Battery cell inspection device and battery cell inspection method

Abstract

A battery cell inspection device according to one example of the present invention includes: a first illumination unit movable along a longitudinal direction of a battery cell and emitting light from above the battery cell; a first mirror member movable along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell and reflecting a first side surface of the battery cell; an upper line-scan camera unit movable along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell and capturing an image of at least a portion of an upper surface of the battery cell and at least a portion of the first side surface of the battery cell reflected by the first mirror member; and a first drive unit provided to move the first illumination unit, the first mirror member, and the upper line-scan camera unit. The upper line-scan camera unit is provided to continuously capture images along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell while being moved by the first drive unit, thereby generating image data of the upper surface of the battery cell and image data of the first side surface and a third side surface of the battery cell that are not provided with electrode leads.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery cell inspection apparatus and a battery cell inspection method, and more specifically, to a battery cell inspection apparatus and a battery cell inspection method capable of inspecting the top and side surfaces of a battery cell using an upper line scan camera unit, an illumination unit, and a reflector component together.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0146268, filed on October 24, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] With the rapid growth of the electric vehicle and energy storage system (ESS) market, the secondary battery industry is becoming increasingly important. In particular, battery packs, consisting of dozens to hundreds of individual cells, are widely used in applications requiring high capacity and high output characteristics. Quality control of these battery packs is a key factor determining the performance and safety of the entire battery system, and there is an ongoing need to develop precise and efficient inspection technologies.

[0004] Currently, visual inspection methods using visible light illumination are mainly used for inspecting individual battery cells. These methods use cameras and lenses to photograph the surface of the battery cells and employ image processing techniques to detect defects only on one side of the surface.

[0005] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a conventional battery cell inspection device.

[0006] refer to Figure 1 The standard inspection device consists of an upper camera (1), a lens (2), and a visible light illumination unit (3). When the visible light illumination unit (3) illuminates the battery cell (4), the upper camera (1) captures an image of the top surface of the battery cell through the lens (2). The captured image is used to confirm the presence of foreign objects or damage to the appearance. In addition, the size of the battery cell components and the condition of the tape are checked to ensure they are appropriate.

[0007] However, such conventional inspection methods have the following limitations: First, the use of a visible light illumination section makes it impossible to inspect the interior of the battery cells wrapped in tape by penetration. Therefore, it is difficult to detect critical defects, such as foreign objects on the electrode inside the tape or tears in the separator.

[0008] Secondly, using only the top camera to inspect only the top surface of the battery cell makes it impossible to simultaneously inspect defects on the side surfaces. This complicates the inspection process and contributes to the increase in overall inspection time, as several side surfaces must be inspected.

[0009] Third, most inspection devices use vision units that only capture images of specific areas, thus requiring expensive cameras with wide shooting areas, especially with long battery cells. This leads to increased equipment costs.

[0010] Fourth, conventional inspection methods have limitations in integrated inspection due to the various components of a battery cell. For example, a battery cell consists of various components such as tape, pouch, electrode assembly, and electrode leads, each requiring different shooting settings optimized for inspection. However, conventional methods make it difficult to perform visual inspections (dimensions, surface condition, etc.) simultaneously by taking into account the characteristics of these various components in a single shot.

[0011] Due to these additional issues, the cell inspection process is complex and time-consuming, with significant room for improvement in efficiency and accuracy. Especially in large-scale production environments, such problems can directly lead to reduced productivity and increased quality control costs.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need to develop new technologies that can improve this common problem. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Technical issues

[0014] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems encountered in the conventional battery cell inspection process.

[0015] Specifically, through one example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a battery cell inspection apparatus and method capable of simultaneously inspecting the top and side surfaces of a battery cell using an illumination unit and a reflector. This aims to improve inspection efficiency and reduce costs.

[0016] Furthermore, through one example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a battery cell inspection apparatus and a battery cell inspection method that can detect internal defects, such as electrode foreign objects and separator tears, by using an infrared (IR) illumination unit for internal tape penetration inspection.

[0017] Furthermore, through one example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a battery cell inspection apparatus and a battery cell inspection method that can acquire continuous images at a constant resolution by performing the inspection using a line scan camera, regardless of the length of the battery cell.

[0018] Furthermore, through an example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a battery cell inspection apparatus and a battery cell inspection method that can achieve a comprehensive inspection of all six surfaces of a battery cell by performing an inspection of the bottom surface of the battery cell and its second side surface on which a positive or negative electrode lead is provided, as well as an inspection of the top surface of the battery cell and its first side surface.

