Pouch-type cell deformation inspection device and deformation inspection method using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting deformation of a pouch-type cell and a method for inspecting deformation using the same, and relates to an apparatus for inspecting deformation of a pouch-type cell, the apparatus comprising: a base on which a pouch-type cell is seated in an upright position; and a measuring member located on an upper portion of the base for measuring the flatness of the pouch-type cell; and a method for inspecting deformation using the same.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0119267 filed on September 21, 2022 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0098217 filed on July 27, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a pouch-type cell deformation inspection device and a pouch-type cell deformation inspection method using the same, and more particularly to a pouch-type cell deformation inspection device for measuring whether a bending phenomenon occurs in a pouch-type cell during or after an activation process, and a pouch-type cell deformation inspection method using the same. [Background technology]

[0003] Recently, the demand for secondary batteries that can store electrical energy produced by the development of alternative energy sources due to air pollution caused by the use of fossil fuels and energy depletion has increased. Rechargeable secondary batteries are widely used in everyday life, such as in mobile devices, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles.

[0004] Secondary batteries are classified into cylindrical secondary batteries, prismatic secondary batteries, and pouch-type secondary batteries according to the structure of the electrode assembly. Among them, pouch-type secondary batteries are increasingly being used because they can provide high-capacity and high-density secondary batteries, and are inexpensive to manufacture, lightweight, and available in a variety of shapes.

[0005] Such pouch-type secondary batteries are manufactured by stacking a lower separator, a negative electrode, an upper separator, and a positive electrode in that order, followed by heating and pressing through a roll lamination process, and then stacking several dozen mono-cells that are cut. However, due to various reasons, a bending phenomenon in which the stacked electrode assembly bends in the entire width direction can occur.

[0006] Furthermore, during an activation process in which the pouch-type secondary battery is charged, discharged, and stabilized, a difference in adhesive strength between the electrode and the separator inside the cell may occur, which may cause bending.

[0007] A secondary battery with the above-described bending phenomenon may collide with equipment during transportation to a subsequent process such as packaging, or may catch fire if dropped. Therefore, a series of inspection processes are required to identify deformed secondary batteries.

[0008] In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses a device for inspecting the deformation of a battery container. Specifically, the device is equipped with a pair of pressure plates 2 connected to a driven shaft 1 that can be positioned on both sides of a prismatic battery container 10, and the deformed thickness of the battery container 10 is measured by bringing the pressure plates 2 into close contact with the surface of the battery container 10.

[0009] However, in the case of pouch-type battery cells, the external shape is relatively easily deformed, making it difficult to determine whether deformation has occurred using a pressure plate, and in particular, it is impossible to determine which part of the battery cell has been deformed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-165059 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a pouch-type cell deformation inspection device and a deformation inspection method using the same, which can inspect whether or not a pouch-type cell, whose outer shape is easily changed, has deformation.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pouch-type cell deformation inspection device and a deformation inspection method using the same, which can identify the position of deformation when deformation occurs in a pouch-type cell.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pouch-type cell deformation inspection device and a deformation inspection method using the same, which can check for deformation in pouch-type cells, which is difficult to check with the naked eye before the degassing process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] To achieve the above object, the pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to the present invention is characterized by including a base (100) on which a pouch-type cell (S) is placed in an upright position, and a measuring member (200) located on the top of the base (100) for measuring the flatness of the pouch-type cell (S).

[0015] In addition, in the pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to the present invention, the measuring member (200) is located on the side of the pouch-type cell (S).

[0016] In addition, in the pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to the present invention, a plurality of the measuring members (200) are provided along the entire length of the pouch-type cell (S).

[0017] In addition, in the pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to the present invention, the measuring member (200) has a see-through window (211) and includes a receiving portion (210) having an open interior, a moving bar (220) received in the receiving portion (210), a dog (230) attached to the moving bar (220), and a spring (240) received in the receiving portion (210), one end of which is fixed to the receiving portion (210) and the other end of which is connected to one end of the moving bar (220). The dog (230) is exposed to the outside through the viewing window (211), and the other end of the moving bar (220) is provided with a contact part (222) that protrudes outside the receiving part (210). The first sensing part (250) senses only when the dog (230) is exposed to the outside through the viewing window (211).

[0018] In the pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to the present invention, the contact part (222) is made of an elastic material and has a cone shape.

