Apparatus and method for verifying and correcting battery cell positions

Abstract

Provided are an apparatus and method for verifying and correcting a battery cell position. The apparatus includes at least one camera spaced apart from a battery module including a plurality of battery cells, a fixed portion configured to support one side of the battery module, a movable portion disposed on the other side of the battery module and configured to apply pressure to the battery module, and a clamp located on the lower side of the battery module and provided with a plurality of holes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an apparatus for verifying and correcting the position of a battery cell and a method for using the apparatus to verify and correct the position of a battery cell. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which are non-rechargeable, secondary batteries are rechargeable and dischargeable. Small-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders, while large-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as motor drive power sources and energy storage batteries in hybrid and electric vehicles. Such secondary batteries include electrode assemblies containing positive and negative electrodes, a housing that houses the electrode assemblies, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assemblies.

[0003] The information described herein in the description of the related art is intended only to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure and may therefore include information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides an apparatus for verifying and correcting the position of a battery cell and a method for using the apparatus to verify and correct the position of a battery cell. The apparatus is capable of estimating the position of an exhaust port located on the bottom of the battery cell and correcting the position of the battery cell by adjusting the pressure applied to the battery module, thereby matching the estimated position of the exhaust port with a hole formed in a fixture for a battery cell having an exhaust port located on the bottom.

[0005] However, the technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described herein, and other problems not mentioned herein will be readily understood by those skilled in the art through the following description of this disclosure.

[0006] Embodiments of this disclosure provide an apparatus for verifying and correcting the position of individual battery cells. The apparatus includes: at least one camera spaced apart from a battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells; a fixing portion configured to support one side of the battery module; a movable portion disposed on the other side of the battery module and configured to apply pressure to the battery module; and a clamp located on the underside of the battery module and having a plurality of holes.

[0007] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of battery cells may include an exhaust port located on the bottom surface of the battery cell.

[0008] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of holes may have an area equal to that of the vent.

[0009] In one embodiment, the plurality of holes may be positioned to overlap with the exhaust port.

[0010] In an embodiment, the device may further include an estimator configured to estimate the location of the exhaust port based on the profile of the exhaust port.

[0011] In an embodiment, the device may further include a meter configured to set the positions of the plurality of holes as reference positions and calculate the separation distance between the reference positions and the positions of the exhaust ports.

[0012] In one embodiment, the device may further include a controller configured to set the separation distance calculated by the meter as a correction value.

[0013] In an embodiment, the device may further include a position corrector configured to move the movable part by a correction value.

[0014] In one embodiment, the plurality of battery cells may be arranged in one direction, and the movable part may move in the direction in which the plurality of battery cells are arranged.

[0015] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of battery cells may include a terminal portion located on its top surface.

[0016] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a method for verifying and correcting the position of a battery cell. The method includes: estimating the position of the vent of the battery cell; determining whether the estimated position of the vent is in an appropriate position relative to a selected reference position; and correcting the position of the battery cell when it is determined that the estimated position of the vent is not in an appropriate position relative to the selected reference position. The operation of determining whether the estimated position of the vent is in an appropriate position includes comparing the position of the vent with the selected reference position and calculating a separation distance between the position of the vent and the selected reference position. The operation of correcting the position of the battery cell includes setting the separation distance as a correction value and moving the battery cell by the correction value.

[0017] In an embodiment, the operation of estimating the location of the exhaust port may include estimating the center of the battery cell, wherein the operation of estimating the center of the battery cell includes: measuring a first point that is the center of a first terminal of the battery cell; measuring a second point that is the center of a second terminal of the battery cell; calculating a third point that is the average of the first and second points; and assuming the third point as the center of the battery cell.

[0018] In an embodiment, estimating the location of the vent may include: calculating the vent profile by adding the vent size value to an assumed center of the battery cell; and assuming the vent profile as the location of the vent.

[0019] In this embodiment, comparing the position of the exhaust port with the selected reference position can determine whether there is any interference between the position of the exhaust port and the selected reference position.

[0020] In an embodiment, the operation of comparing the position of the exhaust port with the selected reference position may include: determining that the position of the exhaust port is not in an appropriate position when it is determined that there is interference between the position of the exhaust port and the selected reference position.