[0019] Technical solution

[0020] To achieve the above objectives, according to an example of the present invention, an apparatus for inspecting a battery cell with electrode leads is provided. The apparatus includes: a first illumination unit arranged to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell and arranged to illuminate the upper portion of the battery cell; a first reflector member arranged to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell and arranged to reflect a first side surface of the battery cell; an upper line scan camera unit arranged to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell and arranged to capture images of at least a portion of the top surface of the battery cell and at least a portion of the first side surface of the battery cell reflected by the first reflector member; and a first drive unit arranged to move the first illumination unit, the first reflector member, and the upper line scan camera unit. A battery cell inspection apparatus is provided, wherein the upper line scan camera unit is arranged to continuously capture images along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell while being moved by the first drive unit, thereby generating image data of the top surface of the battery cell and the first and third side surfaces of the battery cell without electrode leads, respectively.

[0021] The first reflector component may include: a first reflector component 1-1, which is disposed on one side in the longitudinal direction with the upper line scan camera unit as the center; and a first reflector component 1-2, which is disposed on the other side in the longitudinal direction with the upper line scan camera unit as the center. The upper line scan camera unit may be arranged such that, while being moved in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell by the first drive unit, it generates image data of a first side surface of the battery cell via the first reflector component 1-1, and generates image data of a third side surface positioned opposite to the first side surface of the battery cell via the first reflector component 1-2.

[0022] The width of the first reflector component can be 1% to 50% of the longitudinal width of the battery cell.

[0023] According to another example of the invention, the battery cell inspection device may further include: a second illumination unit arranged to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell and arranged to illuminate the lower portion of the battery cell; a second-first reflector member arranged to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell and arranged to reflect the second side surface of the battery cell having electrode leads in the longitudinal direction; a second-second reflector member arranged to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell and arranged to reflect the fourth side surface of the battery cell having electrode leads and positioned opposite to the second side surface; and a lower line scan camera unit arranged to photograph the bottom surface of the battery cell and the second and fourth side surfaces of the battery cell reflected by the second-first and second-second reflector members. Furthermore, the battery cell inspection device may further include a second drive unit arranged to enable the second illumination unit, the second reflector member, and the lower line scan camera to move along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell.

[0024] The battery cell inspection device may further include: an adsorption unit arranged to adsorb the upper portion of a battery cell; and a third driving unit arranged to move the adsorption unit up and down. The adsorption unit may be arranged to suspend the adsorbed battery cell in the air by moving the third driving unit upward.

[0025] The lower line scan camera can be arranged to continuously photograph a portion of the battery cell while being moved along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell by the second drive unit, thereby generating image data of the bottom surface, second side surface, and fourth side surface of the battery cell.

[0026] The first lighting unit and the second lighting unit may each include an IR illumination section.

[0027] The battery cell inspection device may further include a control unit arranged to analyze image data generated by at least one of the upper line scan camera unit and the lower line scan camera according to each predetermined optical wavelength region.

[0028] The control unit can be arranged to extract an image from the generated image data in the red wavelength region and use the extracted image in the red wavelength region to check the size of the battery cell; to extract an image from the generated image data in the green wavelength region and use the extracted image in the green wavelength region to check whether there is damage or foreign matter on the top surface of the battery cell; and to extract an image from the generated image data in the blue wavelength region and use the extracted image in the green wavelength region to check whether there is damage or foreign matter on the first side surface of the battery cell.

[0029] To achieve the above objectives, according to an example of the present invention, a battery cell inspection method is provided, comprising: an illumination step in which a first illumination unit illuminates the upper portion of the battery cell; an imaging step in which an upper line scan camera unit images the top surface of the battery cell and a first side surface and a third side surface of the battery cell reflected by a first reflector member; a scanning step in which the first illumination unit, the first reflector member, and the upper line scan camera unit move along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell to scan the battery cell; a generation step in which the upper line scan camera unit continuously images the battery cell during the movement to generate image data of the top surface of the battery cell and the first side surface and the third side surface of the battery cell without electrode leads; and an inspection step in which the generated image data is analyzed to inspect the appearance of the battery cell. The battery cell inspection method can be performed using the above-described battery cell inspection apparatus.

[0030] The battery cell inspection method of the present invention may further include, after the generation step, an adsorption step in which an adsorption unit adsorbs the upper portion of the battery cell; and an arrangement step in which the adsorption unit moves upward to arrange the adsorbed battery cell in the air.

[0031] The battery cell inspection method of the present invention may further include: the step of illuminating the battery cell arranged in the air with a second illumination unit; the step of the lower line scan camera capturing the bottom surface of the battery cell, the second side surface of the battery cell with electrode leads reflected by the second-1 reflector member, and the fourth side surface of the battery cell reflected by the second-2 reflector member; and the step of the second illumination unit, the second-1 reflector member, the second-2 reflector member, and the lower line scan camera moving along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell.

[0032] The first and second lighting units can each penetrate the tape inside the battery cell by using an infrared lighting unit.

[0033] The battery cell inspection method of the present invention may further include the step of analyzing image data generated by at least one of the upper line scan camera unit and the lower line scan camera according to each predetermined optical wavelength region.