[0019] In addition, the pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to the present invention further includes a driving unit (300) for moving the receiving unit (210) forward or backward toward the side of the pouch-type cell (S), and the driving unit (300) includes a first fixed bar (310) positioned vertically and fastened to the measuring member (200), a second fixed bar (320) fastened to one side of the first fixed bar (310) and positioned parallel to the measuring member (200), a guide rail (330) providing a movement path for the second fixed bar (320), and a linear motion member (340) for moving the second fixed bar (320) back and forth in a linear direction by a set distance.

[0020] In addition, in the pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to the present invention, the receiving portions (210) are composed of a plurality of receiving portions spaced apart at regular intervals along the entire width direction of the pouch-type cell (S), and the first fixing bar (310) is fastened to the plurality of receiving portions (210).

[0021] In addition, the pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to the present invention is characterized in that the receiving portions (210) are located at the lower edge, the upper edge, and between the lower edge and the upper edge along the entire width direction of the pouch-type cell (S).

[0022] In addition, the pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to the present invention is characterized in that the storage portions (210) are located along the entire length of the pouch-type cell (S), at one side edge, the other side edge, and between the one side edge and the other side edge.

[0023] In addition, in the pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to the present invention, the measuring member (200) includes an empty storage section (210) and a second sensing section (260) stored in the storage section (210), and the second sensing section (260) is equipped with a second sensor (261) capable of measuring the distance to the pouch-type cell (S) in a non-contact manner.

[0024] In addition, the method for inspecting the deformation of a pouch-type cell according to the present invention includes a first step of positioning the pouch-type cell (S) vertically, and a second step of determining whether the pouch-type cell (S) is normal based on its flatness using a measuring member (200) positioned on the side of the pouch-type cell (S), wherein the measuring member (200) measures the flatness of the pouch-type cell (S) in a contact or non-contact manner.

[0025] In addition, in the method for inspecting deformation of a pouch-type cell according to the present invention, the measuring member (200) includes a receiving portion (210) having a viewing window (211) and an empty interior, a moving bar (220) received in the receiving portion (210), a dog (230) attached to the moving bar (220), a spring (240) received in the receiving portion (210), one end of which is fixed to the receiving portion (210) and the other end of which is connected to one end of the moving bar (220), and a spring (240) received in the receiving portion (210), one end of which is fixed to the receiving portion (210) and the other end of which is connected to one end of the moving bar (220). and a first sensing unit (250) located near the container (210), and the second step is characterized in that the side of the pouch-type cell (S) and the container (210) are positioned so that they are perpendicular to each other, and the container (210) is moved to a predetermined position toward the side of the pouch-type cell (S), and the dog (230) is exposed to the outside through the viewing window (211), and when the first sensing unit (250) senses the dog (230), it is determined to be normal, and when it does not sense the dog, it is determined to be abnormal.

[0026] In the method for inspecting the deformation of a pouch-type cell according to the present invention, a plurality of the measuring members (200) are located on one side or both sides of the pouch-type cell (S).

[0027] In the method for inspecting the deformation of a pouch-type cell according to the present invention, the second step is characterized in that a plurality of receiving portions (210) spaced apart at regular intervals along the entire length of the pouch-type cell (S) are moved to one or both sides of the pouch-type cell (S).

[0028] In the method for inspecting the deformation of a pouch-type cell according to the present invention, the second step is characterized in that a plurality of receiving portions (210) spaced apart at regular intervals along the entire width of the pouch-type cell (S) are moved to one or both sides of the pouch-type cell (S).

[0029] In the method for inspecting the deformation of a pouch-type cell according to the present invention, an alarm is generated if the dog (230) is not detected in the second step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] As described above, the pouch-type cell deformation inspection device and the pouch-type cell deformation inspection method using the same according to the present invention have the advantage that they can determine whether or not a pouch-type cell is deformed by contacting or non-contacting the pouch-type cell.

[0031] In addition, the pouch-type cell deformation inspection device and pouch-type cell deformation inspection method using the same according to the present invention are provided with a dog that can move to one or both sides of the pouch-type cell and a sensing unit that can detect the dog, thereby providing the advantage of easily determining whether the pouch-type cell is deformed.

[0032] In addition, the pouch-type cell deformation inspection device and pouch-type cell deformation inspection method using the same according to the present invention have the advantage of being able to identify the position of deformation because they are equipped with a plurality of dogs that can move to one or both sides of the pouch-type cell and a sensing unit that can detect the dogs.