[0021] In an embodiment, the operation of calculating the separation distance of the exhaust port position relative to the selected reference position can measure the spacing based on the degree of interference between the exhaust port position and the selected reference position.

[0022] In an embodiment, the operation of shifting the correction value of a battery cell can compress or depress the correction value of the battery cell.

[0023] In one embodiment, the vent may be located on the lower surface of the battery cell.

[0024] In an embodiment, a battery cell may include a terminal portion located on the top surface of the battery cell.

[0025] In one embodiment, a battery cell may include a plurality of battery cells arranged in parallel along one direction, and a pair of end plates may be disposed at the outermost part of the plurality of battery cells to compress the plurality of battery cells. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the following detailed description, are intended to provide a further understanding of the technical spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an embodiment of a device for verifying and correcting the position of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of an example battery cell of a battery module; Figure 3 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 An example cross-sectional view of section III-III'; Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view of the top of the battery module to illustrate the operation of the device used to verify and correct the position of individual battery cells; Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view of the top of the battery module to illustrate the operation of the device used to verify and correct the position of individual battery cells; Figure 6 This is a view showing the position of the clamp located below the battery module and the estimated position of the vent to illustrate the operation of the device used to verify and correct the position of the battery cells; Figure 7 This is a view showing the position of the clamp located below the battery module and the estimated position of the vent to illustrate the operation of the device used to verify and correct the position of the battery cells; Figure 8 This is a block diagram of an apparatus for verifying and correcting the position of a battery cell according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for verifying and correcting the position of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0027] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted according to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather based on the principle that the inventor can define terminology and concepts that he / she deems best suited to describe his / her disclosure, and should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are merely some of the most ideal embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to exhaustively illustrate the technical spirit of the present disclosure; various equivalents and modifications may exist that can replace the embodiments and constructions submitted at the time of submission.

[0028] Furthermore, when used herein, the words “including,” “comprising,” and / or variations thereof are intended to specify the presence of the mentioned shapes, quantities, steps, actions, components, elements, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, quantities, steps, actions, components, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0029] Furthermore, for ease of understanding this disclosure, the drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated. Additionally, the same elements in different embodiments may be assigned the same reference numerals.

[0030] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various elements, these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another, and unless otherwise expressly stated, a first element may be a second element.

[0031] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise expressly stated, each element may be a single or multiple.

[0032] It should be understood that an element is referred to as being "above (or below)" or "on (or below)" another element, the element may be on the upper (or lower) surface of the other element, and there may be an intervening element between the element and the other element above (or below) the element.

[0033] It should also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected to,” “joined to,” or “engaged to” another element, the element may be directly connected to or engaged to the other element, or there may be an intermediary element, or each element may be “connected,” “joined to,” or “engaged to” each other through another element. Furthermore, when a part is referred to as being electrically connected to another part, this can include not only direct connection but also connection to another intermediary element.

[0034] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an embodiment of a device for verifying and correcting the position of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A 3D view of an example battery cell in a battery module. Figure 3 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 Example cross-sectional view of section III-III', Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view of the top of the battery module to illustrate the operation of the device used for verifying and calibrating the position of individual battery cells. Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view of the top of the battery module to illustrate the operation of the device used for verifying and calibrating the position of individual battery cells. Figure 6 This is a view showing the position of the clamp located below the battery module and the estimated position of the vent to illustrate the operation of the device used to verify and correct the position of individual battery cells. Figure 7 This is a view showing the position of the clamp located below the battery module and the estimated position of the vent to illustrate the operation of the device used to verify and correct the position of the individual battery cells. Figure 8 This is a block diagram of an apparatus for verifying and correcting the position of a battery cell according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] First, see Figures 1 to 3 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparatus 400 for verifying and correcting the position of a battery cell may include: a fixing part 320 configured to support one side of a battery module 100 including a plurality of battery cells 10; a movable part 310 configured to adjust the pressure applied to the battery module 100 on the other side of the battery module 100; and a clamp 110 located on the underside of the battery module 100 and provided with a plurality of holes 120.

[0036] The battery module 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 10, and the plurality of battery cells 10 may be arranged in a first direction such that their wide surfaces face each other.