[0034] The steps of analyzing according to light wavelength regions may include: extracting an image from the red wavelength region of the generated image data and using the extracted image from the red wavelength region to check the size of the battery cell; extracting an image from the green wavelength region of the generated image data and using the extracted image from the green wavelength region to check whether there is damage or foreign matter on the top surface of the battery cell; and extracting an image from the blue wavelength region of the generated image data and using the extracted image from the blue wavelength region to check whether there is damage or foreign matter on the first side surface of the battery cell.

[0035] Beneficial effects

[0036] The battery cell inspection apparatus and battery cell inspection method according to an example of the present invention have the following effects.

[0037] By utilizing an illumination unit and a reflector, the top and side surfaces of individual battery cells can be inspected simultaneously. This improves inspection efficiency and reduces costs.

[0038] Furthermore, by using an infrared (IR) illumination unit, internal defects such as electrode foreign objects and separator tears can be inspected through the tape. This allows for more precise quality control of individual battery cells and improves production line efficiency.

[0039] Furthermore, by using a line scan camera to perform the inspection, continuous images can be acquired at a constant resolution, regardless of the length of the battery cell. Therefore, inspection costs do not increase proportionally with the size of the battery cell. Thus, even when inspecting large battery cells, economic efficiency can be maintained, and the accuracy of battery cell size measurements can be significantly improved.

[0040] Furthermore, in addition to inspecting the top surface and the first side surface of the battery cell, the bottom surface and the second side surface where the positive or negative electrode lead is located can also be inspected together, thus enabling a comprehensive inspection of all six surfaces. This improves the overall quality of the battery cell and reduces unnecessary resource waste.

[0041] Furthermore, defects can be accurately detected through image analysis across various wavelength regions. The ability to perform inspections optimized for each wavelength region enables the effective detection of various types of defects, significantly improving the performance and stability of individual battery cells. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram illustrating a conventional battery cell inspection device.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery cell inspection device according to an example of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a schematic front view showing the appearance of a battery cell inspection device according to an example of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic side view showing the appearance of a battery cell inspection device according to an example of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the appearance of an electrode assembly according to an example of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 7 This is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a battery cell being scanned, as an example of a battery cell inspection device according to the present invention.

[0048] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing images of the top surface and first side surface of a battery cell scanned by a battery cell inspection device according to an example of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 9 This is a schematic front view showing the appearance of the first reflector of a battery cell inspection device according to an example of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 10 and Figure 11 The images are schematically shown as front and side views of the appearance of the second illumination unit, the second reflector component, and the lower vision unit of a battery cell inspection device according to another example of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a battery cell inspection method according to an example of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0052] In the following, a battery cell inspection apparatus (100) and a battery cell inspection method (200) according to an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Furthermore, regardless of the reference numerals used, identical or corresponding parts will be given the same or similar reference numerals, their repeated descriptions will be omitted, and for ease of explanation, the size and shape of each part or component shown in the figures may be exaggerated or reduced.

[0054] Figure 2This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery cell inspection device (100) according to an example of the present invention. Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a schematic front view showing the appearance of a battery cell inspection device (100) according to an example of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a side view schematically showing the appearance of a battery cell inspection device (100) according to an example of the present invention.

[0055] refer to Figures 2 to 5 According to an example of the present invention, a battery cell inspection device (100) includes a first illumination unit (110), a first reflector component (120), an upper line scan camera unit (130), and a first drive unit (140).

[0056] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the appearance of an electrode assembly according to an example of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a battery cell being scanned, as an example of a battery cell inspection device according to the present invention. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing images of the top surface and first side surface of a battery cell scanned by a battery cell inspection device according to an example of the present invention.

[0057] A battery cell inspection device (100) is arranged to inspect battery cells (300) with electrode leads. Here, the battery cell (300) may consist of an electrode assembly (320) and a battery cell housing (340) housing the electrode assembly, the electrode assembly including at least one or more of a positive electrode (321), a negative electrode (322) and a separator (326).

[0058] The positive electrode (321) and negative electrode (322) of the electrode assembly (320) may be provided with a positive electrode tab (351) and a negative electrode tab (not shown), respectively. The positive electrode tab (351) and the negative electrode tab may be connected to the positive electrode lead (331) and the negative electrode lead (332), respectively. The positive electrode lead (331) and the negative electrode lead (332) may extend to the outside of the battery cell housing (340) to serve as external terminals.

[0059] The tape (310) can be adhered to the outer surface of the battery cell (300). The tape can be adhered to one or more of the top surface, bottom surface, and side surface of the battery cell (300). The tape (310) can be arranged to secure the sealing portions provided on the first side surface (300a) and the third side surface (300b) of the battery cell (300) in a folded state.

