Battery cell inspection device

Abstract

A battery cell inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pressing plate for pressing a battery cell, a support member disposed between opposing surfaces of the pressing plate and having the battery cell mounted thereon, a gripper capable of gripping and moving the battery cell, and a push member that can protrude from at least one of the pressing plates toward the support member side and push the support member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell inspection device, and more specifically, to a battery cell inspection device for preventing a battery cell mounted on the inspection device from being biased to either side.

Background Art

[0002] Cross - reference to related applications This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2022 - 0098625 filed on August 8, 2022 and Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0101240 filed on August 2, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of the Korean patent applications are included as part of this specification.

[0003] Recently, in order to address air pollution and global warming, there has been an urgent need to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide. In the automotive industry, expectations are gathering for reducing carbon dioxide emissions through the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and the development and commercialization of secondary batteries are actively underway for their practical use.

[0004] After the electrode manufacturing and assembly processes are completed, in order to inspect a battery cell, the battery cell must be properly mounted on the inspection device. That is, the electrode leads of the battery cell must be arranged to contact the conductive parts of the inspection device and the two must be electrically connected, and such an electrical connection state must be maintained while charge - discharge for inspection is in progress.

[0005] For this purpose, battery cell inspection devices generally include a plurality of pressure plates for fixing the battery cell. While sandwiching a pouch - type battery cell between a pair of pressure plates and applying pressure from both sides, a leakage current is measured through the leads of the battery cell.

[0006] FIG. 10 schematically shows a battery cell inspection apparatus 10 according to the prior art. When mounting the battery cell 1 on the support member 12 between the pressing plates 11 in the inspection apparatus 10 according to the prior art, the battery cell 1 may be biased to one side due to various reasons such as the center of gravity being biased to one side or other process-related reasons.

[0007] At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, when trying to grip the battery cell 1 with the gripper 13 and take it out of the pressing plate 11 and move it, there may be a case where the battery cell 1 cannot be gripped well. As a result, problems such as the gripper 13 hitting other parts instead of the part it was originally trying to grip, causing indentations on the battery cell 1, or in some cases, the battery cell 1 may be damaged may occur.

[0008] Alternatively, if the battery cell 1 biased to one side is grasped with the gripper 13 at the upper part of the battery cell 1, in some cases, the terrace part 1b (see FIG. 1) of the battery cell 1 may bend. In particular, since a plurality of electrode tabs and / or electrode leads pass through the terrace part, disconnection may occur due to the bending of the terrace part. Since this can induce serious problems in the operation of the battery cell 1, when mounting the battery cell 1 in the inspection apparatus and measuring the leakage current, there is a current need for a measure to improve the above problems.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery cell inspection apparatus for preventing the battery cell mounted on the inspection apparatus from being biased to one side.

[0010] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and can be variously extended within the scope of the technical idea included in the present invention.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] A battery cell inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pressing plate that presses a battery cell, a support member disposed between opposite surfaces of the pressing plate and on which the battery cell is mounted, a gripper that can grip and move the battery cell, and a push member that can project from at least one of the pressing plates toward the support member side and push the support member.

[0012] The push member may include a bar shaped to project from at least one of the opposite surfaces of the pressing plate toward the support member side, and a head portion located at one end of the bar and pushing the support member.

[0013] The push member projects toward the support member side and can re-enter the pressing plate side between at least one of the opposite surfaces of the pressing plate and the support member so as to prevent the mounted battery cell from being biased in one direction.

[0014] The push member can project from the pressing plate already before the battery cell is mounted on the support member, or can project from the pressing plate simultaneously with or subsequent to the battery cell being mounted on the support member.

[0015] While the battery cell is being inspected, the push member can push the pressing plate in a projected state.

[0016] The push member can be located above at least one of the opposite surfaces of the pressing plate.

[0017] The support member may include a mounting portion on which a battery cell is mounted and a fixing portion fixed to the pressing plate.

[0018] The mounting portion of the supporting member has a V-shaped or U-shaped configuration, and the fixing portion of the supporting member extends from both ends of the mounting portion and is fixed to the upper ends of the respective pressure plates.

