Battery cell inspection device, battery cell produced using the battery cell inspection device, and battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell

Abstract

Disclosed are a battery cell inspection device, a battery cell produced using the battery cell inspection device, a battery pack including the battery cell, and a vehicle. The battery cell inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a photographing member for photographing a welding portion of a battery cell, a reflection member that reflects light and is coupled to or separated from and removed from the photographing member based on a welding position of the battery cell, and an illumination member for providing light to the battery cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0006288, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 15, 2025, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a battery cell inspection apparatus, battery cells produced using the battery cell inspection apparatus, and battery packs and vehicles including the battery cells. More specifically, it relates to a battery cell inspection apparatus, battery cells produced using the battery cell inspection apparatus, and battery packs and vehicles including the battery cells, wherein the battery cell inspection apparatus is formed in an integrated manner so as to inspect all welds formed at different locations with a single device. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries are highly adaptable due to their product grouping and electrical characteristics such as high energy density, and are therefore typically used not only in portable devices, but also in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric power sources.

[0004] This type of secondary battery has attracted attention as a new energy source that improves eco-friendliness and energy efficiency because it not only has the major advantage of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also does not have the byproducts generated by the use of energy.

[0005] Currently widely used secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of the secondary battery cell in this unit is approximately 2.5 V to 4.5 V.

[0006] Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells can be connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Alternatively, depending on the required charge and discharge capacity, multiple battery cells can also be connected in parallel to form a battery module or battery pack. Thus, the number of battery cells included in a battery module or battery pack and the type of electrical connection can be varied depending on at least one of the required output voltage and the required charge and discharge capacity.

[0007] Cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch-type battery cells are known types of secondary battery cells. In the case of a battery cell, a separator, serving as an insulator, is inserted between the positive and negative electrode plates and wound to form a wound-type electrode assembly. This wound-type electrode assembly, along with the electrolyte, is inserted into a battery can and connected to a cap to form a battery. Furthermore, in the battery cell, current collectors can be used to electrically connect the positive and negative electrode plates separately.

[0008] When welding caps and battery cans into battery cells, weld beads can be formed on the side surfaces of the caps and battery cans, or on the top surfaces of the caps and battery cans.

[0009] Here, weld beads can be inspected to determine the welding quality between the cap and the battery can. Traditionally, side inspection devices for inspecting weld beads formed on the side surfaces of the cap and battery can and top inspection devices for inspecting weld beads formed on the upper surfaces of the cap and battery can are set up separately, resulting in problems such as low efficiency, long processing time, large workspace requirements, and increased costs. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] This disclosure is designed to address problems in the related art, and therefore aims to provide a battery cell inspection apparatus that is integrated to allow for the use of a single device to inspect welds formed on the side surfaces of the cap and battery can and on the upper surfaces of the cap and battery can, thereby improving work efficiency; and also provides a battery cell produced using the battery cell inspection apparatus, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell.

[0012] In addition, this disclosure aims to provide a battery cell inspection device that can shorten processing time, a battery cell produced using the battery cell inspection device, a battery pack including the battery cell, and a vehicle.

[0013] In addition, this disclosure aims to provide a battery cell inspection apparatus that can improve workspace efficiency, is advantageous in terms of management, and reduces processing costs to improve cost competitiveness, battery cells produced using the battery cell inspection apparatus, and battery packs and vehicles including the battery cells.

[0014] However, the technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on the following description of this disclosure.

[0015] Technical solution

[0016] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery cell inspection apparatus may be provided, the battery cell inspection apparatus comprising: an imaging member for imaging a welded portion of a battery cell; a reflective member for reflecting light and being attached to or separated from the imaging member and removed depending on the welded position of the battery cell; and an illumination member for providing light to the battery cell.

[0017] In one embodiment, the battery cell may include a battery can housing an electrode assembly and a cap attached to the battery can. When the cap is welded to the battery can to form weld beads on the side surfaces of the cap and the battery can, the reflective member may be attached to the imaging member.