[0037] Each of the plurality of battery cells 10 may be provided with terminals 11 and 12 and an exhaust port 13, the exhaust port 13 being a channel for releasing gas generated in the battery cell 10. The terminals 11 and 12 of each of the battery cells 10 may be a first terminal 11 and a second terminal 12 with different polarities. For example, if the first terminal 11 is a positive terminal, the second terminal 12 may be a negative terminal, and in another example, if the first terminal 11 is a negative terminal, the second terminal 12 may be a positive terminal. For example, the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 may be electrically polarized differently, and are not limited to a specific polarity.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, the battery cell 10 may include a housing 15 and an electrode assembly 210 and an electrolyte solution housed within the housing 15. The electrode assembly 210 and the electrolyte can undergo an electrochemical reaction to generate energy.

[0039] The battery cell 10 may include: at least one electrode assembly 210 formed by winding a positive electrode 211, a negative electrode 212 and a separator 213, the separator 213 being an insulator disposed between the positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212; and a housing 15 in which the electrode assembly 210 is housed.

[0040] According to the embodiments, the battery cell 10 may be a lithium-ion battery cell (which is described by way of example as prismatic). However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and this disclosure can be applied to battery cells of various shapes (such as lithium polymer battery cells or cylindrical battery cells).

[0041] Each of the positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212 may include a coated portion and an uncoated portion 211a or 212a, wherein the coated portion is the area on which the active material is coated onto a current collector (or current collector) formed of a thin metal foil, and the uncoated portion 211a or 212a is the area on which the active material is not coated.

[0042] The positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212 can be wound around after the diaphragm 213, which serves as an insulator, is placed between the positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly 210 may have a structure in which multiple positive electrodes 211 and multiple negative electrodes 212 are alternately stacked on opposite sides of the diaphragm 213.

[0043] The housing 15 can form the overall outline of the battery cell 10 and can be formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. In addition, the housing 15 can provide space to accommodate the electrode assembly 210.

[0044] The battery cell 10 may include a cover 17 that covers an opening in the housing 15, and the housing 15 and the cover 17 may be formed of a conductive material. In some embodiments, a first terminal 11 and a second terminal 12 electrically connected to the positive electrode 211 or the negative electrode 212 may be configured to protrude outward through the cover 17.

[0045] Furthermore, the outer peripheral surfaces of the upper posts of the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 protruding outward from the cover plate 17 may be threaded and may be fixed to the cover plate 17 with nuts.

[0046] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and each of the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 may have a riveting structure to be riveted to the cover plate 17 or may be welded to the cover plate 17.

[0047] Furthermore, the cover plate 17 can be implemented as a thin plate and can be combined with an opening in the housing 15. The cover plate 17 can be provided with an electrolyte inlet 14, and a sealing stop can be provided in the electrolyte inlet 14.

[0048] The first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 can be electrically connected to the current collector, which includes a first current collector 240 and a second current collector 250 (hereinafter referred to as the positive electrode current collector and the negative electrode current collector) welded to the uncoated portion 211a of the positive electrode or the uncoated portion 212a of the negative electrode.

[0049] For example, the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 can be soldered to the positive electrode current collector 240 and the negative electrode current collector 250. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12, as well as the positive electrode current collector 240 and the negative electrode current collector 250, can be integrally joined.

[0050] Furthermore, an insulating member may be disposed between the electrode assembly 210 and the cover plate 17. In some embodiments, the insulating member may include a first lower insulating member 260 and a second lower insulating member 270, wherein each of the first lower insulating member 260 and the second lower insulating member 270 may be disposed between the electrode assembly 210 and the cover plate 17.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the first end of the separating member can be disposed between the insulating member and the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12, and the separating member can be disposed opposite to one side of the electrode assembly 210.

[0052] In some embodiments, the separating member may include a first separating member 280 and a second separating member 290.

[0053] Therefore, the first ends of the first separating member 280 and the second separating member 290, which can be disposed opposite to one side of the electrode assembly 210, can be disposed between the first lower insulating member 260 and the second lower insulating member 270 and the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12.

[0054] Finally, the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 welded to the positive electrode current collector 240 and the negative electrode current collector 250 can be combined with the first end of the first lower insulating member 260 and the second lower insulating member 270, as well as the first separator member 280 and the second separator member 290.

