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 the 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 is an urgent need to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide. In the automotive industry, expectations are focused on 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 the 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 the charge and discharge for inspection are 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] Figure 10 schematically shows a conventional battery cell inspection device 10. In the conventional inspection device 10, when the battery cell 1 is mounted on the support member 12 between the pressure plates 11, the center of gravity may be biased to one side, or the battery cell 1 may be biased to one side due to various reasons such as other process-related reasons.

[0007] At this time, as shown in Figure 11, when attempting to grip the battery cell 1 with the gripper 13 and move it outside the pressure plate 11, there may be cases where the gripper 13 cannot properly grip the battery cell 1. As a result, problems may arise such as the gripper 13 hitting a part other than the part it was intended to grip, causing dents on the battery cell 1, or in some cases, damaging the battery cell 1.

[0008] Alternatively, if a battery cell 1 that is biased to one side is gripped by the gripper 13 on its upper part, the terrace portion 1b (see Figure 1) of the battery cell 1 may bend in some cases. In particular, since the terrace portion is where multiple electrode tabs and / or electrode leads pass through, bending of the terrace portion can cause disconnection. This can induce serious problems in the operation of the battery cell 1, so there is currently a need for measures to improve the above-mentioned problems when the battery cell 1 is installed in a test device to measure the leakage current. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a battery cell inspection device that prevents the battery cells mounted on the inspection device from being biased to one side.

[0010] However, the problems that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve are not limited to those described above, and can be broadly extended within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A battery cell inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a pressure plate for pressurizing a battery cell, a support member disposed between opposing surfaces of the pressure plate on which the battery cell is mounted, a gripper capable of gripping and moving the battery cell, and a push member capable of protruding from at least one of the pressure plates toward the support member and pushing the support member.

[0012] The push member may include a bar that protrudes toward the support member from at least one of the opposing surfaces of the pressure plate, and a head portion located at one end of the bar that pushes the support member.

[0013] The push member is positioned between at least one of the opposing surfaces of the pressure plate and the support member, so as to prevent the mounted battery cell from becoming biased in one direction, and can protrude toward the support member and retract toward the pressure plate side.

[0014] The push member may protrude from the pressure plate before the battery cell is mounted on the support member, or it may protrude from the pressure plate simultaneously with or after the battery cell is mounted on the support member.

[0015] While the battery cell is being inspected, the push member can push the pressure plate in its protruding state.

[0016] The push member can be positioned on the upper part of at least one of the opposing surfaces of the pressure plate.

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

[0018] The mounting portion of the support member is V-shaped or U-shaped, and the fixing portion of the support 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 support member are fixed to the pressure plate, and the support member can be folded or bent between the fixing portions on both sides so that the battery cell can be mounted on the support member.

[0020] The pressure plate may further include cushioning members provided on each of the opposing surfaces of the pressure plate.

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

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

[0023] The battery cell has a body that protrudes in both directions, and the push members are provided on the opposing surfaces of the pressure plate.

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

[0025] A battery cell inspection method according to one 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 support member between opposing pressure plates; moving the pressure plates toward the battery cell; and inspecting the battery cell while applying pressure to it with the pressure plates, characterized in that a push member protrudes from the pressure plates and pushes the support member to prevent the mounted battery cell from becoming misaligned.

[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 of the pressure plates 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 possible damage to the battery cell 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] This diagram shows a battery cell as an example. [Figure 2] This shows a battery cell inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Another embodiment of the present invention shows a battery cell inspection device. [Figure 4] The process of inspecting battery cells using the battery cell inspection device shown in Figure 2 will be explained using each step as an example. [Figure 5] The process of inspecting battery cells using the battery cell inspection device shown in Figure 2 will be explained using each step as an example. [Figure 6] The process of inspecting battery cells using the battery cell inspection device shown in Figure 2 will be explained using each step as an example. [Figure 7] The process of inspecting battery cells using the battery cell inspection device shown in Figure 2 will be explained using each step as an example. [Figure 8] The process of inspecting battery cells using the battery cell inspection device shown in Figure 2 will be explained using each step as an example. [Figure 9] The process of inspecting battery cells using the battery cell inspection device shown in Figure 2 will be explained using each step as an example. [Figure 10] This shows a conventional battery cell inspection device. [Figure 11] Figure 10 shows that dents occur on the battery cells in the battery cell inspection device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, so that they can be easily implemented by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. The present invention can be realized in various other forms besides those described below, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0035] To clearly explain the present invention, unnecessary explanatory parts have been omitted, and the same or similar reference numerals are used throughout the specification for identical or similar components.