[0033] Furthermore, the pouch-type cell deformation inspection device and pouch-type cell deformation inspection method using the same according to the present invention have the advantage that the degree of deformation can be measured by sensing a plurality of dogs that can move to one or both sides of the pouch-type cell. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for inspecting deformation of a battery container according to the prior art. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a pouch-type cell is mounted on a pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a measuring member provided in a pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the measuring member shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of a deformed measuring member provided in a pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view showing a coupling structure between a measuring member and a driving unit of a pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a measuring member provided in a pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the position of a dog when a pouch-type cell in a normal state is attached in the inspection device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the position of the dog when an abnormal pouch-type cell is attached to the inspection device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram illustrating the position of a second sensor when a pouch-type cell in a normal state is attached in an inspection device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a diagram illustrating the position of a second sensor when an abnormal pouch-type cell is attached in an inspection device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a detailed description will be given of an embodiment of the present invention that will enable a person skilled in the art to easily carry out the present invention. However, in describing the operation principle of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in detail, detailed description of related well-known functions or configurations will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed description may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention.

[0036] Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings for parts that have similar functions and actions. Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be connected to another part, this includes not only a direct connection but also an indirect connection via another element between them. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, "including a certain element" does not mean that other elements are excluded, but that other elements may also be included.

[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A pouch-type cell deformation inspection device and an inspection method using the same according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which a pouch-type cell is mounted in a pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a measuring member provided in the pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the measuring member shown in FIG. 4.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a base unit 100, a measuring member 200, a driving unit 300, and a gripping means 400.

[0040] First, the base 100 can include a plate-shaped base 110 and a seat 120. The seat 120, which is arranged across the base 110, is intended to indicate the exact seating position of the pouch-type cell S to be inspected, and preferably protrudes slightly from the upper surface of the base 110.

[0041] The measuring member 200 is located on one or both sides of the pouch-type cell S, and is configured to physically determine the flatness of the pouch-type cell S, that is, whether bending has occurred.

[0042] Such a measuring member 200 may include a cylindrical receiving portion 210 with an open interior, a movable bar 220 received in the receiving portion 210, a dog 230 attached to the movable bar 220, a spring 240 which is an elastic body, and a first sensing portion 250 located near the receiving portion 210.

[0043] First, the storage section 210 is configured to guide the moving bar 220 with the dog 230 attached, and a viewing window 211 is provided in a predetermined area of ​​the storage section 210 so that the position of the dog 230 can be confirmed.

[0044] Here, the viewing window 211 includes not only a case where it is blocked from the outside by a transparent material such as glass, but also a case where it is simply open.

[0045] The moving bar 220 with the dog 230 attached thereto can move depending on the flatness of the pouch-shaped cell S.

[0046] In detail, one end of the moving bar 220 having a cylindrical shape is connected to one side of the spring 240 , and the other side of the spring 240 is fixed to one side of the receiving part 210 .

[0047] The other end of the moving bar 220 is provided with a contact portion 222 that is positioned to protrude outward from the receiving portion 210. Therefore, when no external force is applied, the moving bar 220 does not move, but when pressed by the bent portion of the pouch-type cell S, i.e., the portion that is bent outward, it moves in the direction of the spring 240, and at this time, the dog 230 also moves.

[0048] The moving bar 220 may be made up of two separable pieces, for example, a male-female screw fastening method, but is not limited thereto. It is preferable that the fastening portion is provided on the extension portion 221 so that the dog 230 can be easily attached and detached.

[0049] More specifically, the moving bars 220 may have bar-shaped extensions 221 with reduced outer diameters at predetermined positions, for example, near the center where the moving bars 220 are connected to each other, and the dogs 230 are attached to the extensions 221.

[0050] The contact portion 222 is preferably substantially conical in shape and is more preferably made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone, in order to prevent damage to the pouch-type cell S. Of course, as long as the structure does not damage the pouch-type cell S, it can be variously modified to a spring or a spring with rubber wrapped around its outer surface.

[0051] Next, we will explain the dog 230. As described above, the dog 230 is attached to the extension 221 of the moving bar 220 in a donut shape, and is positioned so as to be exposed through the viewing window 211 when the contact portion 222 of the moving bar 220 and the pouch-shaped cell S are not in contact with each other.

[0052] The dog 230 can be sensed by the first sensing unit 250. In detail, the first sensing unit 250 is positioned perpendicular to the receiving unit 210, and is provided with a first sensor 251 that can recognize the dog 230 at a position facing the viewing window 211.