[0055] The battery module 100 can be mounted and fixed on the fixing part 320 on one side of the battery module 100, and the movable part 310 can be provided on the other side of the battery module 100. Therefore, the fixing part 320 and the movable part 310 can be arranged to face each other on opposite sides of the battery module 100.

[0056] The movable part 310 can slide and move in the direction in which the battery cells 10 are arranged. Therefore, the movable part 310 can apply pressure to the battery cells 10. For example, the movable part 310 can slide to move in the direction in which the battery cells 10 are arranged to apply pressure to the battery cells 10, or move away from the direction in which the battery cells 10 are arranged to adjust the pressure applied to the battery module 100.

[0057] In some embodiments, one side of the battery module 100 can be fixed, pressure can be applied to the battery module 100 due to the forward or backward movement of the movable part 310, and the position of the battery cell 10 can be corrected to prevent defects in the manufacturing of the battery module / battery pack.

[0058] The apparatus 400 for verifying and correcting the position of individual battery cells according to this disclosure may include a clamp 110 located on the underside of the battery module 100.

[0059] Multiple holes 120 may be formed in the fixture 110. In the example, the fixture 110 may be a representation of a cooling plate of the battery module 100, and the holes 120 formed in the fixture 110 may have the same shape as the openings formed in the cooling plate.

[0060] In some embodiments, the opening formed in the cooling plate may have the same shape as the vent 13 of the battery cell 10, and the position and size of the hole 120 formed in the jig 110 may follow the manufacturing conditions of the opening formed in the cooling plate. Therefore, the area of ​​the hole 120 formed in the jig 110 may be the same as the area of ​​the vent 13 of the battery cell 10.

[0061] In addition, each of the plurality of battery cells 10 may include an exhaust port 13, wherein the exhaust port 13 may be located on the bottom surface of the battery cell 10.

[0062] In some embodiments, a plurality of holes 120 in the clamp 110 may be positioned to overlap with vents 13. For example, the clamp 110 may be located below the battery cell 10 such that the vents 13 located on the bottom surface of the battery cell 10 overlap with and superimpose the holes 120 formed in the clamp 110.

[0063] The position of the hole 120 formed in the clamp 110 located on the bottom side of the battery module 100 can be a reference position for estimating the position of the vent 13 located on the bottom surface of the battery cell 10. The estimated position of each of the vents 13 can be compared with the reference position here to determine whether the vent 13 is in the correct position and to correct the position of the battery cell 10.

[0064] The apparatus 400 for verifying and correcting the position of individual battery cells according to this disclosure may further include at least one camera 300.

[0065] The camera 300 can be spaced apart from the battery module 100, which includes multiple battery cells 10.

[0066] Each of the plurality of battery cells 10 may include terminals 11 and 12 located on the top surface of the battery cell 10, and the camera 300 may be located above the plurality of battery cells 10 and used to capture images from the terminals 11 and 12 of each of the battery cells 10.

[0067] The camera 300 can capture images from terminals 11 and 12, and can measure the center of terminals 11 and 12 based on the captured images.

[0068] For example, camera 300 can obtain center data of the electrodes of battery cell 10 through visual inspection. In some embodiments, camera 300 may be a vision camera for visual inspection, but is not limited thereto.

[0069] Reference Figure 4 The camera 300 can measure a first point 1, which is the center of the first terminal, and a second point 2, which is the center of the second terminal.

[0070] The apparatus 400 for verifying and correcting the position of battery cells may further include an estimator 350, wherein the estimator 350 can calculate a third point 3 (the third point 3 is the average of the first point 1 and the second point 2 measured by the camera 300), and assume that the third point 3 is the center of each of the battery cells 10.

[0071] The terminal portions 11 and 12, including the opposite terminals of the battery cell 10, can be configured to be symmetrical about the center of the battery cell 10. Therefore, the average value of the center of the first terminal and the center of the second terminal can be assumed to be the center of the battery cell.