[0019] Both ends of the supporting member are respectively fixed to the pressure plates, and the supporting member is folded or bent between the both-side fixing portions so that the battery cell can be mounted on the supporting member.

[0020] The pressure plates may further include buffer members provided on the mutually facing surfaces thereof.

[0021] The buffer member may be a urethane pad.

[0022] The battery cell has a main body protruding in one direction, and the push member is provided on the pressure plate facing the protruding main body of the battery cell.

[0023] The battery cell has a main body protruding in both directions, and the push members are respectively provided on the mutually facing surfaces of the pressure plates.

[0024] The push member is made of stainless steel, and the supporting member is made of paper or plastic.

[0025] A battery cell inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of gripping a battery cell with a gripper, mounting the battery cell gripped by the gripper on a supporting member between mutually facing pressure plates, moving the pressure plates toward the battery cell side, and inspecting the battery cell while pressing the battery cell with the pressure plates, wherein a push member protrudes from the pressure plates to push the supporting member so as to prevent the mounted battery cell from being deflected.

[0026] The step of mounting the battery cell gripped by the gripper onto the support member includes the step of lowering the battery cell gripped by the gripper onto the support member, and the push member can already protrude from the pressure plate before the battery cell is mounted onto the support member, or can protrude from the pressure plate simultaneously with or subsequent to the mounting of the battery cell onto the support member.

[0027] During the step of inspecting the battery cell, the protruding push member can push the pressure plate.

[0028] In the step of moving the pressure plate toward the battery cell side and the step of inspecting the battery cell while pressing the battery cell with the pressure plate, the degree to which the push member moves back toward the pressure plate side to push the support member can be adjusted.

[0029] During the step of inspecting the battery cell, the state in which the gripper grips the battery cell is maintained as it is.

[0030] Before the step of inspecting the battery cell, it can include the step of releasing the grip on the battery cell and removing the gripper.

Advantages of the Invention

[0031] According to the present invention, when mounting a battery cell onto a support member provided between pressure plates, by providing a push member that protrudes from the inner surface of at least one pressure plate toward the support member side, it is possible to prevent the battery cell placed on the support member from being biased to either side, thereby preventing damage to the battery cell that may occur and facilitating the movement of the battery cell.

[0032] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 4

Figure 5

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Figure 7

Figure 8

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Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0034] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement them. The present invention can be realized in various different forms other than those described below, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the embodiments described herein.

[0035] For the purpose of clearly explaining the present invention, parts that are unnecessary for the explanation are omitted, and the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0036] In addition, since the sizes and thicknesses of the respective components shown in the drawings are arbitrarily enlarged or reduced for the convenience of explanation, it is obvious that the content of the present invention is not limited to what is shown in the drawings.

[0037] When a certain component is referred to as being "connected to" or "attached to" another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to or attached to the other component, but there may also be other components in between. In contrast, when a certain component is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly attached to" another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0038] In this specification, terms such as "including" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and it should be understood that the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof is not precluded in advance.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a battery cell 1 as an example, and shows a pouch-type battery cell having a main body protruding in one direction. The battery cell 1 is mounted on a battery cell inspection apparatus 100 (see FIG. 2) according to the present invention, and an inspection process is performed. The battery cell 1 includes a main body 1a, a terrace portion 1b, and an electrode lead 1c. The terrace portion 1b of the battery cell 1 is an edge portion of a heat-sealed pouch exterior material, and refers to a portion where the electrode lead 1c exits.

[0040] On the other hand, the battery cells that can be inspected by the battery cell inspection apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention are not limited to pouch-type battery cells, and are also applicable to square and circular battery cells.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a battery cell inspection apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] The battery cell inspection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is mainly used for the performance test of the battery cell in the formation process after the assembly of the battery cell is completed. The battery cell inspection device 100 is a device for applying high pressure to check the leakage current of the battery cell 1, and may be, for example, an HPCD (high press current direction) device.