[0053] Therefore, the first sensor 251 can only sense the dog 230 through the viewing window 211 of the receiving section 210, and cannot sense the dog 230 if it moves to the left or right of the viewing window 211.

[0054] For example, a coating layer made of colored ink may be formed on the outer surface of the dog 230, and the first sensor 251 may be a color sensor that can sense the coating layer of the dog 230. In particular, if the ink forming the coating layer on the outer surface of the dog 230 is in the form of stripes formed at regular intervals and is made up of multiple coating layers with different colors, it may be possible to sense even the movement distance of the dog 230 based on the change in color.

[0055] Of course, as long as the dog 230 can be detected, the dog 230 and the first sensor 251 are not limited to the above-mentioned examples.

[0056] After the activation process, the pouch-type cell S may experience bending along its entire width W, i.e., the surface where the electrode leads are provided. Therefore, it is preferable that a plurality of receiving portions 210 are located at regular intervals along the entire width of the pouch-type cell S, and it is more preferable that the receiving portions 210 are located at the lower edge, upper edge, and between the lower and upper edges of the pouch-type cell S.

[0057] When the receiving portion 210 is located as described above, it can be determined whether a bending phenomenon has occurred in a certain region of the overall width W.

[0058] In particular, when the above-mentioned accommodating portion 210 is located along the entire length L of the pouch-type cell S, at one side edge, the other side edge, and between the one side edge and the other side edge, it is possible to determine whether the bending phenomenon occurs in almost the entire area of ​​the pouch-type cell S. Meanwhile, it is preferable that the measuring members 200 are provided on both sides of the pouch-type cell S so as to correspond to each other, rather than being located on only one side of the pouch-type cell S. This is because the accuracy of the test results can be improved even if some of the measuring members 200 do not operate normally.

[0059] 6 is a perspective view of a modified measuring member provided in a pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. A measuring member modified as shown in FIG. 6 can also be used.

[0060] That is, in the modified measuring member, a dog 230 having a generally conical shape whose maximum outer diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the moving bar 220 is provided on the extension 221 of the moving bar 220, and the first sensor attached to the first sensing unit is a proximity displacement sensor such as a laser sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, etc. With such a modified measuring member, it is possible to not only confirm whether the dog 230 is positioned at the viewing window 211, but also to confirm the movement distance of the dog 230 from the conical outer shape.

[0061] 2 to 5, the first sensing unit 250 is equipped with the above-mentioned first sensors 251. Here, it is preferable to provide the same number of first sensors 251 as the number of viewing windows 211 of the storage unit 210 so that all of the dogs 230 can be sensed, and it is more preferable to position the first sensors 251 on the same horizontal line as the viewing windows 211.

[0062] Although the first sensing unit 250 is shown in the drawings as being located on the base 110, this is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0063] On the other hand, the gripping means 400 is used to move and temporarily fix the pouch-type cell S to be inspected, and is not particularly limited as long as it does not damage the pouch-type cell S, and may be, for example, a pair of pliers or a vacuum suction plate.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the coupling structure between the storage unit and the drive unit of the pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] In order to check the bending phenomenon of the pouch-type cell S, the above-mentioned receiving portion 210 must be positioned perpendicular to the side of the pouch-type cell S, and it is preferable to use multiple receiving portions 210 to check the bending portion.

[0066] The driving unit 300 has a function of moving the receiving unit 210 in a direction perpendicular to the side surface of the pouch-type cell S and also serves to connect a number of receiving units 210 to each other.

[0067] In detail, the driving unit 300 includes a first fixed bar 310 fastened to the receiving unit 210, a second fixed bar 320 fastened to one side of the first fixed bar 310, a guide rail 330 providing a movement path for the second fixed bar 320, and a linear motion member 340.

[0068] The first fixing bar 310 is for fixing and supporting a number of receiving sections 210 arranged along the entire width direction of the pouch-type cell S, and stands perpendicular to the receiving sections 210, i.e., vertically. Here, the fastening method or means is not particularly limited as long as it can fasten the first fixing bar 310 and the receiving sections 210. Although the drawings show two first fixing bars 310, this is merely an example and modifications are possible.

[0069] The second fixing bar 320 is for fixing and supporting the first fixing bar 310 which is erected vertically, and is positioned parallel to the receiving portion 210, and the method of fastening them is not particularly limited. Although the first fixing bar 310 and the second fixing bar 320 have been described as separate, they may be configured as a single unit.