[0060] In addition, such as Figure 7As shown, the battery cell (300) has a longitudinal direction (F direction) and a lateral direction (W direction). The longitudinal direction (F) refers to the direction in which the positive electrode lead (331) and the negative electrode lead (332) of the battery cell (300) are connected to each other, while the lateral direction (W) refers to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (F direction) of the battery cell (300). In addition, in this paper, the Y-axis direction is parallel to the lateral direction, while the X-axis direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0061] The first illumination unit (110) is arranged to illuminate the upper portion of the battery cell (300) and is arranged to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (300). The first illumination unit (110) may include an infrared (IR) illumination section. Therefore, the present invention can use the IR illumination section to inspect the interior of the tape of the battery cell (300) by penetration.

[0062] The first reflector component (120) includes a first-1 reflector component (121) and a first-2 reflector component (122), which are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction), and the first reflector component (120) is arranged to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (300). The first-1 reflector component (121) is arranged to reflect a first side surface (300a) of the battery cell (300), and the first-2 reflector component (122) is arranged to reflect a third side surface (300b) of the battery cell (300). Here, the side surface, as... Figure 7 As shown, the first side surface (300a) or the third side surface (300b) refers to the long side surface (300a) which has a relatively longer length in the X-axis direction compared to the short side surface (300c) of the battery cell (300). The width (P) of the first reflector member (120) can be 1% to 50% of the width of the battery cell (300) in the longitudinal direction (F direction). Therefore, with such a configuration, the present invention is able to acquire an image of the entire side surface while achieving miniaturization and weight reduction of the inspection device.

[0063] The upper line scan camera unit (130) is arranged to be movable along the longitudinal direction (F direction) of the battery cell (300), and is arranged to photograph at least a portion of the top surface of the battery cell (300) and at least a portion of the first side surface (300a) and the third side surface (300b) of the battery cell (300) reflected by the first reflector member (120). The upper line scan camera unit (130) may be provided with a camera including a lens (132).

[0064] The upper line scan camera unit (130) is arranged to generate image data of the top surface (300e) of the battery cell (300) and the first side surface (300a) and the third side surface (300b) of the battery cell (300) without positive leads (331) or negative leads (332) by continuously capturing images along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (300) while being moved by the first drive unit (140). Specifically, then, in Figure 8 The image includes a first long-side mirror region (A2) representing the first side surface (300a) of the battery cell (300), a second long-side mirror region (A3) representing the third side surface (300b) of the battery cell (300), and a first top surface mirror region (A1) representing the top surface (300e) of the battery cell (300).

[0065] Therefore, with this configuration, the present invention can simultaneously inspect the top surface (300e) and the first side surface (300a) and the third side surface (300b) of a battery cell (300) using an IR illumination unit and a reflector. Furthermore, the present invention can detect internal defects, such as electrode foreign objects and separator tears, through tape penetration inspection, and improves inspection efficiency and reduces costs by integrating top surface inspection and side surface inspection.

[0066] The first illumination unit (110), the first reflector component (120), and the upper line scan camera unit (130) can be arranged to move along the longitudinal direction (F direction) of the battery cell (300).

[0067] Furthermore, the first drive unit (140) is arranged to move the first illumination unit (110), the first reflector member (120), and the upper line scan camera unit (130) along the longitudinal direction (F direction) of the battery cell (300). That is, the first drive unit (140) is arranged to move the first illumination unit (110), the first reflector member (120), and the upper line scan camera unit (130) along the main body of the battery cell (300).

[0068] For this purpose, the first drive unit (140) may include a first guide rail (144) arranged to guide the movement of the first illumination unit (110), the first reflector member (120), and the upper line scan camera unit (130). Specifically, the first illumination unit (110), the first reflector member (120), and the upper line scan camera unit (130) may be connected to the front surface of the first guide rail (144) to enable movement in the F direction (X-axis direction). Then, the first illumination unit (110), the first reflector member (120), and the upper line scan camera unit (130) may be moved by the first drive unit (140) along the first guide rail (144) in either the positive or negative X-axis direction. As an example, the first drive unit (140) may include an LM (linear motion) guide.

[0069] Furthermore, the first drive unit (140) may be provided with a bracket (142) arranged such that the battery cell (300) is mounted on its top surface. For example, for the purpose of capturing images by the upper line scan camera unit (130), the bracket (142) may be arranged such that the mounting height of the battery cell (300) is adjustable.

[0070] Therefore, with this configuration, the present invention is able to perform continuous inspection along the entire length of the battery cell (300), enabling the acquisition of high-resolution image data of the entire top and side surfaces of the battery cell (300), and even allowing inspection to be performed on long battery cells without changing the size of the reflector components.

[0071] Figure 9 This is a schematic front view showing the appearance of the first reflector of a battery cell inspection device according to an example of the present invention.

[0072] refer to Figures 2 to 9 The width of the first reflector component (120) can be 1% to 50% of the width of the battery cell (300) in the longitudinal direction. That is, in the longitudinal direction, the width (W2) of the first reflector component (120) can be smaller than the width (W1) of the battery cell (300).

[0073] Therefore, with this configuration, the present invention can achieve miniaturization and weight reduction of the device by minimizing the size of the reflector.