[0043] As will be described later, the battery cell inspection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention uses the push member 140 when the battery cell 1 is mounted on one side of the support member 120 between the pressure plates 110 with a bias, thereby preventing the bending problem of the terrace portion 1b due to the weight bias of the cell center of gravity, making it easier to grip the battery cell 1, and also making it easier to move the battery cell 1. The battery cell inspection device 100 according to the present invention may be applied, for example, when inspecting by mounting a battery cell 1 having a shape in which the main body 1a protrudes in one direction.

[0044] The battery cell inspection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of pressure plates 110, a support member 120, a gripper 130, a push member 140, and a buffer member 150.

[0045] The plurality of pressure plates 110 may be, for example, a pair of pressure plates 110. The pair of pressure plates 110 are arranged in parallel, face each other, and are arranged at a predetermined distance apart. One battery cell 1 is inserted into the space between the pair of pressure plates 110. During the inspection process of the battery cell 1, swelling may occur due to the expansion of the positive and negative plates or the generation of gas, and the pressure plate 110 serves to pressurize the battery cell 1 to prevent swelling.

[0046] Although only a pair of plates 110 are shown in FIG. 2, for example, 36 battery cells 1 may each be arranged between 36 pairs of plates 110 and pressurized.

[0047] The pressing plate 110 performs an operation of pressing or releasing the pressure on the main body 1a of the battery cell 1. Such a pressing plate 110 is preferably provided with a metal material having high mechanical rigidity so as not to be deformed even at high temperature and high pressure, but the scope of the rights of the present invention is not limited to the pressing plate 110 made of a metal material. The pressing plate 110 may be made of, for example, stainless steel, or may be made of reinforced plastic, reinforced ceramic, or reinforced glass, etc.

[0048] One battery cell 1 is inserted into the space between the pressing plates 110. Further, a supporting member 120 is provided between the pressing plates 110 so that the inserted battery cell 1 is supported at a certain height. The supporting member 120 may be, for example, a spacer 120, or may be made of, for example, paper or thin plastic.

[0049] The supporting member 120 includes a mounting portion on which the battery cell 1 is mounted and a fixing portion fixed to the pressing plate 110. The mounting portion may be formed by folding or bending the supporting member 120 into a concave shape, for example, a V-shaped or U-shaped, and may include fixing portions extending from both ends of the mounting portion and fixed to the respective upper ends of the pressing plates.

[0050] One end of the supporting member 120 is fixed to one of the pressing plates 110, the other end of the supporting member 120 is fixed to the other of the pressing plates 110, and the supporting member 120 is folded between the fixing portions on both sides of the supporting member 120 and the pressing plate 110, and the battery cell 1 is mounted. At this time, in the direction facing forward and the direction facing backward on the plane of FIG. 2, the supporting member 120 has an open shape, and the electrode leads 1c of the battery cell 1 are placed so as to face the two open directions of the supporting member 120.

[0051] The gripper 130 can grip the battery cell 1 and attach the battery cell 1 to the support member 120, and can also detach the battery cell 1 from the support member 120 again. For example, in the case of the pouch-type battery cell 1, the gripper 130 can grip the sealing portion at the peripheral edge of the main body of the battery cell 1, and in some cases, the terrace portion. This is to minimize damage to the battery cell 1 by gripping the main body portion of the battery cell 1 in which the electrode assembly is incorporated. The gripper 130 may be composed of one gripper per battery cell 1 and have a structure that grasps a part such as the terrace portion of the battery cell 1, or may be configured in a pair to grasp the sealing portions or the terrace portions on both sides of the battery cell 1. The gripper 130 can be variously deformed and changed in various environments in which the present invention is realized. The gripper 130 may be, for example, in the shape of pliers, but it is sufficient if it can grip the battery cell 1, such as adopting a gripper commonly used in the battery manufacturing process, and it can be realized in various shapes and structures according to the environment to which the present invention is applied.