[0072] Reference Figure 5 The estimator 350 can calculate the vent profile 130 by adding horizontal and vertical dimension values ​​to the estimated center of the battery cell to correspond to the size of the vent 13 of the battery cell 10. In some embodiments, the dimension values ​​can vary depending on the number of battery cells 10 arranged in the battery module 100 and the shape of the battery module 100.

[0073] The estimator 350 can assume the calculated exhaust port profile 130 as the location of the exhaust port 13.

[0074] The vent 13 of the battery cell 10 can be configured such that the center of the vent 13 matches the center of the battery cell 10. Since the center of the vent 13 can be located below the estimated center of the battery cell, the vent profile 130 calculated by adding the size value of the vent 13 to the estimated center of the battery cell can be assumed to be the location of the vent 13.

[0075] The apparatus 400 for verifying and calibrating the position of a battery cell according to this disclosure may further include a meter 330, which is configured to set the position of a plurality of holes 120 formed in the fixture 110 as a reference position.

[0076] The meter 330 calculates the separation distance by comparing the estimated position of the exhaust port 13 with a reference position. The separation distance can be the distance at which the estimated position of the exhaust port 13 must be corrected to be in the proper position.

[0077] In the event of interference between information regarding the estimated location of exhaust port 13 and information regarding the reference location, the estimated location of exhaust port 13 may be determined as a deviation location. In some embodiments, the meter 330 may calculate the separation distance between the estimated location of exhaust port 13 and the reference location.

[0078] For example, when the estimated position and reference position of exhaust port 13 are arranged to overlap, interference can be determined to have occurred when the information regarding the estimated position of exhaust port 13 does not match the information regarding the reference position. In some embodiments, the degree of difference between the information regarding the estimated position of exhaust port 13 and the information regarding the reference position can be defined as the degree of interference.

[0079] In the event that the information about the estimated location of exhaust port 13 does not match the information about the reference location, the separation distance can be, for example, the difference between the last coordinate value of the estimated location of exhaust port 13 and the last coordinate value of the reference location.

[0080] If the position of the exhaust port 13 is estimated to be offset from the reference position toward the fixed part 320, it can be determined that the battery module 100 is off-position due to over-compression. In another example, if the estimated position of the exhaust port 13 is offset from the reference position toward the movable part 310, it can be determined that the battery module 100 is off-position due to under-compression.

[0081] Reference Figure 6 If the interval between the estimated positions of the exhaust port 13 is smaller than the interval between the reference positions, resulting in a shift toward the fixed part 320, it can be determined that pressure reduction is necessary. In some embodiments, the separation distance d1 can be the distance that the movable part 310 must move backward to be in the proper position. As the movable part 310 moves backward, the position of the battery cell 10 can be corrected so that the estimated position of the exhaust port 13 matches the reference position, thereby preventing defects in the manufacturing of the battery module / battery pack.

[0082] Reference Figure 7 If the interval between the estimated positions of the exhaust ports 13 is greater than the interval between the reference positions, resulting in a shift toward the movable part 310, compression can be determined to be necessary. In some embodiments, the separation distance d2 can be the distance that the movable part 310 must move forward to be in the proper position. As the movable part 310 moves forward, the position of the battery cell 10 can be corrected so that the estimated position of the exhaust ports 13 matches the reference position, thereby preventing defects in the manufacturing of the battery module / battery pack.

[0083] Reference Figure 8 The apparatus 400 for verifying and correcting the position of a battery cell according to this disclosure may further include a controller 340 configured to set the separation distance calculated by the meter 330 as a correction value.

[0084] The controller 340 can set a correction value based on the separation distance calculated by the meter 330 and the determined information, and can set the correction value to the required travel distance of the movable part 310.

[0085] The apparatus 400 for verifying and correcting the position of battery cells may further include a position corrector 311, which is configured to move the movable part 310 by a correction value. The position corrector 311 can move the movable part 310 by a correction value set by the controller 340 to move it closer to or further away from the fixed part 320 in the direction in which the battery cells 10 are arranged.

[0086] Therefore, the movable part 310 can correct the position of the battery cell 10 by compressing or depressurizing the battery module 100, and can match the estimated position of the exhaust port 13 with the reference position.

[0087] For example, if it is determined that the battery module 100 is over-compressed because the last coordinate value of the estimated position of the exhaust port 13 is less than the last coordinate value of the reference position, the movable part 310 can move the correction value in a direction away from the fixed part 320 so that the estimated position of the exhaust port 13 matches the reference position.