[0018] In one embodiment, the reflective member may include a main body portion connected to the imaging member and forming a through-hole through which light can pass; and a mirror portion disposed inside the main body portion and reflecting light reflected from the battery cell and entering through the through-hole, so that the light enters the imaging member.

[0019] In one embodiment, the main body may include a side surface portion that defines a side surface and is connected to the imaging member; and a lower surface portion that extends from the side surface portion, defines a lower surface, and has the through hole formed therein.

[0020] In one embodiment, the lower surface portion may form a ramp with the height of the ramp gradually increasing toward the central region, and the mirror portion may include a plurality of central mirror portions and a plurality of side surface mirror portions, the plurality of central mirror portions being arranged along the circumference of the central region of the lower surface portion, and the plurality of side surface mirror portions being set to be the same as the number of central mirror portions and being connected to the side surface portions toward the central mirror portions.

[0021] In one embodiment, light reflected from the central mirror can enter the imaging component.

[0022] In one embodiment, the through-hole may be formed at a corresponding position on the lower surface portion of the side surface mirror portion to allow light reflected from the illumination member onto the battery cell to pass through the through-hole in the lower surface portion to reach the side surface mirror portion.

[0023] In one embodiment, the through holes can be provided in multiple ways, and at least one of the multiple through holes can be located at a different distance from the central region with reference to the radial direction of the lower surface portion.

[0024] In one embodiment, the through holes can be configured to be eight, and when four of the eight through holes are formed in the east, west, south and north directions, the remaining four through holes can be formed in the southeast, northeast, southwest and northwest directions, respectively, further away from the central region than the four through holes.

[0025] In one embodiment, the lighting component may be coupled to the reflective component.

[0026] In one embodiment, the battery cell may include a battery can housing an electrode assembly and a cap attached to the battery can, and the reflective member may be separated from and removed from the imaging member when the cap is welded to the battery can to form a weld bead on the upper surfaces of the cap and the battery can.

[0027] In one embodiment, the lighting component may be arranged to be spaced apart from the shooting component.

[0028] In one embodiment, the lighting component may be configured in a circular shape to form a central hole, and the battery cell may be located below the lighting component inside the central hole.

[0029] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of this disclosure, a battery cell produced using the aforementioned battery cell inspection device can be provided, a battery pack including at least one of the aforementioned battery cells can be provided, and a vehicle including at least one of the aforementioned battery cells can be provided.

[0030] Beneficial effects

[0031] The embodiments of this disclosure have the effect of being formed in an integrated manner so that a single device can be used to inspect welds formed on the side surfaces of the cap and battery can as well as welds formed on the upper surfaces of the cap and battery can, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0032] In addition, these implementation methods have the effect of shortening processing time.

[0033] In addition, these implementation methods have the effects of increasing workspace efficiency, being advantageous in terms of management, and reducing process costs to enhance cost competitiveness.

[0034] However, the effects obtained through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on the following description of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery cell inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a reflective member is connected to a photographing member.

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view.

[0038] Figure 3 yes Figure 2An enlarged view of part A, showing a battery cell in which weld lines are formed on the side surfaces of the cap and battery can.

[0039] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken by line X-X'.

[0040] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken by the line Y-Y'.

[0041] Figure 6 It is along Figure 2 The view is cropped by arrow Z and shows the bottom surface of the reflective element.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of a reflective member in a battery cell inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a view showing the state of the welds of a battery cell having welds formed on the side surfaces of the cap and battery can, inspected by a battery cell inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 9 This is a view showing the state of the welds of a battery cell having welds formed on the upper surfaces of the cap and battery can, inspected by a battery cell inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of part B, showing a battery cell in which weld lines are formed on the upper surface of the cap and battery can.

[0046] Figure 11 This is a view showing the state in which a battery cell in a battery cell inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is positioned within the central hole of an illumination member.

[0047] Figure 12 This is a schematic view illustrating the construction of a battery pack including battery cells produced using a battery cell inspection apparatus according to each embodiment of this disclosure.