[0052] The gripper 130 may be removed from the space between the pressing plates 110 after inserting the battery cell 1 into the support member 120 and before pressing the battery cell 1 with the pressing plate 110, or may continuously grip the battery cell 1 even during the pressing of the battery cell 1. The gripper 130 can be variously deformed and changed in various environments in which the present invention is realized.

[0053] The battery cell inspection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a push member 140 that prevents the bias of the battery cell 1 mounted on the support member 120. The push member 140 is provided between the inner surface of at least one plate 110 of the plurality of pressing plates 110 and the support member 120. That is, the push member 140 is provided between at least one of the opposing surfaces of the plurality of pressing plates 110 and the support member 120.

[0054] Further, the push member 140 may include a bar 141 protruding from the pressing plate 110 toward the support member 120 side and a head portion 142 located at one end of the bar 141.

[0055] The shape of the head portion 142 may be spherical as shown in FIG. 2, or may be plate-shaped, etc. The present invention is not limited to what is shown in the drawings, and various modifications and changes are possible according to the various environments in which the present invention is realized. Similarly, the bar 141 and the head portion 142 of the push member 140 may be formed and coupled to each other, or the bar 141 and the head portion 142 may be integrally formed, etc., and various modifications and changes are possible. All or part of the bar 141 of the push member 140 is inside the push member mounting portion 111 of the pressure plate 110, and when the push member 140 has to push the support member 120, it may protrude outside the pressure plate 110. Alternatively, not only the bar 141 of the push member 140 but also the head portion 142 may be inside the push member mounting portion 111 of the pressure plate 110, and when the push member 140 has to push the support member 120, it may protrude outside the pressure plate 110. The material of the push member 140 may be, for example, a rigid plastic or metal (e.g., stainless steel).

[0056] As shown by the arrow direction in FIG. 2, the push member 140 can protrude from the pressure plate 110 side toward the support member 120 side and return to its original state on the pressure plate 110 side again. The degree to which the push member 140 protrudes toward the support member 120 side and / or the degree to which it enters the pressure plate 110 side can be finely adjusted.

[0057] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the push member 140 may be provided on the upper side of the inner surface of any one of the pair of pressure plates 110. However, the present invention is not limited to what is shown in the drawings, and the push member 140 may be provided in the middle or lower side of the pressure plate 110.

[0058] Further, the other end of the push member 140 may be attached to the inner surface of the pressure plate 110, or may be in a form in which a recess is provided inside the pressure plate 110 and the other end of the push member 140 is inserted, or the push member 140 may be provided so as to penetrate the pressure plate 110. Further, various modifications and changes are possible, such as the other end of the push member 140 being coupled to other components other than the pressure plate 110.

[0059] On the other hand, when the battery cell 1 has a main body 1a protruding in one direction as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the center of gravity is biased to either one side, so it may tilt toward one of the pressure plates 110. At this time, a push member 140 is provided on the pressure plate 110 on the side where the battery cell 1 tilts among the pair of pressure plates 110 (that is, the pressure plate facing the main body 1a of the battery cell 1) so as to correct the bias of the battery cell 1.

[0060] A spring member (not shown) may be attached to the end of the bar 141 of the push member 140 on the push member mounting portion 111. Before the push member 140 protrudes toward the support member 120 side, the push member 140 may be locked to the push member mounting portion 111 by a locking member (not shown) or the like with the spring member compressed, and when the locking member is unlocked, the push member 140 can protrude toward the support member 120 side by the elastic force of the spring member.

[0061] Alternatively, a small motor capable of moving while controlling the bar 141 of the push member 140 may be attached to the push member mounting portion 111, or may be attached outside the push member mounting portion 111 and connected to the bar 141 of the push member 140.

[0062] Alternatively, various methods are applicable regarding the reciprocating motion of the push member 140, such as the push member 140 being connected to a pneumatic cylinder (not shown).

[0063] The push member 140 protrudes a predetermined distance from the pressing plate 110 toward the supporting member 120 so as to be able to push the supporting member 120. If, hypothetically, an attempt is made to remove the battery cell 1 from the supporting member 120, it can enter the pressing plate 110 side by a predetermined distance again in the opposite direction. The push member 140 including the head portion 142 can reciprocate, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the opposing surfaces of the plurality of pressing plates 110.