[0088] In another example, if the battery module 100 is determined to be undercompressed because the last coordinate value of the position of the exhaust port 13 is greater than the last coordinate value of the reference position, the movable part 310 can move the correction value in the direction close to the fixed part 320 so that the estimated position of the exhaust port 13 matches the reference position.

[0089] In other words, the movable part 310 can move based on information about the separation distance calculated by the meter 330, so that the exhaust port 13 is in the appropriate position. At this time, the position of the battery module 100 can be corrected by compressing and restoring each of the battery cells 10.

[0090] The apparatus 400 for verifying and correcting the position of a battery cell according to this disclosure can estimate the position of the exhaust port 13 based on the center of the terminal portions 11 and 12 captured by the camera 300, using the exhaust port profile 130 calculated by the estimator 350. The meter 330 can calculate the separation distance between the estimated position of the exhaust port 13 and a reference position, and the controller 340 can set this separation distance as a correction value. The position corrector 311 can correct the position of the battery cell 10 by moving the movable part 310 by the set correction value, thereby matching the estimated position of the exhaust port 13 with the reference position.

[0091] A pair of end plates 61 and 62 for compressing the battery cells 10 can be disposed on the outermost sides of the plurality of battery cells 10. When the battery cells 10 expand in response to the charging and discharging operations of the battery cells 10, the end plates 61 and 62 can absorb the pressure caused by the expansion of the battery cells 10, thereby preventing the degradation of the battery cells 10 and improving the structural stability of the battery module 100.

[0092] After the estimated position and reference position of the exhaust port 13 have been matched, a pair of end plates 61 and 62, side plates and bottom plates can be connected, and the battery cell 10 can be fixed in the corrected position, thereby manufacturing a battery module / battery pack.

[0093] The side plate can support the side surface of the battery cell 10, and the bottom plate can support the bottom surface of the battery cell 10. The pair of end plates 61 and 62, the side plate, and the bottom plate can be connected by components such as bolts.

[0094] Spacers can be disposed between multiple battery cells 10. Each spacer can be disposed between adjacent battery cells 10 with a size corresponding to the size of the wide surface of the battery cell 10.

[0095] The spacer can be an elastic spacer, and when the position of the battery cell 10 is corrected, the elastic force of the spacer can provide uniform compressive force and restoring force.

[0096] When the estimated distance between the exhaust ports 13 is greater than the distance between the reference locations, the spacer can be compressed by squeezing the battery module 100, and the position of the exhaust ports 13 can be corrected to reduce the distance between adjacent battery cells 10. In another example, when the estimated distance between the exhaust ports 13 is set to be less than the distance between the reference locations, the spacer can be restored by depressurizing the battery module 100, and the position of the exhaust ports 13 can be corrected to increase the distance between adjacent battery cells 10.

[0097] By adjusting the pressure applied to the battery module 100 and correcting the position of the battery cell 10 by compressing or restoring the spacer, the estimated position and reference position of the vent 13 can be matched to prevent defects in the manufacturing of the battery module / battery pack.

[0098] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for verifying and correcting the position of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Reference Figure 9 The method for verifying and correcting the position of a battery cell according to this disclosure may include an exhaust port position estimation operation S10, a position determination operation S20, and a correction operation S30.

[0100] In some embodiments, the vent of the battery cell may be disposed on the bottom surface, and the terminal portion may be disposed on the top surface of the battery cell.

[0101] A pair of end plates can be positioned on the outermost side of the battery cell to apply pressure to the cell. The end plates can absorb the pressure generated when the battery cell expands during charging and discharging operations, thereby preventing cell degradation and improving the structural stability of the battery module.

[0102] The exhaust port position estimation operation S10, which estimates the position of the exhaust port of a battery cell, may include a center estimation operation that estimates the center of the battery cell. In some embodiments, the center estimation operation may include: for a battery cell including a terminal portion, measuring the center of two terminals, calculating an average point, and assuming the average point as the center of the battery cell.

[0103] In some embodiments, the center estimation operation may include: measuring a first point as the center of a first terminal and a second point as the center of a second terminal, calculating a third point as the average point, and assuming the average point as the center of the battery cell.