[0048] Figure 13 It is used to describe including Figure 12 A view of the vehicle with its battery pack. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general or dictionary meaning, but rather is interpreted based on the principle of allowing the inventor to appropriately define the terminology for the best interpretation, and on the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely one of the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to fully represent the technical aspects of the present disclosure; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may be made thereto at the time of filing this application.

[0050] In the accompanying drawings, for ease of description and clarity, the dimensions of each component or specific part constituting that component are exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically. Therefore, the dimensions of each component do not perfectly reflect the actual dimensions. Such detailed descriptions determining relevant known functions or configurations will be omitted if they unnecessarily obscure the gist of this disclosure.

[0051] As used herein, the term 'connection' or 'linkage' refers not only to the direct connection or linking of one component to another, but also to the indirect connection or linking of one component to another through a connecting component.

[0052] Figures 1 to 8 The illustration shows the inspection of a battery cell having weld beads formed on the side surfaces of the cap and battery can using a battery cell inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, Figures 9 to 11 The illustration shows the inspection of a battery cell having weld beads formed on the upper surfaces of the cap and battery can using a battery cell inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery cell inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a reflective member is connected to a photographing member. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view, Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of part A, showing a battery cell in which weld lines are formed on the side surfaces of the cap and battery can. Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken by line X-X'. Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken by line Y-Y'. Figure 6 It is along Figure 2 The view is cropped by arrow Z, and shows the bottom surface of the reflective element. Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of the reflective member in a battery cell inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 8This is a view showing the state of the welds of a battery cell having welds formed on the side surfaces of the cap and battery can, inspected by a battery cell inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] The battery cell inspection device 10 according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various types of battery cells 20, but for ease of description, the following description focuses on the case of determining the welding quality by inspecting the weld seams 23 of cylindrical battery cells.

[0055] The battery cell 20 may include an electrode assembly, a battery canister 21, and a cap 22.

[0056] The electrode assembly has a structure in which a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator inserted between the positive and negative electrode plates are wound in one direction. Furthermore, a central hole is formed at the center of the electrode assembly, and the central hole can be formed as a wound core type.

[0057] For example, electrode assemblies can be manufactured by winding a laminate, which is formed by sequentially stacking a negative electrode plate, a separator, a positive electrode plate, and a separator at least once. Here, the positive and negative electrode plates can be formed in sheet form.

[0058] In other words, the electrode assembly used in this embodiment can be a wound electrode assembly. In this case, an additional diaphragm can also be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the electrode assembly to insulate it from the battery canister 21. That is, the electrode assembly can have a wound structure well known in the related art, but is not limited thereto.

[0059] A positive electrode active material can be applied to one or both surfaces of the positive electrode plate, and a first uncoated portion without the applied positive electrode active material can be formed at the end of the positive electrode plate. This first uncoated portion can be exposed to the outside of the separator, while forming multiple windings around the center of the electrode assembly, and the first uncoated portion itself can serve as an electrode tab. However, it is also possible not to form a first uncoated portion on the positive electrode plate.

[0060] The negative electrode active material can be coated on one or both surfaces of the negative electrode plate, and a second uncoated portion without the negative electrode active material can be formed at the end of the negative electrode plate. This second uncoated portion can be exposed to the outside of the separator, while forming multiple windings around the center of the electrode assembly, and the second uncoated portion itself can serve as an electrode tab. However, it is also possible not to form a second uncoated portion on the negative electrode plate.

[0061] Here, when the positive and negative plates each include uncoated portions, the first and second uncoated portions can be configured to face opposite directions.

[0062] Furthermore, the positive electrode active material coated on the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode active material coated on the negative electrode plate can be used without restriction, as long as they are active materials known in the art.

[0063] The membrane can be a porous polymer membrane made of, for example, polyolefin polymers, such as ethylene homopolymers, propylene homopolymers, ethylene / butene copolymers, ethylene / hexene copolymers, and ethylene / methacrylate copolymers, which can be used alone or in a laminated structure.