[0070] The guide rail 330 is configured to guide the second fixing bar 320 so that it moves accurately in a direction perpendicular to the side of the pouch-type cell S, and may have a recessed groove formed along the longitudinal direction.

[0071] The linear motion member 340 connected to one side of the second fixed bar 320 is configured to move the second fixed bar 320 back and forth in a linear direction, and is not particularly limited as long as it can linearly move the second fixed bar 320 by a set distance, but is preferably a servo motor or a pneumatic cylinder.

[0072] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a measuring member provided in the pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] The inspection device according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention is similar to the first embodiment described above, except for the measuring member 200. In other words, the measuring member according to the second embodiment is composed of a storage section 210 with an empty interior and a second sensing section 260 stored in the storage section 210. Here, the second sensing section 260 is provided with a second sensor 261, such as a proximity displacement sensor such as a laser sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an infrared sensor, that can measure the distance to the pouch-type cell S in a non-contact manner.

[0074] Next, a method for inspecting the pouch-type cell for deformation using the inspection device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0075] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the position of the dog when a pouch-type cell in a normal state is attached to an inspection device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the position of the dog when a pouch-type cell in an abnormal state is attached to an inspection device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Referring to these figures, the method for inspecting the deformation of a pouch-type cell S according to the present invention includes a first step of positioning the pouch-type cell S vertically, and a second step of determining whether the pouch-type cell S is normal based on its flatness using a measuring member 200 positioned on the side of the pouch-type cell S.

[0077] In the first step, the pouch-type cell S is positioned vertically on the ground or a base using the gripping means 400 and then fixed in place. Of course, the entire length of the pouch-type cell S is parallel to the base so that the electrode leads do not hit the base.

[0078] In the second step, the receiving part 210 is positioned perpendicular to the side surface of the pouch-type cell S and is moved toward the side surface of the pouch-type cell S to a predetermined position, more specifically, until it is in close contact with or close to the pouch-type cell S. At this time, it is clear that the distance between the measuring member 200 and the pouch-type cell S must be measured in advance.

[0079] The linear motion member 340 preferably moves a plurality of storage sections 210 spaced at regular intervals along the entire length and width of the pouch-type cell S toward one side of the pouch-type cell S, more preferably toward both sides of the pouch-type cell S, and most preferably moves all of the storage sections 210 the same distance.

[0080] Whether the pouch-type cell S is normal or not is determined from the positions of the dogs 230. As shown in Fig. 10, if the pouch-type cell S is normal, i.e., if there is no bending phenomenon, the contact portions 222 of the receiving portion 210 that have moved from both sides of the pouch-type cell S simply contact or are very close to the sides of the pouch-type cell S, and therefore all of the dogs 230 are exposed through the viewing window 211 and can be detected by the first sensor 251.

[0081] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 11, if the pouch-type cell S is abnormal, i.e., if a bending phenomenon occurs in a certain position, some of the contact portions 222 of the storage section 210 that have moved from both sides of the pouch-type cell S cannot move to the specified position.

[0082] In other words, the portion of the dog 230 that is bent in the direction in which the receiving portion 210 approaches presses against the contact portion 222 stored in the receiving portion 210, so that the dog 230 cannot be positioned in the viewing window 211 and cannot be detected by the first sensor 251, or even if the dog 230 is positioned in the viewing window 211, it moves beyond the set range, so that only a portion of the dog 230 is positioned.

[0083] As described above, when all the dogs 230 are detected, the pouch-type cell S is determined to be normal and free from bending, and when any dog ​​230 is not detected or is detected but moves beyond a predetermined range, the pouch-type cell S is determined to be abnormal.

[0084] It is preferable to further include a step of generating an alarm such as a sound when the pouch-type cell S is determined to be abnormal so that an operator can easily recognize the abnormality.

[0085] On the other hand, when using a measuring member 200 equipped with a conical dog 230 having the configuration shown in Figure 6, the quality of the pouch-type cell S can be determined by measuring the distance between the dog 230 and the first sensor 251.

[0086] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the position of the second sensor when a pouch-type cell in a normal state is attached to an inspection device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the position of the second sensor when a pouch-type cell in an abnormal state is attached to an inspection device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] When using the inspection device according to the second embodiment, the second sensor 261 is positioned to maintain a certain distance from the pouch-type cell S, and then the distance between the pouch-type cell S and the second sensor 261 is measured. If all the measured results are within a set range, it is determined to be normal, and if one or more results are outside the set range, it is determined to be defective.

