define a reference point may include an instruction to define the highest point on the contour of the lower surface of the crimping area as the reference point, and the instruction to move the parallel line vertically by a predetermined distance may include an instruction to move the parallel line downward by a predetermined distance.

[0020] Instructions for calculating flatness may include: instructions for identifying the first and second intersection points where the reference line intersects with the area of ​​the crimped zone; and instructions for calculating flatness based on the horizontal distance between the first and second intersection points.

[0021] The instructions for calculating flatness may include: instructions for calculating the flatness of one part of the crimping area; and instructions for calculating the flatness of another part of the crimping area.

[0022] The at least one instruction may also include an instruction to determine whether the battery is defective based on whether the calculated flatness exceeds a predetermined allowable range.

[0023] The at least one instruction may further include: an instruction to acquire a first vertical cross-sectional image of the upper portion of the battery and a second vertical cross-sectional image of the lower portion of the battery; an instruction to measure a first distance in the first vertical cross-sectional image as a vertical distance of the battery portion and a second distance in the second vertical cross-sectional image as a vertical distance of the battery portion; and an instruction to calculate the height distance of the battery by adding a pre-stored third distance corresponding to the central portion of the battery to the sum of the first distance and the second distance.

[0024] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a battery shape inspection method for inspecting battery shape according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: obtaining a vertical cross-sectional image of the battery; defining a reference line passing through a region of the crimped area in the vertical cross-sectional image; and calculating the flatness of the crimped area using the intersection of the reference line and the region of the crimped area.

[0025] The steps of obtaining a vertical cross-sectional image may include: obtaining computed tomography (CT) data of the battery from a computed tomography imaging device; and extracting a vertical cross-sectional image of the region including the crimped area from the CT data.

[0026] The steps of defining a reference line may include: defining a reference point on the outline of the crimping area; defining a parallel line tangent to the reference point; moving the parallel line vertically a predetermined distance so that the parallel line passes through the area of ​​the crimping area; and defining the vertically moved parallel line as a reference line.

[0027] The steps of defining a reference point may include: defining the highest point on the contour of the upper surface of the pressing area as the reference point; the steps of vertically moving the parallel line a predetermined distance include: moving the parallel line downwards a predetermined distance.

[0028] The step of defining a reference point may include defining the highest point on the contour of the lower surface of the pressing area as the reference point; the step of moving the parallel line vertically by a predetermined distance may include moving the parallel line downward by a predetermined distance.

[0029] The steps for calculating flatness may include: identifying the first and second intersection points where the reference line intersects with the area of ​​the pressing zone; and calculating the flatness based on the horizontal distance between the first and second intersection points.

[0030] The steps for calculating flatness may include: calculating the flatness of one portion of the pressing area; and calculating the flatness of another portion of the pressing area.

[0031] Battery shape inspection methods may also include steps to determine whether a battery is defective based on whether the calculated flatness exceeds a predetermined allowable range.

[0032] The battery shape inspection method may further include: acquiring a first vertical cross-sectional image of the upper portion of the battery and a second vertical cross-sectional image of the lower portion of the battery; measuring a first distance in the first vertical cross-sectional image as a vertical distance of the battery portion and a second distance in the second vertical cross-sectional image as a vertical distance of the battery portion; and calculating the height distance of the battery by adding a pre-stored third distance corresponding to the central portion of the battery to the sum of the first distance and the second distance.

[0033] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a battery shape inspection system may include: a computed tomography (CT) imaging apparatus configured to generate CT data of a battery; and a battery shape inspection device configured to: obtain CT data from the CT imaging apparatus, calculate one or more dimensions related to the shape of the battery using vertical cross-sectional images extracted from the CT data, and determine whether the battery has shape defects based on the calculated dimensions.

[0034] Here, the battery shape inspection device can define a reference line that passes through the area of ​​the crimped region in the vertical cross-sectional image, and use the intersection of the reference line and the area of ​​the crimped region to calculate the flatness of the crimped region.

[0035] Beneficial effects

[0036] According to embodiments of this disclosure, vertical cross-sectional images obtained from CT data of a battery can be used to measure dimensions that are not visible from the outside of the battery. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a reference diagram illustrating a general battery shape inspection method.