[0064] The buffer member 150 is for the purpose of preventing the battery cell 1 from being damaged when it directly hits the metal pressing plate 110, and is provided on the inner surfaces of the pair of pressing plates 110 that face each other. That is, a pair of buffer members 150 are provided between the pair of pressing plates 110, a supporting member 120 is provided between the pair of buffer members 150, and the battery cell 1 is mounted on the supporting member 120.

[0065] In some cases, various deformations and changes are possible, such as providing buffer members 150 not only between the pair of pressing plates 110 but also on the outer surfaces of the respective pressing plates 110. For example, a plurality (n + 1, where n is a natural number) of pressing plates 110 are arranged in parallel along one direction, a plurality (n, where n is a natural number) of supporting members 120 are placed between the plurality of pressing plates 110, a plurality (n, where n is a natural number) of battery cells 1 are mounted, and then the plurality of pressing plates 110 can be moved and pressed at once.

[0066] The buffer member 150 may be in the form of a pad that covers a part or the whole of one surface of the pressing plate 110, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any shape or structure that can prevent the battery cell 1 from being damaged due to excessive pressure or impact when the battery cell 1 comes into contact with the pressing plate 110 is sufficient. Also, the buffer member 150 may be, for example, a urethane pad.

[0067] The battery cell inspection device 100 additionally includes an inspection unit (not shown) that can be integrated internally or remotely connected externally, and is electrically connected to the electrode lead 1c of the battery cell 1 placed on the support member 120 between the pressure plates 110 to measure the leakage current of the battery cell 1.

[0068] FIG. 3 shows a modified example of the battery cell inspection device 100 of FIG. 2. The battery cell inspection device 100 of FIG. 3 includes push members 140 on the pressure plates 110 on both sides for each battery cell 1. The push members 140 may correct the bias of the battery cell 1 by pushing the support member 120 from both sides on both sides of the pressure plate 110. The battery cell inspection device 100 of FIG. 3 is applicable to inspect the battery cell 1 in the one-cup cell form as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or is also applicable to mount and inspect a battery cell (not shown) in the two-side-cup cell form in which the main body 1a protrudes on both sides. Other matters and components are described in the same manner with reference to what was described above in FIG. 2.

[0069] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9, the operation between the respective components of the battery cell inspection device 100 of FIG. 2 will be described as an example. Each step will be described as an example in the method of inspecting the battery cell 1 with the battery cell inspection device 100 of FIG. 2.

[0070] First, referring to FIG. 4, the battery cell 1 is gripped by the gripper 130 (S110). At this time, the sealing portion (for example, the sealing portion of the pouch) at the periphery of the battery cell 1 or the terrace portion of the battery cell 1 can be gripped by the jaws of the gripper 130. At this time, the battery cell 1 gripped by the gripper 130 is positioned on the support member 120 provided in the pair of pressure plates 110.

[0071] Next, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the battery cell 1 gripped by the gripper 130 is mounted on the support member 120 provided in the pair of pressure plates 110 (S120).

[0072] At this time, in step S120, the battery cell 1 gripped by the gripper 130 can be lowered (S121) into the support member 120 as shown by the arrow direction and mounted. In some cases, conversely, while the battery cell 1 gripped by the gripper 130 remains as it is, the pair of pressure plates 110 and the support member 120 may rise toward the battery cell 1 side, or a combination of both the case where the gripper 130 lowers the battery cell 1 and the case where the pressure plates 110 and the support member 120 rise is also possible.