[0036] Furthermore, the dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings have been arbitrarily enlarged or reduced for the sake of explanation, so it is obvious that the content of the present invention is not limited to those shown.

[0037] When it is mentioned that one component is “linked” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that this may mean that the other component is directly linked or connected to it, but that other components may be in between. Conversely, when it is mentioned that one component is “directly linked” or “directly connected” 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 indicate the presence of features, figures, stages, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood not to preemptively exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, stages, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0039] Figure 1 shows a battery cell 1 as an example, and is a pouch-type battery cell having a body that protrudes in one direction. The battery cell 1 is mounted on a battery cell inspection device 100 (see Figure 2) according to the present invention, and the inspection process is performed. The battery cell 1 includes a body 1a, a terrace portion 1b, and electrode leads 1c. The terrace portion 1b of the battery cell 1 is the edge portion of the heat-sealed pouch outer material, and refers to the portion from which the electrode leads 1c protrude.

[0040] On the other hand, the battery cells that can be inspected by the battery cell inspection device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention are not limited to pouch-type battery cells, but can also be applied to rectangular and circular battery cells.

[0041] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a battery cell inspection device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] A battery cell inspection device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is mainly used for performance testing of battery cells in the chemical conversion process after the assembly of the battery cells is completed. The battery cell inspection device 100 is a device that checks the leakage current of the battery cell 1 by applying high voltage, and may be, for example, an HPCD (high press current direction) device.

[0043] As described later, in one embodiment of the present invention, when a battery cell 1 is mounted unevenly on the support member 120 between the pressure plates 110, the push member 140 prevents the bending of the terrace portion 1b due to uneven weight distribution of the cell's center of gravity, making it easier to grip the battery cell 1, while 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 a battery cell 1 having a body 1a that protrudes in one direction.

[0044] A battery cell inspection device 100 according to one 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 cushioning member 150.

[0045] The multiple pressure plates 110 may be, for example, a pair of pressure plates 110, which are arranged parallel to each other, facing each other, and spaced apart at a predetermined distance. 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 electrode plates or the generation of gas, but the pressure plates 110 play a role in preventing swelling by pressurizing the battery cell 1.

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

[0047] The pressure plate 110 performs the operation of applying and releasing pressure to the main body 1a of the battery cell 1. While it is preferable that such a pressure plate 110 be made of a metal material with high mechanical rigidity to prevent deformation even under high temperature and pressure, the scope of the present invention is not limited to a pressure plate 110 made of metal. The pressure plate 110 may be made of, for example, stainless steel, reinforced plastic, reinforced ceramic, or reinforced glass.

[0048] A single battery cell 1 is inserted into the space between the pressure plates 110. A support member 120 is also provided between the pressure plates 110 to support the inserted battery cell 1 at a certain height. The support member 120 may be, for example, interleaving paper 120, or it may be made of, for example, paper or thin plastic.

[0049] The support member 120 includes a mounting portion on which the battery cell 1 is attached and a fixing portion that is fixed to the pressure plate 110. The mounting portion may be folded or bent to form a recessed shape, for example, a V-shape or a U-shape, and may include fixing portions that extend from both ends of the mounting portion and are fixed to the respective upper ends of the pressure plate.