[0038] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the internal structure of the upper region of a cylindrical battery cell.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a battery shape inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a side view of a CT device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 5 This is an operation flowchart of a battery shape inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 6This is a reference diagram illustrating a battery shape inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 7 This is an operation flowchart of a battery shape inspection method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figures 8 to 10 This is a reference diagram used to explain a battery shape inspection method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 11 This is a reference diagram illustrating a battery shape inspection method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 12 This is a block diagram of a battery shape inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] 100: Battery

[0048] 200: CT scanner

[0049] 300, 1200: Battery shape inspection equipment Detailed Implementation

[0050] This invention can be modified in various forms and has various embodiments, and specific embodiments thereof are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail below. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the invention to these specific embodiments, but rather, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. Throughout the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0051] It will be understood that although terms such as first, second, A, B, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the invention, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple associated listed items or any one of multiple associated listed items.

[0052] What will be understood is that when a component is referred to as "connected to" or "attached to" another component, the component can be directly connected to or attached to the other component, or there may be intermediate components. In contrast, when a component is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly attached to" another component, there are no intermediate components.

[0053] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and / or “having” as used herein specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0054] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will also be understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the context of the relevant art, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless so explicitly defined herein.

[0055] The present invention and its exemplary embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a reference diagram used to illustrate a general battery shape inspection method.

[0057] Battery shape inspection is a check to determine whether the battery shape has been formed as expected. It is typically performed by measuring dimensions related to the battery shape using one or more images captured of the battery's exterior.

[0058] For example, refer to Figure 1 The battery shape inspection equipment can use images captured from the side of the battery to measure dimensions such as the battery's total height H_t, outer diameter W, and rib height H_b. The battery shape inspection equipment can then compare the measured dimensions to predetermined allowable ranges for each dimension to determine if the battery has shape defects.

[0059] Because this image-based shape inspection device performs the inspection based on an image of the battery's exterior captured from the outside, it is impossible to inspect areas that are obscured by the battery's exterior.

[0060] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the internal structure of the upper part of a cylindrical battery cell.

[0061] Reference Figure 2The cylindrical battery cell may include: a can 1 having an opening; a cover assembly 2 including a top cover 2a sealing the opening and an exhaust vent 2b for venting gas from the can 1; a gasket 3 disposed between the can 1 and the cover assembly 2 and being elastic and insulating; and a current interruption device (CID) 4 disposed below the exhaust vent 2b and interrupting current when the temperature exceeds a certain level. Here, the can 1, cover assembly 2, and gasket 3 can be joined by a crimping process that applies physical force to the ends of the can 1 (area A).

[0062] To more accurately determine whether the battery has been formed as expected, various dimensions need to be measured, such as the thickness of the crimped portion, the flatness of the crimped portion, the thickness of the gasket 3, the thickness of the vent 2b, the horizontal distance between the outer surface of the battery and the end of the vent 4, and the horizontal length of the gasket 3 protruding outward.

[0063] However, as referenced Figure 1 As mentioned above, conventional shape inspection equipment has limitations in the accuracy of selecting high-quality batteries because it is impossible to inspect the parts covered by the outer surface of the battery.

[0064] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a battery shape inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] The battery shape inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used in the process steps of inspecting shape defects of battery 100.

[0066] The battery shape inspection system may include a CT device 200 and a battery shape inspection equipment 300. The CT device 200 is positioned at a specific location to perform a CT scan on the battery 100 and generate CT data. The battery shape inspection equipment 300 acquires the CT data from the CT device 200 and uses the CT data to calculate one or more dimensions related to the shape of the battery 100.

[0067] The battery 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may correspond to a cylindrical battery cell, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0068] The CT device 200 can generate CT data for the battery 100. Here, CT data can refer to three-dimensional image data synthesized from cross-sectional images of the interior of the battery 100.

[0069] For example, the CT device 200 can irradiate X-rays from the side of the battery 100 and detect the X-rays that have passed through the interior of the battery 100 to obtain slice images. Here, as the battery 100 is rotated sequentially by a unit angle (e.g., 1 degree), the CT device 200 can obtain multiple slice images (e.g., 360 images) and synthesize the slice images using a predetermined reconstruction algorithm to generate CT data representing the internal shape of the battery.