[0074] Figure 10 and Figure 11 The images are schematically shown as front and side views of the appearance of the second illumination unit (150), the second reflector component (160), and the lower line scan camera (170) of a battery cell inspection device (100A) according to another example of the present invention.

[0075] refer to Figure 7 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 According to another example of the battery cell inspection device (100A) based on the present invention, it may further include a second illumination unit (150), a second reflector component (160), and a lower line scan camera (170).

[0076] The second illumination unit (150) can be arranged to illuminate infrared light from the lower portion of the battery cell (300) and can be arranged to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (300).

[0077] The second reflector component (160) can be arranged to reflect the second side surface (300c) and the fourth side surface (300d), and can be arranged to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (300). The second reflector component (160) may have a second-first reflector component (161) and a second-second reflector component (162) respectively provided on the left and right sides of the battery cell (300). For example, the respective lateral direction (W direction) dimensions of the second-first reflector component (161) and the second-second reflector component (162) can correspond to or be greater than the lateral direction (W direction) dimension of the battery cell (300). Alternatively, the respective lateral direction (W direction) dimensions of the second-first reflector component (161) and the second-second reflector component (162) can be 1% to 30% of the lateral direction (W direction) dimension of the battery cell (300).

[0078] Here, the second side surface (300c) and the fourth side surface (300d) refer to the short side surfaces on which the positive electrode lead (331) or negative electrode lead (332) of the battery cell (300) is disposed.

[0079] The lower line scan camera (170) can be arranged to photograph the bottom surface (300f) of the battery cell (300) and the second side surface (300c) and fourth side surface (300d) of the battery cell (300) reflected by the second reflector member (160), and can be arranged to be movable along the longitudinal direction (F direction) of the battery cell (300). For example, the lower line scan camera (170) can be moved by the second drive unit (180) to the left side of the battery cell (300) and then photograph the appearance of the left side surface (300c) of the battery cell (300) reflected by the second-first reflector member (161). In addition, the lower line scan camera (170) can be moved by the second drive unit (180) to the right side of the battery cell (300) and then photograph the appearance of the right side surface (300d) of the battery cell (300) reflected by the second-second reflector member (162).

[0080] Therefore, the present invention is able to inspect the bottom surface (300f) of the battery cell (300) and the second side surface (300c) and the fourth side surface (300d) provided with positive electrode lead (331) or negative electrode lead (332) through these structures, and finally, can achieve a comprehensive inspection of all six surfaces together with the upper line scan camera (130).

[0081] The battery cell inspection device (100A) of the present invention may further include a second drive unit (180) arranged to enable the second illumination unit (150), the second reflector member (160), and the lower line scan camera (170) to move along the longitudinal direction (F direction) of the battery cell (300). However, the second drive unit (180) is not necessarily arranged to enable the second illumination unit (150), the second reflector member (160), and the lower line scan camera (170) to move only in the longitudinal direction (F direction), and it may also be arranged to move in the transverse direction (W direction) and the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0082] In addition, the second drive unit (180) may include a second guide rail (184), an adsorption unit (188), a conveyor belt (186), etc.

[0083] For this purpose, the second drive unit (180) may include a second guide rail (184), etc., which is arranged to guide the movement direction of the second illumination unit (150), the second reflector member (160), and the lower line scan camera (170). That is, the second illumination unit (150), the second reflector member (160), and the lower line scan camera (170) can be movably connected to the front surface of the second guide rail (184) in the F direction (X-axis direction). Then, the second illumination unit (150), the second reflector member (160), and the lower line scan camera (170) can be moved by the second drive unit (180) along the second guide rail (184) in the positive or negative X-axis direction. As an example, the second drive unit (180) may include an LM (linear motion) guide.

[0084] Furthermore, the adsorption unit (188) can be arranged to adsorb and fix the top surface (300e) of the battery cell (300). The adsorption unit (188) can be connected to an air hose connected to, for example, a negative pressure pump (not shown). That is, if the negative pressure generated by the negative pressure pump is transmitted to the adsorption unit (188), an adsorption force capable of fixing the battery cell (300) can be generated while air is drawn in through the small holes formed in the adsorption unit (188).

[0085] Then, the conveyor belt (186) can be arranged to move the adsorption unit (188) along a predetermined path. For example, after the upper line scan camera unit (130) has completed photographing the top surface (300e) and the first side surface (300a) and the third side surface (300b) of the battery cell (300), the adsorption unit (188) can adsorb the top surface of the battery cell (300) to fix the battery cell (300) to the bottom surface of the adsorption unit (188). The adsorption unit (188) holding the battery cell (300) can be transported by the conveyor belt (186) to the upper part of the lower line scan camera (170).

[0086] Furthermore, the battery cell inspection device (100) of the present invention may also include an adsorption unit (188) arranged to adsorb the upper portion of the battery cell (300) and a third drive unit (189) (not shown) arranged to move the adsorption unit (188) up and down. For example, the third drive unit (189) may be configured as a device capable of precise position control, such as a servo motor or a linear actuator, thereby allowing fine adjustment of the height of the adsorption unit (188).