[0050] One end of the support member 120 is fixed to one of the pressure plates 110, and the other end of the support member 120 is fixed to the other of the pressure plates 110. The support member 120 is folded between the fixing points on both sides of the support member 120 and the pressure plate 110, and the battery cell 1 is mounted. At this time, the support member 120 has an open shape in both the forward and backward directions in the plane of Figure 2, and the electrode leads 1c of the battery cell 1 are positioned so that they face both of the open directions of the support 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. For example, in the case of a pouch-type battery cell 1, the gripper 130 can grip the sealing portion around the periphery of the battery cell 1's body, or, in some cases, the terrace portion. This is to minimize damage to the battery cell 1 by gripping the body portion of the battery cell 1 in which the electrode assembly is built. The gripper 130 may consist of one gripper per battery cell 1, gripping a portion of the battery cell 1 such as the terrace portion, or it may consist of a pair of grippers that grip the sealing portions on both sides of the battery cell 1 or the terrace portions on both sides. It can be modified and changed in various ways depending on the environment in which the present invention is realized. The gripper 130 may be, for example, forceps-shaped, or a gripper commonly used in battery manufacturing processes may be adopted. It is sufficient that it can grip the battery cell 1, and it can be realized in various shapes and structures depending on the environment in which the present invention is applied.

[0052] The gripper 130 may be removed from the space between the pressure plates 110 after inserting the battery cell 1 into the support member 120 and before pressurizing the battery cell 1 with the pressure plate 110, or it may continue to grip the battery cell 1 while pressurizing the battery cell 1. In short, the gripper 130 can be modified and changed in various ways in the diverse environments in which the present invention is realized.

[0053] A battery cell inspection device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a push member 140 for preventing the battery cell 1 mounted on a support member 120 from becoming misaligned. The push member 140 is provided between the inner surface of at least one of the multiple pressure plates 110 and the support member 120. In other words, the push member 140 is provided between at least one of the opposing surfaces of the multiple pressure plates 110 and the support member 120.

[0054] Furthermore, the push member 140 may include a bar 141 that protrudes from the pressure plate 110 toward the support member 120, 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 Figure 2, or it may be plate-shaped, and the present invention is not limited to what is shown in the figures, and can be modified in various ways to suit the diverse 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 separately and be connectable, or the bar 141 and the head portion 142 may be formed integrally, and can be modified in various ways. All or part of the bar 141 of the push member 140 may be inside the push member mounting portion 111 of the pressure plate 110, and may protrude to the outside of the pressure plate 110 when the push member 140 has to press the support member 120. 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 may protrude to the outside of the pressure plate 110 when the push member 140 has to press the support member 120. The material of the push member 140 may be, for example, a rigid plastic or metal (for example, stainless steel).

[0056] As shown in the direction of the arrow in Figure 2, the push member 140 can protrude from the pressure plate 110 side to the support member 120 side and then return to its original position on the pressure plate 110 side. The extent to which the push member 140 protrudes towards the support member 120 side and / or enters towards the pressure plate 110 side can be finely adjusted.

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

[0058] Furthermore, the other end of the push member 140 may be attached to the inner surface of the pressure plate 110, or a recess may be made inside the pressure plate 110 into which the other end of the push member 140 is inserted, or the push member 140 may be provided penetrating the pressure plate 110. In addition, various modifications and changes are possible, such as the other end of the push member 140 being connected to other components other than the pressure plate 110.

[0059] On the other hand, if the battery cell 1 has a body 1a that protrudes in one direction, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the center of gravity will be biased to one side, and it may tilt toward one of the pressure plates 110. In this case, a push member 140 is provided on the pressure plate 110 of the pair of pressure plates 110 that the battery cell 1 is tilting toward (i.e., the pressure plate facing the body 1a of the battery cell 1) 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 at the push member mounting portion 111. Before the push member 140 protrudes toward the support member 120, 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. When the locking member is released, the push member 140 can protrude toward the support member 120 due to the elastic force of the spring member.

[0061] Alternatively, a small motor capable of controlling the movement of the bar 141 of the push member 140 may be mounted on the push member mounting section 111, or mounted outside the push member mounting section 111 and connected to the bar 141 of the push member 140.

[0062] Alternatively, the push member 140 may be connected to a pneumatic cylinder (not shown), and various methods can be applied to the reciprocating motion of the push member 140.

[0063] The push member 140 protrudes a predetermined distance from the pressure plate 110 toward the support member 120 so that it can push the support member 120, and if the battery cell 1 is to be removed from the support member 120, it can move back a predetermined distance toward the pressure plate 110 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 multiple pressure plates 110.