[0070] The CT device 200 can be placed on a battery transport line and generate CT data for each of the multiple batteries. Here, the CT device 200 can sequentially generate CT data for each battery by using a gripper to hold the battery cell and reconstructing slice images acquired during the rotation of the gripper.

[0071] The battery shape inspection device 300 can acquire CT data of the battery 100 from the CT device 200 and use the CT data to calculate one or more dimensions related to the shape of the battery 100.

[0072] The battery shape inspection device 300 can extract a vertical cross-sectional image of the battery 100 from CT data and use the extracted vertical cross-sectional image to calculate one or more dimensions related to the shape of the battery 100.

[0073] The battery shape inspection device 300 can determine whether a battery has a defective shape by comparing the dimensions calculated from a vertical cross-sectional image of the battery 100 with a predetermined allowable range.

[0074] Figure 4 This is a side view of a CT device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] A CT device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an X-ray irradiation unit 210, a battery holder 220, a lifting unit 230, a detector 240, and a data processor 250.

[0076] The battery gripper 220 can grip the upper part of the battery 100 and can rotate sequentially by predetermined unit angles. For example, the battery gripper 220 can sequentially rotate 1 degree counterclockwise while holding the battery 100.

[0077] The X-ray irradiation unit 210 can irradiate X-rays toward the side of the battery 100. Here, the X-ray irradiation unit 210 can irradiate X-rays toward the side of the battery 100 while the battery 100 is rotated sequentially by a unit angle.

[0078] The detector 240 can detect X-rays that have passed through the interior of the battery 100 and send the X-ray detection data corresponding to the detected X-rays to the data processor 250.

[0079] The data processor 250 can generate CT data using X-ray detection data received from the detector 240. Specifically, the data processor 250 can use X-ray detection data acquired during the sequential rotation of the battery 100 by a unit angle to generate multiple (e.g., 360) slice images, and use a predetermined restoration algorithm to synthesize the slice images to generate CT data representing the internal shape of the battery.

[0080] In one embodiment, the battery gripper 220 can be fixedly connected to the lifting unit 230 and can be vertically lifted by the lifting unit 230.

[0081] like Figure 3 As shown, the X-ray irradiation unit 210 can irradiate X-rays toward the side of the upper portion of the battery 100, thereby acquiring multiple slice images (e.g., 360 images) of the upper portion of the battery. Subsequently, the lifting unit 230 can be raised to a predetermined position, and the X-ray irradiation unit 210 can irradiate X-rays toward the side of the lower portion of the battery 100, thereby acquiring multiple slice images (e.g., 360 images) of the lower portion of the battery. Here, the data processor 250 can use the slice images of the upper portion of the battery to generate first CT data corresponding to the upper portion, and can use the slice images of the lower portion of the battery to generate second CT data corresponding to the lower portion.

[0082] The data processor 250 can transmit the generated CT data to the battery shape inspection device.

[0083] Figure 5 This is an operation flowchart of a battery shape inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 It's a diagram. Figure 5 A reference diagram for the battery shape inspection method.

[0084] The battery shape inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be performed by a battery shape inspection device connected to a CT device.

[0085] The battery shape inspection equipment can obtain CT data of the battery from the CT device (S510).

[0086] The battery shape inspection device can extract a vertical cross-sectional image of the battery from CT data (S520). Here, the vertical cross-sectional image can refer to an image representing a vertical cross-section passing through the central axis of the battery.

[0087] The battery shape inspection equipment can use a vertical cross-sectional image to calculate one or more dimensions related to the shape of the battery (S530). For example, the battery shape inspection equipment can use the vertical cross-sectional image to calculate one or more of the following: the total height of the battery, the thickness of the crimped portion, the flatness of the crimped portion, the thickness of the gasket, the thickness of the vent, the horizontal distance between the outer surface of the battery and the end of the vent, the horizontal length of the gasket protruding outward, and the outer diameter.

[0088] More specifically, the battery shape inspection device can extract the upper part of the battery from the first CT data corresponding to the upper part. Figure 6 (A)) A vertical cross-sectional image. Here, the battery shape inspection device can extract the region of interest (ROI) corresponding to the joint area of ​​the can, cap assembly and gasket from the vertical cross-sectional image.