[0104] For example, in the operation of measuring the first and second points, the center data of the electrodes of the battery cell can be obtained through visual inspection.

[0105] In the operation of calculating the third point, the assumed value of the center of the battery cell can be obtained by calculating the average of the first and second points.

[0106] The terminals of a battery cell can be formed symmetrically about the center of the battery cell. Therefore, the average of the center of the first terminal and the center of the second terminal can be assumed to be the center of the battery cell.

[0107] In addition, the exhaust port location estimation operation S10 may include the operation of calculating the exhaust port profile by adding the exhaust port size value to the estimated center of the battery cell, and the operation of assuming the exhaust port profile as the exhaust port location.

[0108] In calculating the vent profile, the profile is obtained by adding horizontal and vertical dimension values ​​to the center of each battery cell estimated through a center estimation operation, to correspond to the vent size of the battery cell. The vent size can vary depending on the number of battery cells arranged in the battery module and the shape of the battery module.

[0109] The vent of a battery cell can be formed such that the center of the vent matches the center of the battery cell. Since the center of the vent may be located below the estimated center of the battery cell, the vent profile (calculated by adding the vent size value to the estimated center of the battery cell) can be assumed to be the location of the vent.

[0110] The position determination operation S20, which determines whether the estimated position of the exhaust port is in an appropriate position relative to the reference position, may include a comparison operation that compares the estimated position of the exhaust port with the selected reference position, and an operation that calculates the separation distance between the estimated position of the exhaust port and the reference position.

[0111] The comparison operation can determine whether there is interference between the estimated location of the exhaust port and the reference location. If there is interference between the information about the exhaust port's location and the information about the reference location, the exhaust port's location can be determined to be inappropriate.

[0112] In some embodiments, the reference location may be the location of a hole formed in a fixture disposed on the underside of the battery module. In an example, the fixture may represent a cooling plate of the battery module. In some embodiments, the cooling plate may have an opening formed in the same shape as the vent of a battery cell, and the hole formed in the fixture may have the same shape as the opening formed in the cooling plate. Therefore, the location and size of the hole formed in the fixture may correspond to the location and size of the vent.

[0113] When the exhaust port is configured such that its estimated location and reference location overlap, interference can be determined to have occurred when the information regarding the estimated location of the exhaust port and the information regarding the reference location do not match. In some embodiments, the degree of difference between the estimated location and the reference location of the exhaust port can be defined as the degree of interference.

[0114] Calculating the separation distance between the estimated position of the exhaust port and a reference position can be an operation based on measuring the distance between the exhaust port position and the reference position, using, for example, the distance between the last exhaust port position and the last reference position.

[0115] The method for verifying and correcting the position of a battery cell according to this disclosure may include a correction operation S30 (i.e., correcting the position of the battery cell when it is determined in the position determination operation S20 that the position of the exhaust port is not in the proper position).

[0116] The calibration operation S30 may include setting the separation distance to a calibration value and moving the battery cell by the calibration value. The calibration value may be the distance required to correct the estimated position of the exhaust port to the appropriate position relative to a reference position.

[0117] The operation of moving a single battery cell can compress or depressurize the battery cell to correct its value.

[0118] For example, if the distance between the estimated positions of the exhaust ports is less than the distance between the reference positions, it can be determined that pressure reduction is needed. By increasing the pressure reduction correction value for each battery cell, the distance between the estimated positions of the exhaust ports can be increased to correct the offset position of the battery cells.

[0119] In another example, compression is deemed necessary when the distance between the estimated locations of the exhaust ports is greater than the distance between the reference locations due to offset. By adjusting the battery cell compression correction value, the distance between the estimated locations of the exhaust ports can be reduced to correct the offset positions of the battery cells.

[0120] Therefore, the estimated position of the exhaust port can be corrected to the reference position by adjusting the correction operation of the battery cell by moving the set correction value, thereby preventing defects in the manufacturing of battery modules / battery packs.

[0121] After the estimated position of the exhaust port is matched with the reference position, a pair of end plates, side plates and bottom plates can be connected together, and the battery cells can be fixed in the corrected position, thereby being manufactured into a battery module / battery pack.