[0064] The buffer members 150 are intended to prevent damage to the battery cell 1 when it comes into direct contact with the metal pressure plate 110, and are provided on the opposing inner surfaces of the pair of pressure plates 110. In other words, a pair of buffer members 150 are provided between the pair of pressure plates 110, a support member 120 is provided between the pair of buffer members 150, and the battery cell 1 is mounted on the support member 120.

[0065] In some cases, cushioning members 150 can be provided not only between a pair of pressure plates 110, but also on the outer surface of each pressure plate 110, allowing for various deformations and modifications. For example, multiple (n+1, where n is a natural number) pressure plates 110 can be arranged parallel to each other in one direction, multiple (n, where n is a natural number) support members 120 can be placed between the multiple pressure plates 110, and after mounting multiple (n, where n is a natural number) battery cells 1, the multiple pressure plates 110 can be moved at once to apply pressure.

[0066] The cushioning member 150 may be in the shape of a pad that covers part or all of one surface of the pressure plate 110, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Any shape or structure that prevents the battery cell 1 from being damaged by excessive pressure or impact when it comes into contact with the pressure plate 110 is sufficient. The cushioning member 150 may also be, for example, a urethane pad.

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

[0068] Figure 3 shows a modified version of the battery cell inspection device 100 of Figure 2. The battery cell inspection device 100 of Figure 3 includes push members 140 on each of the pressure plates 110 on both sides for each battery cell 1. The push members 140 on each side of the pressure plate 110 may press on the support member 120 from both sides to correct the bias of the battery cell 1. The battery cell inspection device 100 of Figure 3 is applicable to inspecting one-cup cell type battery cells 1 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, or it is also applicable to inspecting double-cup cell type battery cells (not shown) with a body 1a protruding on both sides. Other matters and components will be described in the same manner as described above in Figure 2.

[0069] The following explanation will use Figures 4 to 9 to illustrate the operation between the components of the battery cell inspection device 100 shown in Figure 2. Each step of the process for inspecting the battery cell 1 using the battery cell inspection device 100 in Figure 2 will be explained as an example.

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

[0071] Next, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the battery cell 1 gripped by the gripper 130 is mounted onto the support member 120 provided within 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 into the support member 120 in the direction of the arrow (S121) and installed. In some cases, the opposite may occur: the battery cell 1 gripped by the gripper 130 remains in place while the pair of pressure plates 110 and support member 120 rise towards the battery cell 1, or a combination of both cases is possible: the battery cell 1 is lowered by the gripper 130 and the pressure plates 110 and support member 120 rise.

[0073] At this time, as described above in Figure 2, the push member 140 can protrude toward the support member 120 to push (support) the support member 120 in order to prevent the battery cell 1 from tilting to one side (S122). As shown in Figure 5, the push member 140 may protrude toward the support member 120 in advance to push (support) the support member 120 before the battery cell 1 is mounted on the support member 120. In this case, the degree to which the push member 140 protrudes may be predetermined so that the battery cell 1 can stand upright without tilting, that is, so that it can be upright and vertically aligned. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, the push member 140 may protrude toward the support member 120 at the same time as or immediately after the battery cell 1 is mounted on the support member 120 to push (support) the support member 120. In this case, the degree to which the push member 140 protrudes may be finely adjusted until the battery cell 1 mounted on the support member 120 is 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 Figure 7, the battery cell 1 mounted on the support member 120 is moved towards 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 in place (S131) ​​to prevent the battery cell 1 from slipping and becoming misaligned within the support member 120. In some cases, the gripper 130 may release its grip on the battery cell 1 just before the battery cell 1 is pressurized by the pressure plate 110, and the gripper 130 may be removed from the battery cell 1 (S132). Various modifications and changes are possible.

[0076] In some cases, in step S130, as the pair of pressure plates 110 move toward the battery cell 1, the protruding push member 140 can also be subtly adjusted and retracted toward the pressure plate 110 (S133). When the distance between the pair of pressure plates 110 is large, the push member 140 protrudes and pushes (supports) the support member 120, allowing the battery cell 1 to stand upright (vertically aligned). However, as the distance between the pair of pressure plates 110 gradually narrows and the battery cell 1 is pressurized as described later, the battery cell 1 can stand upright (vertically aligned) even without the push member 140 pushing (supporting) the support member 120.