[0089] like Figure 6 As shown in (B), the battery shape inspection device can use a predetermined region segmentation algorithm to identify the can area, gasket area, vent area, and top cover area in the ROI. Subsequently, the battery shape inspection device can calculate the thickness T1 of the crimped portion, the thickness T2 of the gasket, the thickness T3 of the vent, the horizontal distance D1 between the outer surface of the battery and the end of the vent, and the horizontal length D2 of the gasket protruding outward.

[0090] The battery shape inspection device can determine whether a battery has a shape defect by comparing the dimensions calculated in step S530 with the allowable ranges predefined for each dimension. For example, if the thickness T1 of the crimped portion is outside the allowable range of greater than or equal to a mm and less than or equal to b mm, the battery shape inspection device can classify the corresponding battery as having a [defective crimped portion thickness].

[0091] Figure 7 This is an operation flowchart of a battery shape inspection method according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 8 to 10 It is used for explanation Figure 7 A reference diagram for the battery shape inspection method.

[0092] The battery shape inspection device can extract a vertical cross-sectional image of the battery from CT data (S710). Here, the CT data can be the first CT data corresponding to the upper part of the battery.

[0093] The battery shape inspection equipment can define a reference line Lref (S720) passing through the crimped area in a vertical cross-sectional image. Here, the crimped area can refer to the area in the upper part of the can that bends horizontally toward the central axis of the can.

[0094] More specifically, the battery shape inspection device can extract a vertical cross-sectional image of the upper part of the battery from the first CT data. Figure 8 Subsequently, the battery shape inspection device can extract the region of interest (ROI) including the crimped area from the vertical cross-sectional image. Here, the battery shape inspection device can extract one or more ROIs (ROI_left, ROI_right) corresponding to the crimped areas formed on the left and right sides, respectively.

[0095] The battery shape inspection equipment can use a predefined edge detection algorithm to derive the outline of the crimped area and define specific points on the outline as reference points (Pref).

[0096] For example, the reference point Pref can be defined as the highest point on the contour of the upper surface of the crimped area, such as... Figure 9 As shown in the diagram. Alternatively, the reference point Pref can be defined as the highest point on the profile of the lower surface of the crimped area, as... Figure 10 As shown in the image.

[0097] Subsequently, the battery shape inspection equipment can define a parallel line Lpar of the contact reference point Pref, and move the parallel line Lpar vertically a predetermined distance (h) so that the parallel line Lpar passes through the area of ​​the crimping zone. Here, the battery shape inspection equipment can define the vertically moved parallel line Lpar as the reference line Lref.

[0098] For example, if the reference point Pref is defined as the point located at the highest point on the upper surface of the crimping area, such as... Figure 9 As shown in the figure, the battery shape inspection device can define a parallel line Lpar to the contact reference point Pref, and define the parallel line Lpar after moving it down 0.05 mm as the reference line Lref.

[0099] For another example, if the reference point Pref is defined as the point located at the highest point of the lower surface of the crimping area, such as... Figure 10 As shown in the figure, the battery shape inspection device can define a parallel line Lpar to the contact reference point Pref, and define the parallel line Lpar after moving it down 0.05 mm as the reference line Lref.

[0100] The battery shape inspection equipment can output the intersection of the reference line and the area of ​​the crimping zone (S730).

[0101] For example, refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The battery shape inspection equipment can derive the first intersection point (P1) and the second intersection point (P2) between the reference line Lref and the crimping area in the vertical cross-sectional image.

[0102] The battery shape inspection device can use the intersection points derived in step S730 to calculate the flatness of the crimped portion (S740). Here, the flatter the area, the lower the flatness value; the more severe the bending, the higher the flatness value.

[0103] The flatness of the crimped area can be calculated based on the horizontal distance between the first intersection point P1 and the second intersection point P2. Here, as the horizontal distance D_x between the first intersection point P1 and the second intersection point P2 increases, the flatness of the crimped area can be calculated as a lower value, and as the horizontal distance D_x decreases, the flatness of the crimped area can be calculated as a higher value. For example, the flatness of the crimped area can be calculated by multiplying the reciprocal of the horizontal distance D_x by an adjustment factor K (K / D_x).