[0064] As another example, the diaphragm can be a conventional porous nonwoven fabric, such as a nonwoven fabric made of high melting point glass fiber, polyethylene terephthalate fiber, etc.

[0065] At least one surface of the membrane may include a coating of inorganic particles. Alternatively, the membrane itself may be formed from a coating of inorganic particles. The particles constituting the coating may have a structure bonded to a binder, such that there are gap volumes between adjacent particles.

[0066] Furthermore, the center hole of the electrode assembly is also used for welding the cell terminals (positive terminals) and the positive current collector. That is, the electrode assembly can be configured to weld the cell terminals and the positive current collector by irradiating a laser through the center hole of the electrode assembly.

[0067] The electrode assembly is housed within the battery canister 21. Furthermore, through-holes can be formed within the battery canister 21. Here, the battery canister 21 can be formed in a cylindrical shape, with the electrode assembly housed within it and electrically connected to the negative electrode plate of the electrode assembly. Therefore, the battery canister 21 can have the same polarity as the negative electrode plate, i.e., negative polarity.

[0068] The diameter of the battery can 21 is larger than the diameter of the electrode assembly. A predetermined gap is formed between the battery can 21 and the positive current collector, and an insulator can be inserted into the gap.

[0069] If the size of the electrode assembly is increased while the size of the battery can 21 is determined according to the standard, the total capacity of the battery cell 20 increases, but the gap between the battery can 21 and the electrode assembly decreases.

[0070] In other words, if the size of the electrode assembly is increased to increase the total capacity of the battery cell 20, the gap between the battery can 21 and the electrode assembly will decrease. Therefore, the insulator should be inserted into the reduced gap between the battery can 21 and the electrode assembly to increase the capacity of the battery cell 20. For this purpose, the thickness of the insulator is preferably made as thin as possible.

[0071] The battery canister 21 is a generally cylindrical container and may be made of a conductive material (such as a metal). The material of the battery canister 21 may be a conductive metal, such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, etc., but is not limited to this.

[0072] The cap 22 is attached to the battery canister 21 to seal the opening formed in the battery canister 21. The cap 22 may be made of, for example, a metal material to ensure rigidity.

[0073] The cap 22 can be separated from the electrode assembly and can be set to be non-polar. That is, even when the cap 22 is made of a conductive metal material, it can be non-polar.

[0074] The fact that cap 22 is non-polar means that cap 22 is electrically insulated from battery canister 21 and cell terminals. Thus, cap 22 can be unpolarized, and its material does not necessarily have to be a conductive metal.

[0075] The battery cell 20 may include a type in which a crimping portion and a rolled edge are formed in the battery can 21, and a type in which no crimping portion and a rolled edge are formed in the battery can 21. In the type in which no crimping portion and a rolled edge are formed in the battery can 21, the cap 22 is directly connected to the battery can 21.

[0076] Here, the crimping portion of the battery can 21 is formed to fix the cap 22 to the battery can 21, and the rolled edge of the battery can 21 is formed by pressing inward against the outer peripheral surface of the battery can 21 to support the electrode assembly, so that the electrode assembly will not fall out of the battery can 21.

[0077] Furthermore, when no crimped portion or rolled edge portion is formed in the battery can 21, the cap 22 can be directly welded to the battery can 21 by seam welding.

[0078] In this way, with the cap 22 being directly welded to the battery canister 21 using a seam welding method, the fixing structure is simple, which further ensures the volume of the electrode assembly housed within the battery canister 21. Therefore, compared to the same volume of the battery canister 21 which has the effect of improving energy density, it is more advantageous in ensuring capacity.

[0079] In the following description, for ease of description, the battery cell inspection apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will focus on the case of inspecting the weld 23 when the cap 22 is directly welded to the battery can 21 by seam welding. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0080] Meanwhile, when the battery canister 21 and cap 22 of the battery cell 20 are welded by seam welding, such as Figure 3 As shown, weld beads 23 can be formed on the side surfaces of the cap 22 and the battery canister 21 (e.g., horizontal weld), or as... Figure 10 As shown, weld beads 23 can be formed on the upper surfaces of cap 22 and battery can 21 (e.g., vertical weld).