[0087] Furthermore, the adsorption unit (188) is arranged to suspend the adsorbed battery cell (300) in mid-air by moving upward via the third drive unit (189). This configuration facilitates the inspection of the bottom surface (300f) and the second side surface (300c) and fourth side surface (300d) of the battery cell (300). Since the battery cell (300) is suspended in mid-air, the lower line scan camera (170) can directly photograph the bottom surface (300f) of the battery cell (300), and can also photograph the second side surface (300c) and fourth side surface (300d) via the second reflector member (160).

[0088] Therefore, with this configuration, the present invention achieves efficient inspection of the bottom surface (300f) and the second side surface (300c) and the fourth side surface (300d) of the battery cell (300), and can perform a complete battery cell inspection by independently performing the upper and lower inspections.

[0089] The first illumination unit (110) and the second illumination unit (150) may each include an IR illumination section. By using the IR illumination section, the interior of the tape of the battery cell (300) can be inspected by penetration.

[0090] Therefore, with this configuration, the present invention enables internal penetration inspection of the tape and improves the detection capability for internal defects such as electrode foreign objects and diaphragm tears.

[0091] Meanwhile, the battery cell inspection device (100A) of the present invention may also include a control unit (190) which is arranged to analyze image data generated by at least one of the upper line scan camera unit (130) and the lower line scan camera (170) according to each predetermined optical wavelength region.

[0092] The control unit (190) can be arranged to inspect the size of the battery cell (300) by extracting an image in the red wavelength region from the generated image data and using the extracted image in the red wavelength region. Furthermore, the control unit (190) can be arranged to inspect the top surface (300e) of the battery cell (300) for damage or foreign objects by extracting an image in the green wavelength region from the generated image data and using the extracted image in the green wavelength region. Finally, the control unit (190) can be arranged to inspect the first side surface (300a) and the third side surface (300b) of the battery cell (300) for damage or foreign objects by extracting an image in the blue wavelength region from the generated image data and using the extracted image in the blue wavelength region.

[0093] Therefore, with this configuration, the present invention achieves accurate defect detection through image analysis in each wavelength region and can perform inspections optimized for each wavelength region, thereby effectively detecting various types of defects.

[0094] Meanwhile, the control unit (190) can be configured to include a processing device such as a microchip. Specifically, the control unit (190) can be implemented as a microcontroller unit (MCU) including a central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), and read-only memory (ROM).

[0095] Furthermore, the control unit (190) achieves rapid processing of analog sensor signals and precise motor control through built-in high-speed analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and digital-to-analog converters (DACs). For example, by using a 12-bit or higher high-resolution ADC, image data from the upper line scan camera unit (130) and the lower line scan camera (170) can be precisely digitized. The control unit (190) can control the servo motors of the first drive unit (140) and the second drive unit (180) with an accuracy of 0.1 μm or less via a 16-bit DAC.

[0096] Hereinafter, a battery cell inspection method (200) according to an example of the present invention will be described.

[0097] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a battery cell inspection method (200) according to an example of the present invention.

[0098] refer to Figures 2 to 12 According to an example of the battery cell inspection method (200) of the present invention, there are illumination step (M01), imaging step (M02), scanning step (M03), generation step (M04) and inspection step (M05).

[0099] In the lighting step (M01), the first lighting unit (110) illuminates the upper part of the battery cell (300).

[0100] In the shooting step (M02), the upper line scan camera unit (130) captures the top surface of the battery cell (300) and the first side surface (300a) and third side surface (300b) of the battery cell (300) reflected by the first reflective mirror member (120).

[0101] In the scanning step (M03), by moving the first illumination unit (110), the first reflector component (120) and the upper line scan camera unit (130) along the longitudinal direction (F direction) of the battery cell (300), image data of the top surface of the battery cell (300) and the first side surface (300a) and the third side surface (300b) can be generated.

[0102] Therefore, the present invention enables continuous and detailed inspection of the entire length of a battery cell (300) using this method, and can generate high-resolution images even for long battery cells. Furthermore, the present invention effectively reduces the size of the inspection apparatus, thereby lowering costs.

[0103] In the generation step (M04), the upper line scan camera unit (130) continuously captures images of the battery cell (300) during movement, thereby generating image data of the top surface (300e) of the battery cell (300) and the first side surface (300a) and third side surface (300b) of the battery cell (300) without any positive electrode lead (331) or negative electrode lead (332).

[0104] In the inspection step (M05), the generated image data is analyzed to inspect the appearance of the battery cell (300).

[0105] Therefore, the present invention can simultaneously and efficiently inspect the top and side surfaces of a battery cell (300) using this method, and can also inspect all surfaces in detail through continuous scanning.