[0104] In this embodiment, the battery shape inspection device can calculate the flatness of one crimped portion and the flatness of another crimped portion. For example, the battery shape inspection device can calculate the flatness of the left crimped portion and the flatness of the right crimped portion separately. Here, the battery shape inspection device can calculate a first flatness based on the upper surface of the left crimped area and a second flatness based on the lower surface of the left crimped area. Furthermore, the battery shape inspection device can calculate a third flatness based on the upper surface of the right crimped area and a fourth flatness based on the lower surface of the right crimped area.

[0105] The battery shape inspection device can determine whether a battery is defective by comparing the flatness calculated by S740 with a preset allowable range. For example, if the flatness exceeds a preset threshold, the battery can be classified as having a "flatness defect in the crimped portion". Similarly, if one or more of the first and third flatness values ​​exceed the preset threshold, the corresponding battery can be classified as having a "flatness defect in the crimped portion". And again, if one or more of the first to fourth flatness values ​​exceed the preset threshold, the corresponding battery can be classified as having a "flatness defect in the crimped portion".

[0106] Figure 11 This is a reference diagram used to explain a battery shape inspection method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] The battery shape inspection equipment can calculate the total height of the battery based on a first vertical cross-sectional image of the upper part of the battery and a second vertical cross-sectional image of the lower part of the battery.

[0108] More specifically, the CT device can use the upper part of the battery ( Figure 11 (A) uses a cross-sectional image of the upper part (A) to generate the first CT data corresponding to the upper part. Furthermore, the CT device can use the lower part of the battery ( Figure 11(A) is used to generate second CT data corresponding to the lower part of the cross-sectional image of the lower part. Here, the height value of the central region (H_middle part), which is not measured by the CT device, can be pre-stored in the battery shape inspection device.

[0109] The battery shape inspection device can extract a first vertical cross-sectional image from the first CT image acquired by the CT device. Figure 11 (B)), and extract the second vertical cross-sectional image from the second CT data ( Figure 11 (C)).

[0110] Subsequently, the battery shape inspection device can measure a first distance H_upper part, which is the vertical distance of the battery region in the upper part of the first vertical cross-sectional image I_, and a second distance H_lower part, which is the vertical distance of the battery region in the lower part of the second vertical cross-sectional image I_.

[0111] The battery shape inspection device can calculate the battery height distance (total height) by adding the third distance H_middle, which corresponds to the height of the pre-stored central region, to the sum of the first distance H_upper and the second distance H_lower (H_t = H_upper + H_lower + H_middle).

[0112] In other words, the battery shape inspection equipment can use the first CT data corresponding to the upper part and the second CT data corresponding to the lower part to calculate the total height of the battery without obtaining CT data for the entire area of ​​the battery.

[0113] Figure 12 This is a block diagram of a battery shape inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] The battery shape inspection device 1200 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be connected to a CT device.

[0115] A battery shape inspection device 1200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a processor 1210, a memory 1220 storing at least one instruction executed by the processor, and a transceiver 1230 connected to a network and performing communication.

[0116] The at least one instruction may include: an instruction to obtain a vertical cross-sectional image of the battery; an instruction to define a reference line passing through the region of the crimped area in the vertical cross-sectional image; and an instruction to calculate the flatness of the crimped area using the intersection of the reference line and the region of the crimped area.

[0117] Instructions for obtaining a vertical cross-sectional image of a battery may include: instructions for obtaining computed tomography (CT) data of the battery from a computed tomography imaging device; and instructions for extracting a vertical cross-sectional image of the region including the crimped area from the CT data.

[0118] Instructions for defining reference lines may include: instructions for defining a reference point on the contour of the crimping area; instructions for defining a parallel line tangent to the reference point; instructions for vertically moving the parallel line a predetermined distance so that the parallel line passes through the area of ​​the crimping area; and instructions for defining the vertically moved parallel line as a reference line.

[0119] The instruction to define a reference point may include an instruction to define the highest point on the contour of the upper surface of the pressing area as the reference point; and the instruction to move the parallel line vertically by a predetermined distance may include an instruction to move the parallel line downward by a predetermined distance.

[0120] The instruction to define a reference point may include an instruction to define the highest point on the contour of the lower surface of the crimping area as the reference point, and the instruction to move the parallel line vertically by a predetermined distance may include an instruction to move the parallel line downward by a predetermined distance.