[0081] First, see Figures 1 to 8For cases where weld beads 23 are formed on the sides of cap 22 and battery can 21, see weld bead 23 (see Figure 3 The inspection is explained, then see [link / reference]. Figures 9 to 11 For cases where weld beads 23 are formed on the upper surfaces of cap 22 and battery can 21, the weld bead 23 is (see Figure 10 The inspection process will be explained.

[0082] Reference Figure 1 The battery cell inspection device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an imaging component 100, a reflective component 200, and an illumination component 300.

[0083] The welding part of the component 100 to the battery cell 20 is photographed.

[0084] The imaging component 100 photographs the weld lines 23 of the battery cell 20 using light reflected from the reflective component 200. The imaging component 100 can be provided in various ways and can include, for example, various cameras, but is not limited thereto.

[0085] Reference Figure 8 The imaging component 100 can capture images of the weld lines 23 formed on the side surfaces of the cap 22 and the battery canister 21. Furthermore, refer to the description to be made later. Figure 9 The camera component 100 can capture images of the weld beads 23 formed on the upper surfaces of the cap 22 and the battery canister 21.

[0086] In other words, the battery cell inspection device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention can inspect the weld beads 23 formed on the side surfaces of the cap 22 and the battery canister 21 using only a single device (see...). Figure 3 Furthermore, the weld beads 23 formed on the upper surfaces of the cap 22 and the battery canister 21 can be inspected using a single device (see [reference]). Figure 10 This depends on whether the reflective member 200 is connected (when the reflective member 200 is connected to the imaging member 100) or disconnected (when the reflective member 200 is disconnected from the imaging member 100 and removed).

[0087] The reflective member 200 reflects the light provided by the illumination member 300. For example, when light irradiated from the illumination member 300 is reflected by the weld line 23 of the battery cell 20 and enters the reflective member 200, the reflective member 200 reflects the light reflected by the weld line 23 again and transmits it to the imaging member 100. Therefore, the imaging member 100 can photograph the weld line 23 of the battery cell 20.

[0088] Depending on the welding position of the battery cell 20, the reflective member 200 can be attached to the imaging member 100 or detached from and removed from the imaging member 100. As described above, when welding the weld beads 23 formed on the side surfaces of the cap 22 and the battery can 21 (see...) Figure 3When taking a picture, the reflective member 200 is attached to the imaging member 100, and when the weld beads 23 formed on the upper surfaces of the cap 22 and the battery can 21 (see...) are... Figure 10 When taking pictures, the reflective member 200 is separated from the shooting member 100 and removed.

[0089] exist Figures 1 to 8 In this process, the reflective member 200 is connected to the imaging member 100, and in this case, the weld beads 23 formed on the side surfaces of the cap 22 and the battery canister 21 can be photographed.

[0090] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 When the cap 22 is welded to the battery can 21 to form weld beads 23 on the side surfaces of the cap 22 and the battery can 21 (see...) Figure 3 The reflective component 200 can be connected to the lower part of the imaging component 100.

[0091] Reference Figure 4 The reflective member 200 may include a main body 210 and a mirror 220.

[0092] The main body 210 is connected to the imaging member 100. Furthermore, a through-hole 217 through which light can pass is formed in the main body 210. For example, the main body 210 may be configured to include a side surface 211 and a lower surface 212.

[0093] The side surface portion 211 defines the side surface of the main body portion 210. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, the side surface portion 211 is connected to the imaging member 100. Here, the side surface portion 211 of the main body portion 210 is detachably connected to the imaging member 100 in various ways. For example, the side surface portion 211 is connected by a fastening member 500 such as a screw or bolt and nut, and can also be separated and removed. The method of connecting the side surface portion 211 of the main body portion 210 to the imaging member 100 is not limited to this, but for ease of description, the following description will focus on the case where the side surface portion 211 of the main body portion 210 is connected to the imaging member 100 by a fastening member 500.