[0122] Side plates support the side surfaces of the battery cells, and bottom plates support the bottom surfaces of the battery cells. A pair of end plates, side plates, and bottom plates can be connected by components such as bolts.

[0123] When the vent is located at the bottom of the battery cell, its position is difficult to determine because the vent array is encased in an insulating film. Therefore, this disclosure aims to estimate the position of the vent and correct the position of the battery cell based on the estimated position of the vent, thereby preventing defects in the manufacturing of battery modules / packs.

[0124] Although this disclosure has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and alterations can be made by those skilled in the art within the spirit of this disclosure and the equivalents of the appended claims.

[0125] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the apparatus for verifying and correcting the position of a battery cell can estimate the position of the vent and compare that position with a reference position to determine whether the vent is in the correct position and correct the position of the battery cell. Therefore, even when the vent is located on the bottom of the battery cell, the estimated position of the vent can match a hole formed in the fixture, thereby preventing defects in the manufacturing of the battery module / pack.

[0126] However, the effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described herein, and other technical effects not mentioned herein will be readily understood by those skilled in the art based on the following description of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus for verifying and correcting the position of individual battery cells, the apparatus comprising: At least one camera is spaced apart from a battery module comprising multiple battery cells; The fixing part is configured to support one side of the battery module; A movable part is disposed on the other side of the battery module and is configured to apply pressure to the battery module; as well as The clamp is located on the lower side of the battery module and has multiple holes.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of battery cells includes an exhaust port located on the bottom surface of the battery cell.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the plurality of holes has an area equal to that of the exhaust port.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of holes are positioned to overlap with the exhaust port, respectively.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an estimator configured to estimate the position of the exhaust port based on the profile of the exhaust port.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a measuring device configured to: The positions of the plurality of holes are set as reference positions; and Calculate the separation distance between the reference position and the position of the exhaust port.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a controller configured to set the separation distance calculated by the meter as a correction value.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a position corrector configured to move the movable portion by the correction value.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of battery cells are arranged in one direction, and the movable part is capable of moving in the direction in which the plurality of battery cells are arranged.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of battery cells includes a terminal portion located on its top surface.

11. A method for verifying and correcting the position of a single battery cell, the method comprising: Estimate the location of the vent of each battery cell; Determine whether the estimated location of the exhaust port is in the appropriate position relative to the selected reference location; as well as If it is determined that the estimated position of the exhaust port is not in a suitable position relative to the selected reference position, then the position of the battery cell is corrected. The operation of determining whether the estimated position of the exhaust port is in an appropriate position includes: Compare the position of the exhaust port with the selected reference position; and Calculate the separation distance of the exhaust port position relative to the selected reference position, and The operation of correcting the position of the battery cell includes: Set the separation distance as a correction value; and The battery cell is moved by the correction value.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The operation of estimating the location of the exhaust port includes estimating the center of the battery cell, wherein the operation of estimating the center of the battery cell includes: Measure the first point that is the center of the first terminal of the battery cell; Measure the second point, which is the center of the second terminal of the battery cell; Calculate a third point, which is the average of the first and second points; and The third point is assumed to be the center of the battery cell.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The operation of estimating the location of the exhaust port includes: The profile of the vent is calculated by adding the size value of the vent to the assumed center of the battery cell; and The outline of the exhaust port is assumed to be the location of the exhaust port.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The operation of comparing the position of the exhaust port with the selected reference position determines whether there is interference between the position of the exhaust port and the selected reference position.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, When it is determined that there is interference between the location of the exhaust port and the selected reference location, it is determined that the location of the exhaust port is not in an appropriate position.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The operation of calculating the separation distance of the exhaust port position relative to the selected reference position is based on measuring the distance according to the degree of interference between the exhaust port position and the selected reference position.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The operation of moving the battery cell by the correction value compresses or depresses the battery cell by the correction value.

18. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The vent is located on the lower surface of the battery cell.

19. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The battery cell includes a terminal portion located on the top surface of the battery cell.

20. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The battery cell comprises a plurality of battery cells arranged in parallel in one direction, and a pair of end plates are disposed at the outermost part of the plurality of battery cells to compress the plurality of battery cells.

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