[0106] Meanwhile, the battery cell inspection method (200) of the present invention may include an additional step after the generation step (M04). Specifically, an adsorption step is performed, in which an adsorption unit (188) adsorbs the top surface of the battery cell (300). In this step, the adsorption unit (188) uses vacuum pressure to stably fix the top surface of the battery cell (300).

[0107] Following the adsorption step, a placement step is performed, in which the adsorption unit (188) moves upward to place the adsorbed battery cell (300) in the air. In this step, the adsorption unit (188) is controlled by the third drive unit (189) to lift the battery cell (300). By placing the battery cell (300) in the air, space is ensured for the lower line scan camera (170) to directly photograph the bottom surface (300f) of the battery cell (300).

[0108] According to another example of the battery cell inspection method (200) of the present invention, the steps may further include the steps of the second illumination unit (150) illuminating the lower part of the battery cell (300), and the steps of the lower line scan camera (170) photographing the bottom surface (300f) of the battery cell (300) and the second side surface (300c) and the fourth side surface (300d) of the battery cell (300) having a positive electrode lead (331) or a negative electrode lead (332) reflected by the second reflector member (160).

[0109] Therefore, by means of this method, the present invention can simultaneously inspect the bottom surface (300f) of the battery cell (300) as well as the second side surface (300c) and the fourth side surface (300d) provided with electrode leads (331, 332), thereby achieving comprehensive inspection of all six surfaces.

[0110] In the step of photographing the bottom surface (300f) and the second side surface (300c) and the fourth side surface (300d) of the battery cell (300), the second illumination unit (150), the second reflector component (160), and the lower line scan camera (170) can move along the longitudinal direction (F direction) of the battery cell (300). The lower line scan camera (170) can continuously photograph a portion of the battery cell (300) while moving along the longitudinal direction (F direction) of the battery cell (300) to generate image data of the bottom surface and the second side surface of the battery cell (300).

[0111] Therefore, through this method, the present invention achieves efficient inspection of the entire area of ​​the bottom surface and electrode lead side surface of the battery cell (300), and can acquire detailed image data through continuous shooting, and effectively reduce the size of the inspection equipment.

[0112] The first lighting unit (110) and the second lighting unit (150) can each use an infrared (IR) lighting section to penetrate the tape inside the battery cell (300).

[0113] Therefore, the present invention uses this method to achieve internal penetration inspection of the tape and can improve the detection capability of internal defects such as electrode foreign objects and diaphragm tears.

[0114] The battery cell inspection method (200) of the present invention may further include the step of analyzing image data generated by each of the upper line scan camera unit (130) and the lower line scan camera (170) according to each predetermined optical wavelength region.

[0115] The analysis steps performed according to each optical wavelength region may include: extracting an image from the generated image data in the red wavelength region and using the extracted image in the red wavelength region to check the size of the battery cell (300); extracting an image from the green wavelength region and using the extracted image in the green wavelength region to check for damage or foreign objects on the top surface of the battery cell (300); and extracting an image from the blue wavelength region and using the extracted image in the blue wavelength region to check for damage or foreign objects on the first side surface of the battery cell (300).

[0116] Therefore, this invention enables the performance of inspections optimized for each wavelength region and effectively detects various types of defects. Furthermore, by performing multiple types of inspections simultaneously in a single image capture, inspection efficiency can be improved.

[0117] Preferred examples of the invention as described above have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art with general knowledge of the invention will be able to make various modifications, alterations and additions within the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications, alterations and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0118] Industrial applicability

[0119] According to an example of the battery cell inspection apparatus and method based on the present invention, the top and side surfaces of the battery cell can be inspected simultaneously using an illumination unit and a reflector.

Claims

1. A battery cell inspection device, characterized in that... include: A first lighting unit is arranged to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell and to illuminate the upper part of the battery cell. A first reflector component is arranged to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell and to reflect a first side surface of the battery cell. An upper line scan camera unit is arranged to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell and to photograph at least a portion of the top surface of the battery cell and at least a portion of the first side surface of the battery cell reflected by the first reflective mirror member. as well as A first driving unit is arranged to move the first illumination unit, the first reflector component and the upper line scan camera unit; in The upper line scan camera unit is arranged to continuously capture images along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell while being moved by the first drive unit, thereby generating image data of the top surface of the battery cell and the first and third side surfaces of the battery cell without electrode leads.

2. The battery cell inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first reflector component includes: A first-1 reflecting mirror component is disposed on one side of the longitudinal direction with the upper line scan camera unit as the center; and a first-2 reflecting mirror component is disposed on the other side of the longitudinal direction with the upper line scan camera unit as the center. The upper line scan camera unit is arranged such that, while the battery cell is moved in the longitudinal direction by the first driving unit, image data of the first side surface of the battery cell is generated by the first-1 reflecting mirror member, and image data of the third side surface, which is positioned opposite to the first side surface of the battery cell, is generated by the first-2 reflecting mirror member.