[0094] like Figure 4 As shown, when inspecting the weld beads 23 formed on the side surfaces of the cap 22 and the battery can 21, the side surface portion 211 of the main body portion 210 can be connected to the shooting member 100 by the fastening member 500.

[0095] The lower surface portion 212 defines the lower surface of the main body portion 210. Furthermore, the lower surface portion 212 extends from the side surface portion 211. A through hole 217 may be formed in the lower surface portion 212. The through hole 217 of the lower surface portion 212 will be described in detail below.

[0096] refer to Figure 7 The lower surface portion 212 can be formed with a slope whose height increases from the circumference towards the central region. In this way, if the lower surface portion 212 forms a slope whose height increases towards the central region, the light reflection path can be set appropriately and easily.

[0097] Let's refer to each other. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The mirror portion 220 is located inside the main body portion 210. Furthermore, the mirror portion 220 reflects light, allowing light reflected from the battery cell 20 and entering through the through hole 217 formed in the lower surface portion 212 of the main body portion 210 to enter the imaging member 100.

[0098] In other words, the light irradiated from the lighting member 300 moves to the battery cell 20 and is reflected from the weld line 23 of the battery cell 20. In this way, the light reflected from the weld line 23 moves to the mirror section 220 through the through hole 217 formed in the lower surface section 212 of the main body section 210. And the light reflected from the mirror section 220 enters the imaging member 100.

[0099] The mirror portion 220 can be configured in various ways and may include, for example, multiple central mirror portions 221 and multiple side surface mirror portions 222.

[0100] refer to Figure 5 Multiple central mirror portions 221 can be arranged circumferentially along the central region of the lower surface portion 212. Here, as... Figure 5 As shown, the number of central mirror units 221 can be eight, but the number of central mirror units 221 is not limited to this and can be more.

[0101] Furthermore, the multiple side surface mirror portions 222 are arranged in the same number as the central mirror portion 221. For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, when the number of central mirror portions 221 is 8, the number of side surface mirror portions 222 is also set to the same number, i.e., 8. Furthermore, each of the side surface mirror portions 222 can be connected to the side surface portion 211 so as to face each of the central mirror portions 221.

[0102] Light reflected from the weld 23 of the battery cell 20, passing through the through hole 217 of the lower surface portion 212 of the main body portion 210, and reflected from the side surface mirror portion 222 toward the central mirror portion 221, is reflected again from the central mirror portion 221 and enters the imaging member 100.

[0103] Here, various mirrors can be arranged within the shooting component 100, and the light reflected by the mirrors can enter the camera.

[0104] In this way, the photographing component 100 can photograph the weld 23 of the battery cell 20.

[0105] Furthermore, when the camera component 100 photographs the weld 23 of the battery cell 20, the weld 23 can be inspected using inspection software, and the welding quality can be determined.

[0106] Refer to together Figure 4 and Figure 7 The through hole 217 can be formed in the lower surface portion 212 at a position corresponding to the side surface mirror portion 222. In this way, when the through hole 217 is formed in the lower surface portion 212 at a position corresponding to the side surface mirror portion 222, light that is irradiated from the lighting member 300 onto the battery cell 20 and reflected can pass through the through hole 217 in the lower surface portion 212 and reach the side surface mirror portion 222.

[0107] Multiple through holes 217 can be provided. Here, compared with other through holes 217, at least one of the multiple through holes 217 can be positioned at a different distance from the central region with reference to the radial direction of the lower surface portion 212.

[0108] This will refer to Figure 6 The following description is provided. For example, the number of through holes 217 could be eight. However, the number of through holes 217 is merely an example and is not limited to eight.

[0109] Here, based on Figure 6 Four of the eight through holes 217 can be formed in the east, west, south and north directions, and the remaining four can be formed in the southeast, northeast, southwest and northwest directions.