[0088] The inspection device according to the second embodiment has an advantage over the inspection device according to the first embodiment in that it is not necessary to move the device until it comes into close contact with or close to the pouch-type cell S.

[0089] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations within the scope of the present invention may be made based on the above teachings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 100 units 110 base 120 seating area 200 Measuring member 210 Storage unit 211 Viewing window 220 Moving Bar 221 Extension 222 Contact part 230 Dog 240 Spring 250 First Sensing Unit 251 First Sensor 260 Second Sensing Unit 261 Second Sensor 300 Drive Unit 310 First fixed bar 320 Second fixed bar 330 Guide Rail 340 Linear motion members 400 Gripping means S pouch type cell L total length W Full width

Claims

1. a base on which the pouch-type cell sits in an upright position; a measuring member located on the upper part of the base for determining whether bending has occurred in the pouch-type cell, the measuring member includes a receiving portion having a viewing window and an open interior, a moving bar received in the receiving portion, a dog attached to the moving bar, a spring received in the receiving portion, one end of which is fixed to the receiving portion and the other end of which is connected to one end of the moving bar, and a first sensing portion located near the receiving portion, the dog is exposed to the outside through the viewing window, the other end of the moving bar is provided with a contact portion that protrudes outside the receiving portion, and the first sensing portion detects the dog only when it is exposed to the outside through the viewing window.

2. The pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to claim 1 , wherein the measuring member is positioned on a side surface of the pouch-type cell.

3. 3. The pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the measuring members are provided along the entire length of the pouch-type cell.

4. 2. The pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion is made of an elastic material and has a conical shape.

5. 2. The apparatus for inspecting deformation of a pouch-type cell according to claim 1, further comprising: a driving unit configured to move the receiving unit forward or backward toward a side of the pouch-type cell, the driving unit comprising: a first fixed bar positioned vertically and fastened to the measuring member; a second fixed bar fastened to one side of the first fixed bar and positioned parallel to the measuring member; a guide rail providing a movement path for the second fixed bar; and a linear motion member configured to reciprocate the second fixed bar in a linear direction by a set distance.

6. 6. The apparatus for inspecting deformation of a pouch-type cell according to claim 5, wherein the receiving portions are a plurality of receiving portions spaced apart at regular intervals along an entire width direction of the pouch-type cell, and the first fixing bar is fastened to the plurality of receiving portions.

7. 7. The pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to claim 6, wherein the containing portions are located at a lower edge, an upper edge, and a portion between the lower edge and the upper edge along the entire width direction of the pouch-type cell.

8. 7. The pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to claim 6, wherein the containing portions are respectively located at one side edge, the other side edge, and a portion between the one side edge and the other side edge along the entire length of the pouch-type cell.

9. the measuring member includes a housing portion having an empty interior and a second sensing portion housed in the housing portion, 4. The pouch-type cell deformation inspection device according to claim 3, wherein the second sensing unit includes a second sensor capable of measuring the distance to the pouch-type cell in a non-contact manner.

10. a first step of vertically positioning the pouch-shaped cell; a second step of determining whether bending has occurred in the pouch-type cell using a measuring member located on a side of the pouch-type cell, the measuring member measures the flatness of the pouch-type cell in a contact or non-contact manner; the measuring member includes a receiving portion having a viewing window and an open interior, a moving bar received in the receiving portion, a dog attached to the moving bar, a spring received in the receiving portion, one end of which is fixed to the receiving portion and the other end of which is connected to one end of the moving bar, and a first sensing portion located near the receiving portion, The second step is a method for inspecting deformation of a pouch-type cell, in which a side surface of the pouch-type cell and the containing portion are positioned perpendicular to each other, and the dog is moved to a predetermined position toward the side surface of the pouch-type cell, and when the dog is exposed to the outside through the viewing window and the first sensing unit detects the dog, it is determined that there is no bending phenomenon, and when the dog is not detected, it is determined that there is an abnormality due to the bending phenomenon.

11. The method for inspecting a pouch-type cell for deformation according to claim 10 , wherein a plurality of the measuring members are positioned on one side or both sides of the pouch-type cell.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the second step comprises moving a plurality of receiving portions spaced apart at regular intervals along the entire length of the pouch-type cell to one or both sides of the pouch-type cell.

13. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the second step comprises moving a plurality of receiving portions spaced apart at regular intervals along an entire width of the pouch-type cell to one or both sides of the pouch-type cell.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein an alarm is generated if the dog is not detected in the second step.

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