[0121] Instructions for calculating flatness may include: instructions for identifying the first and second intersection points where the reference line intersects with the area of ​​the crimped zone; and instructions for calculating flatness based on the horizontal distance between the first and second intersection points.

[0122] The instructions for calculating flatness may include: instructions for calculating the flatness of one part of the crimping area; and instructions for calculating the flatness of another part of the crimping area.

[0123] The at least one instruction may also include an instruction to determine whether the battery is defective based on whether the calculated flatness exceeds a predetermined allowable range.

[0124] The at least one instruction may further include: an instruction to acquire a first vertical cross-sectional image of the upper portion of the battery and a second vertical cross-sectional image of the lower portion of the battery; an instruction to measure a first distance in the first vertical cross-sectional image as a vertical distance of the battery portion and a second distance in the second vertical cross-sectional image as a vertical distance of the battery portion; and an instruction to calculate the height distance of the battery by adding a pre-stored third distance corresponding to the central portion of the battery to the sum of the first distance and the second distance.

[0125] Meanwhile, the battery shape inspection device 1200 may also include an input interface device 1240, an output interface device 1250, a storage device 1260, etc. The various components included in the battery shape inspection device 1200 can be connected via a bus 1270 and can communicate with each other.

[0126] Here, processor 1210 may refer to a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor that performs the methods according to embodiments of the present invention thereon. Additionally, the memory may include at least one of volatile / temporary storage media and non-volatile / non-temporary storage media. For example, the memory may include at least one of read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM), and may include electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

[0127] The operation of the method according to embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a computer-readable program or code on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices in which data capable of being read by a computer system is stored. Furthermore, the computer-readable recording medium can be distributed across network-connected computer systems, thereby storing and executing computer-readable programs or code in a distributed manner.

[0128] The operation of the method according to embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in various forms related to the program, such as the computer program or code itself or a computer program product.

[0129] In addition, computer-readable recording media may include one or more of volatile / temporary recording media and non-volatile / non-temporary recording media.

[0130] Additionally, computer-readable recording media can include hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory, and can include, for example, various types of servers located on a network. Program instructions can include not only machine language code, such as machine language code created by a compiler, but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter.

[0131] Although some aspects of the invention have been described in the context of a device, some aspects of the invention may also refer to the description of a corresponding method, wherein a block or device corresponds to a method step or feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method may also refer to corresponding blocks or items or features of a corresponding device. Some or all of the method steps may be executed by (or using) hardware devices such as microprocessors, programmable computers, or electronic circuits. In some embodiments, one or more of the most important method steps may be executed by such a device.

[0132] The present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes may be made to the invention within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described therein.

Claims

1. A battery shape inspection device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as A memory configured to store at least one instruction executed by the at least one processor. Wherein, the at least one instruction includes: Command to obtain a vertical cross-sectional image of the battery; Instructions for defining a reference line that passes through the region of the crimped area in the vertical cross-sectional image; and The instruction to calculate the flatness of the crimping area using the intersection of the reference line and the area of ​​the crimping area.

2. The battery shape inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The instructions for obtaining the vertical cross-sectional image include: Instructions for obtaining computed tomography (CT) data of the battery from a computed tomography imaging device; and Instructions to extract a vertical cross-sectional image of the region including the crimping area from the CT data.

3. The battery shape inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The instructions for defining the reference line include: Instructions for defining reference points on the contour of the crimping area; Instructions for defining a parallel line tangent to the reference point; The instruction to vertically move the parallel line a predetermined distance so that the parallel line passes through the area of ​​the crimping region; and The instruction to define the vertically moved parallel line as the reference line.

4. The battery shape inspection device according to claim 3, wherein, The instructions for defining the reference point include: The instruction to define the highest point on the contour of the upper surface of the pressing area as the reference point; and The instruction to move the parallel line vertically a predetermined distance includes: The instruction to move the parallel line downwards by a predetermined distance.

5. The battery shape inspection device according to claim 3, wherein, The instructions for defining the reference point include: The instruction to define the highest point on the contour of the lower surface of the pressing area as the reference point; and The instruction to move the parallel line vertically a predetermined distance includes: The instruction to move the parallel line downwards by a predetermined distance.