[0073] At this time, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, in order to prevent the battery cell 1 from tilting to either side, the push member 140 can protrude toward the support member 120 side and push (support) the support member 120 (S122). As shown in FIG. 5, the push member 140 may protrude toward the support member 120 side and push (support) the support member 120 in advance before the battery cell 1 is mounted on the support member 120. This may be the case even when the degree to which the push member 140 protrudes is predetermined so that the battery cell 1 can be stood vertically without tilting, that is, (erected, vertically aligned). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, the push member 140 may protrude toward the support member 120 side and push (support) the support member 120 simultaneously with or subsequent to the mounting of the battery cell 1 on the support member 120. This may be such that the degree to which the push member 140 protrudes is finely adjusted while protruding until the battery cell 1 mounted on the support member 120 stands upright (vertically aligned) without tilting. Alternatively, in some cases, a combination of both the former and the latter may be used.

[0074] Next, referring to FIG. 7, the battery cell 1 mounted on the support member 120 is moved toward the battery cell 1 side by the pair of pressure plates 110 (S130).

[0075] At this time, in step S130, the gripper 130 grips the battery cell 1 as it is, so as to prevent the battery cell 1 from slipping and deviating within the support member 120 (S131). In some cases, various modifications and changes are possible, such as releasing the gripping of the battery cell 1 by the gripper 130 immediately before the battery cell 1 is pressed by the pressing plate 110, and removing the gripper 130 from the battery cell 1 (S132).

[0076] In some cases, in step S130, as the pair of pressing plates 110 move toward the battery cell 1, the protruding push member 140 can also enter the pressing plate 110 side finely (while being adjusted) again (S133). When the distance between the pair of pressing plates 110 is far, the battery cell 1 can stand upright (vertically aligned) with the push member 140 protruding and pushing (supporting) the support member 120. However, when the distance between the pair of pressing plates 110 gradually narrows and the battery cell 1 is pressed as described later, the battery cell 1 can stand upright (vertically aligned) without the push member 140 pushing (supporting) the support member 120.

[0077] However, in some cases, step S133 may not be performed. When the battery cell 1 is pressed by the pair of pressing plates 110, if the battery cell 1 is pressed too tightly, it may cause damage to the battery cell 1, such as when swelling occurs in the battery cell 1. Therefore, even when the battery cell 1 is pressed by the pair of pressing plates 110, there must be a certain distance space between the support member 120 and the battery cell 1, and there may be cases where the push member 140 still protrudes and pushes (supports) the support member 120. Alternatively, due to the step between the pressing plate 110 and the buffer member 150, the pressing of the battery cell 1 is not hindered even if the push member 140 protrudes.

[0078] Additionally or alternatively, various modifications and changes are possible, such as the push member 140 entering the pressing plate 110 side a little again, and there may be cases where the protruding degree of the push member 140 is finely adjusted.

[0079] Next, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the battery cell 1 interposed therebetween is pressed by a pair of pressing plates 110 (S140). In the case of FIG. 8, it shows that the battery cell 1 is pressed while being gripped by the gripper 130. In the case of FIG. 9, as described above in step S132, after releasing the gripping of the battery cell 1 by the gripper 130 and removing the gripper 130 from the battery cell 1, it shows that the battery cell 1 is pressed.

[0080] At this time, in step S140, while pressing the battery cell 1, an inspection unit (not shown) can be connected to perform an inspection on the battery cell 1. The type of inspection to be performed is not limited, and at least one of various types of inspections performed in the normal manufacturing process of the battery cell 1 is applied and performed according to the environment in which the present invention is implemented.

[0081] Also, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, buffer members 150 are provided on the opposing surfaces of the pair of pressing plates 110, respectively, so that even if the pressing plates 110 are moved toward the battery cell 1 to press the battery cell 1, the risk of damage to the battery cell 1 can be prevented.

[0082] Next, when the inspection of the battery cell 1 is completed, although not shown in the drawings of the present invention, it is performed in the reverse steps of those described above. The pair of pressing plates 110 are moved in the direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow in FIG. 7 so as to release the pressure on the battery cell 1. Next, the battery cell 1 is moved by the gripper 130 in the direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow in FIG. 5 and removed from the support member 120. Since the details are the opposite of those described above with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9, the description thereof is omitted.