3. The battery cell inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that... Also includes: A second lighting unit is arranged to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell and to illuminate the lower portion of the battery cell. The second-first reflector component is arranged to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell and is arranged to reflect the second side surface of the battery cell, which is provided with electrode leads, in the longitudinal direction. The second-2 reflector component is arranged to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell and is arranged to reflect the fourth side surface of the battery cell, which is provided with electrode leads and is positioned opposite to the second side surface. The lower line scan camera unit is arranged to photograph the bottom surface of the battery cell and the second side surface and the fourth side surface of the battery cell reflected by the second-1st reflector member and the second-2nd reflector member; as well as A second drive unit is arranged to enable the second illumination unit, the second reflector component, and the lower line scan camera to move along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell.

4. The battery cell inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that... Also includes: An adsorption unit, the adsorption unit being arranged to adsorb the upper portion of the battery cell; as well as A third driving unit is arranged to move the adsorption unit up and down, wherein... The adsorption unit is arranged to place the adsorbed battery cells in the air by moving upward by the third drive unit.

5. The battery cell inspection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lower line scan camera is arranged to continuously capture images of a portion of the battery cell while being moved by the second drive unit along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell, thereby generating image data of the bottom surface, the second side surface, and the fourth side surface of the battery cell.

6. The battery cell inspection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both the first lighting unit and the second lighting unit include an IR lighting section.

7. The battery cell inspection device according to claim 3, characterized in that... Also includes: A control unit is arranged to analyze image data generated by at least one of the upper line scan camera unit and the lower line scan camera according to each predetermined optical wavelength region.

8. The battery cell inspection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control unit: The system is configured such that an image in the red wavelength region is extracted from the generated image data, and the extracted image in the red wavelength region is used to examine the size of the battery cell. The system is configured such that an image in the green wavelength region is extracted from the generated image data, and the extracted image in the green wavelength region is used to inspect the top surface of the battery cell for damage or foreign matter. The system is configured such that an image in the blue wavelength region is extracted from the generated image data, and the extracted image in the green wavelength region is used to check whether there is damage or foreign matter on the first side surface of the battery cell.

9. A method for inspecting individual battery cells, characterized in that... include: In the lighting step, the first lighting unit illuminates the upper part of the battery cell; The shooting step involves the upper line scan camera unit capturing images of the top surface of the battery cell and the first and third side surfaces of the battery cell reflected by the first reflective mirror component. The scanning step involves moving the first illumination unit, the first reflector component, and the upper line scan camera unit along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell to scan the battery cell. In the generation step, the upper line scan camera unit continuously captures images of the battery cell during movement to generate image data of the top surface of the battery cell and the first side surface and the third side surface of the battery cell without electrode leads. as well as The inspection step analyzes the generated image data to inspect the appearance of the battery cell.

10. The battery cell inspection method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first reflector component includes: A first-1 reflecting mirror component is disposed on one side of the longitudinal direction with the upper line scan camera unit as the center; and a first-2 reflecting mirror component is disposed on the other side of the longitudinal direction with the upper line scan camera unit as the center. In the generation step, The upper line scan camera unit generates image data of the first side surface of the battery cell through the first-1 reflector component, and generates image data of the third side surface of the battery cell through the first-2 reflector component.

11. The battery cell inspection method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The process further includes the following steps after the generation step: An adsorption step, in which the adsorption unit adsorbs the upper portion of the battery cell; and The arrangement step involves moving the adsorption unit upwards to arrange the adsorbed battery cells in the air.

12. The battery cell inspection method according to claim 11, characterized in that... Also includes: The step of illuminating the battery cells arranged in the air by the second lighting unit; The steps of using a lower line scan camera to photograph the bottom surface of the battery cell, the second side surface of the battery cell with electrode leads reflected by the second-1st reflector component, and the fourth side surface reflected by the second-2nd reflector component; as well as The step of moving the second illumination unit, the second-1st reflector component, the second-2nd reflector component, and the lower line scan camera along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell.

13. The battery cell inspection method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The lower line scan camera continuously captures a portion of the battery cell as it moves along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell to generate image data of the bottom surface, the second side surface, and the fourth side surface of the battery cell.

14. The battery cell inspection method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first lighting unit and the second lighting unit each use an infrared lighting unit to penetrate the tape inside the battery cell.

15. The battery cell inspection method according to claim 13, characterized in that... Also includes: The step of analyzing image data generated by at least one of the upper line scan camera unit and the lower line scan camera according to each predetermined optical wavelength region. The steps for analysis according to the wavelength region include: The steps include: extracting images from the red wavelength region of the generated image data and using the extracted images from the red wavelength region to check the size of the battery cell; The steps of extracting an image from the green wavelength region of the generated image data and using the extracted image from the green wavelength region to check for damage or foreign objects on the top surface of the battery cell; and The step of extracting an image from the blue wavelength region from the generated image data and using the extracted image from the blue wavelength region to check whether there is damage or foreign matter on the first side surface of the battery cell.

Images