6. The battery shape inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The instructions for calculating the flatness include: Instructions for identifying the first and second intersection points where the reference line intersects with the area of ​​the crimping region; and The instruction to calculate the flatness based on the horizontal distance between the first intersection point and the second intersection point.

7. The battery shape inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The instructions for calculating the flatness include: Instructions for calculating the flatness of a portion of the crimping area; and Instructions for calculating the flatness of another portion of the crimping area.

8. The battery shape inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one instruction further includes: The instruction to determine whether the battery is defective is based on whether the calculated flatness exceeds a predetermined allowable range.

9. The battery shape inspection device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one instruction further includes: Instructions to acquire a first vertical cross-sectional image of the upper portion of the battery and a second vertical cross-sectional image of the lower portion of the battery; Instructions to measure a first distance, representing the vertical distance of the battery portion, in the first vertical cross-sectional image and a second distance, representing the vertical distance of the battery portion, in the second vertical cross-sectional image; and The instruction is to calculate the height distance of the battery by adding a pre-stored third distance corresponding to the central portion of the battery to the sum of the first distance and the second distance.

10. A battery shape inspection method, wherein the battery shape inspection method inspects the shape of the battery using a battery shape inspection device, the battery shape inspection method comprising: Steps to obtain a vertical cross-sectional image of a battery; The step of defining a reference line that passes through the region of the crimped area in the vertical cross-sectional image; as well as The step of calculating the flatness of the crimping area using the intersection of the reference line and the area of ​​the crimping area.

11. The battery shape inspection method according to claim 10, wherein, The steps for obtaining the vertical cross-sectional image include: The steps of obtaining computed tomography (CT) data of the battery from a computed tomography imaging device; and The step of extracting a vertical cross-sectional image of the region including the compression area from the CT data.

12. The battery shape inspection method according to claim 10, wherein, The steps for defining the reference line include: The step of defining reference points on the contour of the crimping area; The steps for defining a parallel line tangent to the reference point; The steps of vertically moving the parallel line a predetermined distance so that the parallel line passes through the area of ​​the crimping region; and The step of defining the vertically moved parallel line as the reference line.

13. The battery shape inspection method according to claim 12, wherein, The steps for defining the reference point include: The step of defining the highest point on the contour of the upper surface of the pressing area as the reference point; and The step of vertically moving the parallel line a predetermined distance includes: The step of moving the parallel line downwards by a predetermined distance.

14. The battery shape inspection method according to claim 12, wherein, The steps for defining the reference point include: The step of defining the highest point on the contour of the lower surface of the pressing area as a reference point; and The step of vertically moving the parallel line a predetermined distance includes: The step of moving the parallel line downwards by a predetermined distance.

15. The battery shape inspection method according to claim 10, wherein, The steps for calculating the flatness include: The steps of identifying the first and second intersection points where the reference line intersects with the area of ​​the crimping region; and The step of calculating the flatness based on the horizontal distance between the first intersection point and the second intersection point.

16. The battery shape inspection method according to claim 10, wherein, The steps for calculating the flatness include: The steps for calculating the flatness of a portion of the crimped area; and The step of calculating the flatness of another part of the crimping area.

17. The battery shape inspection method according to claim 10, further comprising: The step of determining whether a battery is defective is based on whether the calculated flatness exceeds a predetermined allowable range.

18. The battery shape inspection method according to claim 10, further comprising: The steps of obtaining a first vertical cross-sectional image of the upper portion of the battery and a second vertical cross-sectional image of the lower portion of the battery; The steps of measuring a first distance in the first vertical cross-sectional image that represents the battery portion and a second distance in the second vertical cross-sectional image that represents the battery portion; as well as The step of calculating the height distance of the battery by adding a pre-stored third distance corresponding to the central portion of the battery to the sum of the first distance and the second distance.

19. A battery shape inspection system, comprising: A computed tomography (CT) imaging apparatus configured to generate CT data from a battery; as well as A battery shape inspection device, configured to: acquire CT data from a CT imaging apparatus, calculate one or more dimensions related to the shape of the battery using vertical cross-sectional images extracted from the CT data, and determine whether the battery has shape defects based on the calculated dimensions. The battery shape inspection device defines a reference line that passes through the area of ​​the crimped region in the vertical cross-sectional image, and uses the intersection of the reference line and the area of ​​the crimped region to calculate the flatness of the crimped region.

Images