[0110] In this case, with the radial direction of the lower surface portion 212 as a reference, the four through holes 217, one each in the southeast, northeast, southwest, and northwest directions from the central region, are located further from the central region than the four through holes 217, one each in the east, west, south, and north directions. This arrangement of the through holes 217 has the effect of preventing light interference.

[0111] The lighting component 300 is configured to provide light to the battery cell 20. The lighting component 300 can be configured in various ways and can be coupled to the reflector 200. For example, the lighting component 300 can be coupled to the lower part of the reflector 200, but is not limited thereto.

[0112] However, the lighting component 300 does not necessarily have to be connected to the reflector 200 and can be detached from the reflector 200. In this case, the lighting component 300 can be connected to and supported by a support component, which is not shown in the figures.

[0113] In the above description, refer to Figures 1 to 8It has been described that the reflective member 200 is connected to the imaging member 100 and thus takes pictures of the battery cell 20 on the side surface of the cap 22 and the battery can 21 where weld lines 23 are formed to inspect the condition of the weld lines 23.

[0114] See below. Figures 9 to 11 The description will be of taking pictures of the battery cell 20 with weld lines 23 formed on the upper surface of the cap 22 and the battery can 21 to check the condition of the weld lines 23.

[0115] Figure 9 This is a view showing the state of the weld lines formed on the upper surfaces of the cap and battery can of a battery cell inspected using a battery cell inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 An enlarged view of part B, showing the battery cell in which weld beads are formed on the upper surface of the cap and battery can, and Figure 11 This is a view showing the state in which the battery cell is positioned within the central hole of the lighting component in a battery cell inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] See Figure 9 When the cap 22 is welded to the battery can 21 to form a weld bead 23 on the upper surfaces of the cap 22 and the battery can 21 (see...) Figure 10 The reflective member 200 is separated from the imaging member 100 and removed. In this case, the light illuminating the battery cell 20 from the illumination member 300 is reflected from the weld 23 of the battery cell 20 and moves directly upward to enter the imaging member 100.

[0117] When the reflective member 200 is separated from and removed from the imaging member 100, the illumination member 300 is arranged spaced apart from the imaging member 100. At this time, as... Figure 9 As shown, the lighting component 300 can be connected to and supported by a separate support component 400.

[0118] See Figure 11 The lighting component 300 can be configured in a circular shape to form a central hole 310. Furthermore, the battery cell 20 can be positioned inside the central hole 310 below the lighting component 300.

[0119] As described above, the battery cell inspection apparatus 10 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is formed in an integrated manner so as to use a single device to inspect the weld beads 23 formed on the side surfaces of the cap 22 and the battery can 21 (see Figure 3 ) and weld beads 23 formed on the upper surfaces of the cap 22 and the battery canister 21 (see Figure 10 This will improve work efficiency.

[0120] In addition, a single device can inspect the welding quality of various types of battery cells 20, thereby shortening processing time.

[0121] In addition, by providing only one device, workspace efficiency is improved, which is advantageous in terms of management, and processing costs are reduced, thereby enhancing cost competitiveness.

[0122] Figure 12 This is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of a battery pack including battery cells produced using a battery cell inspection apparatus according to each embodiment of this disclosure.

[0123] Reference Figure 12 The battery pack 30 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery cells 20. Here, the battery cells 20 are manufactured using the battery cell inspection apparatus 10 according to each embodiment of the present disclosure as described above.

[0124] In addition, the battery pack 30 may also include a battery pack housing 31 for accommodating the battery cells 20, and various devices for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery cells 20, such as a BMS, a current sensor, a fuse, etc.

[0125] Figure 13 It is used to describe including Figure 12 A view of the vehicle with its battery pack.

[0126] See Figure 13 The vehicle 40 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery cells 20 or battery packs 30. The battery cells 20 are manufactured using the battery cell inspection apparatus 10 according to each embodiment of the present disclosure as described above. Furthermore, the battery pack 30 may include one or more battery cells 20 as described above.