[0083] As described above in detail with respect to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the scope of the rights of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements by those skilled in the art using the basic concepts of the present invention defined in the following claims also belong to the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0084] 1: Battery cell 1a: Body 1b: Terrace part 1c: Electrode lead 10, 100: Battery cell inspection device 110: Pressing plate 111: Push member mounting part 120: Supporting member 130: Gripper 140: Push member 141: Bar 142: Head part 150: Buffer member

Claims

1. A pressing plate for pressing a battery cell, a support member disposed between opposite surfaces of the pressing plate and on which the battery cell is mounted, a gripper capable of gripping and moving the battery cell, and a push member that can project from at least one of the pressing plates toward the support member side and push the support member, the battery cell inspection device.

2. The push member, a bar having a shape that projects from at least one of the opposite surfaces of the pressing plate toward the support member side, and a head portion located at one end of the bar and pushing the support member, the battery cell inspection device according to claim 1.

3. The push member projects toward the support member side and can re-enter the pressing plate side between the at least one of the opposite surfaces of the pressing plate and the support member so as to prevent the mounted battery cell from being biased in one direction, the battery cell inspection device according to claim 1.

4. The push member, already projects from the pressing plate before the battery cell is mounted on the support member, or projects from the pressing plate simultaneously with or subsequent to the battery cell being mounted on the support member, the battery cell inspection device according to claim 1.

5. While the battery cell is being inspected, the push member pushes the support member in a protruding state, the battery cell inspection device according to claim 1.

6. The push member is located above the at least one of the opposite surfaces of the pressing plate, the battery cell inspection device according to claim 1.

7. The support member includes a mounting portion on which the battery cell is mounted and a fixing portion fixed to the pressing plate, the battery cell inspection device according to claim 1.

8. The mounting portion of the support member has a V-shaped or U-shaped configuration, and the fixing portion of the support member extends from both ends of the mounting portion and is fixed to respective upper ends of the pressing plates, the battery cell inspection device according to claim 7.

9. Both ends of the support member are respectively fixed to the pressing plate, and the support member can be folded or bent between both side fixing portions so that the battery cell can be mounted on the support member, the battery cell inspection device according to claim 1.

10. The battery cell inspection device according to claim 1, further comprising buffer members respectively provided on opposite surfaces of the pressing plates facing each other.

11. The battery cell inspection device according to claim 10, wherein the buffer member is a urethane pad.

12. The battery cell has a main body protruding in one direction, The battery cell inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the push member is provided on the pressing plate facing the protruding main body of the battery cell.

13. The battery cell has a main body protruding in both directions, The battery cell inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the push members are respectively provided on opposite surfaces of the pressing plates facing each other.

14. The push member is made of stainless steel, The battery cell inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the support member is made of paper or plastic.

15. Gripping the battery cell with a gripper; Mounting the battery cell gripped by the gripper on a support member between the pressing plates facing each other; Moving the pressing plate toward the battery cell side; Inspecting the battery cell while pressing the battery cell with the pressing plate, A battery cell inspection method, wherein a push member protrudes from the pressing plate to push the support member so as to prevent the mounted battery cell from being deflected.

16. The step of mounting the battery cell gripped by the gripper on the support member includes the step of lowering the battery cell gripped by the gripper onto the support member, The push member, Protrudes from the pressing plate already before the battery cell is mounted on the support member, The battery cell inspection method according to claim 15, wherein the push member protrudes from the pressing plate simultaneously with or subsequent to the mounting of the battery cell on the support member.

17. During the step of inspecting the battery cell, the protruding push member is pushing the support member. The battery cell inspection method according to claim 15.

18. In the step of moving the pressing plate toward the battery cell side and the step of inspecting the battery cell while pressing the battery cell with the pressing plate, the degree to which the push member moves back toward the pressing plate side to push the support member can be adjusted. The battery cell inspection method according to claim 15.

19. The battery cell inspection method according to claim 15, wherein during the step of inspecting the battery cell, the state in which the gripper grips the battery cell is maintained as it is.

20. The battery cell inspection method according to claim 15, including a step of releasing the grip on the battery cell and removing the gripper before the step of inspecting the battery cell.

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