[0127] Here, vehicle 40 includes various vehicles designed to use electricity, such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles.

[0128] The terms used herein to indicate direction, such as up, down, left, and right, are merely for ease of description, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the position of the element or the observer.

[0129] While this disclosure has been described above with reference to a limited number of embodiments and accompanying drawings, it is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and alterations can be made to it within the technical aspects of this disclosure and within the scope of its equivalents in the appended claims. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed above should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. That is, the scope of the true technical concept of this disclosure is shown in the claims, and all differences within the scope of equivalents should be interpreted as including in this disclosure.

[0130] Industrial applicability

[0131] This disclosure relates to a battery cell inspection apparatus and battery cells produced using the battery cell inspection apparatus, as well as battery packs and vehicles including the battery cells, and is particularly applicable to industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. A battery cell inspection device, the battery cell inspection device comprising: A camera component that captures images of the welded portions of a battery cell; A reflective member that reflects light and is either attached to the imaging member or separated from and removed from the imaging member depending on the welding position of the battery cell; as well as An illumination component that provides light to the battery cell.

2. The battery cell inspection device according to claim 1, in, The battery cell includes a battery can housing electrode assemblies and a cap connected to the battery can. The reflective member is attached to the imaging member when the cap is welded to the battery can to form weld beads on the side surfaces of the cap and the battery can.

3. The battery cell inspection device according to claim 2, in, The reflective component includes: The main body portion, which is connected to the imaging member and forms a through-hole through which light can pass; and A mirror portion is arranged inside the main body portion and reflects light reflected from the battery cell and entering through the through hole, so that the light enters the imaging member.

4. The battery cell inspection device according to claim 3, in, The main body includes: Side surface portion, the side surface portion defining a side surface and connected to the imaging member; and The lower surface portion extends from the side surface portion, defines the lower surface, and has the through hole formed therein.

5. The battery cell inspection device according to claim 4, in, The lower surface portion forms a slope, the height of which gradually increases towards the central region, and The mirror portion includes: Multiple central mirrors are arranged circumferentially along the central region of the lower surface portion; and Multiple side surface mirrors are provided, the number of which is the same as the number of the central mirror, and the multiple side surface mirrors are connected to the side surface mirrors so as to face the central mirror.

6. The battery cell inspection device according to claim 5, in, Light reflected from the central mirror enters the imaging component.

7. The battery cell inspection device according to claim 5, in, The through-hole is formed at a corresponding position on the lower surface portion of the side surface mirror portion to allow light illuminating the battery cell from the lighting member and being reflected to pass through the through-hole in the lower surface portion to reach the side surface mirror portion.

8. The battery cell inspection device according to claim 4, in, The through holes are configured in multiple ways, and Among them, at least one of the multiple through holes is located at a different distance from the central region, based on the radial direction of the lower surface portion, compared to the other through holes.

9. The battery cell inspection device according to claim 8, in, The through holes are set to eight, and Wherein, when four of the eight through holes are formed in the east, west, south and north directions, the remaining four through holes are further away from the central region than the four through holes and are formed in the southeast, northeast, southwest and northwest directions.

10. The battery cell inspection device according to claim 2, in, The lighting component is connected to the reflective component.

11. The battery cell inspection device according to claim 1, in, The battery cell includes a battery can housing electrode assemblies and a cap connected to the battery can. When the cap is welded to the battery can to form a weld bead on the upper surfaces of the cap and the battery can, the reflective member is separated from the imaging member and removed.

12. The battery cell inspection device according to claim 11, in, The lighting component is arranged to be spaced apart from the shooting component.

13. The battery cell inspection device according to claim 12, in, The lighting component is configured in a circular shape to form a central hole, and the battery cell is located below the lighting component inside the central hole.

14. A battery cell manufactured using the battery cell inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A battery pack comprising at least one battery cell according to claim 14.

16. A vehicle comprising at least one battery cell according to claim 14.

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