[0077] However, in some cases, step S133 may not be performed. If the battery cell 1 is pressurized excessively tightly when the pair of pressure plates 110 is used to pressurize the battery cell 1, it may actually cause damage to the battery cell 1, such as swelling. As a result, even when the battery cell 1 is pressurized with the pair of pressure plates 110, there may be a certain amount of space between the support member 120 and the battery cell 1, and the push member 140 must still protrude and push (support) the support member 120. Alternatively, the step between the pressure plate 110 and the buffer member 150 may prevent the pressurization of the battery cell 1 from being hindered even if the push member 140 protrudes.

[0078] Additionally or alternatively, the push member 140 may re-enter the pressure plate 110 side to some extent, but the degree to which the push member 140 protrudes may be finely adjusted, allowing for a variety of modifications and changes.

[0079] Next, referring to Figures 8 and 9, the battery cell 1 interposed between the pair of pressure plates 110 is pressurized (S140). Figure 8 shows that the battery cell 1 is pressurized while it is being gripped by the gripper 130. Figure 9 shows that, as described above in step S132, the gripper 130 is released from gripping the battery cell 1, the gripper 130 is removed from the battery cell 1, and then the battery cell 1 is pressurized.

[0080] At this time, in step S140, while pressurizing the battery cell 1, an inspection unit (not shown) can be connected to perform an inspection on the battery cell 1. There are no restrictions on the type of inspection performed; at least one of the various types of inspections performed in the normal manufacturing process of a battery cell 1 can be applied and performed in accordance with the environment in which the present invention is realized.

[0081] Furthermore, as described above in Figure 2, cushioning members 150 are provided on the opposing surfaces of the pair of pressure plates 110, so that even if the pressure plates 110 are moved towards the battery cell 1 to pressurize the battery cell 1, the risk of damage to the battery cell 1 can be prevented.

[0082] Next, once the inspection of battery cell 1 is complete, the process is carried out in the opposite direction to that described above, although this is not shown in the drawings of the present invention. The pair of pressure plates 110 are moved in the opposite direction to that indicated by the arrows in Figure 7 to release the pressure on battery cell 1. Next, the battery cell 1 is moved with the gripper 130 in the opposite direction to that indicated by the arrows in Figure 5 and removed from the support member 120. The details are the opposite of those described above in Figures 4 to 9, so their explanation is omitted.

[0083] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications and improvements by those skilled in the art, utilizing the basic concepts of the present invention as defined in the following claims, also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1: Battery cell 1a: Main unit 1b: Terrace area 1c: Electrode lead 10, 100: Battery cell inspection device 110: Pressure plate 111: Push member mounting section 120: Support member 130: Grippa 140: Push member 141: bar 142: Head section 150: Cushioning material

Claims

1. A pressure plate that pressurizes the battery cell, A support member is positioned between the opposing surfaces of the pressure plate, on which the battery cell is mounted, A gripper capable of gripping and moving the aforementioned battery cell, A battery cell inspection device, comprising a push member that can protrude from at least one of the pressure plates toward the support member and pushes the support member, in order to prevent the mounted battery cells from becoming biased in one direction.

2. The push member is A bar (Bar) having a shape that protrudes toward the support member from at least one of the opposing surfaces of the pressure plate, The battery cell inspection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a head portion located at one end of the bar and pushing the support member.

3. The battery cell inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the push member can protrude toward the support member and retract toward the pressure plate side between at least one of the opposing surfaces of the pressure plate and the support member.

4. The push member is The battery cell may already protrude from the pressure plate before being mounted on the support member, The battery cell inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the battery cell protrudes from the pressure plate at the same time as or after being mounted on the support member.

5. The battery cell inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the push member pushes the support member in a protruding state while the battery cell is being inspected.

6. The battery cell inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the push member is located on the upper part of at least one of the opposing surfaces of the pressure plate.

7. The battery cell inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support member includes a mounting portion on which a battery cell is mounted and a fixing portion for fixing to the pressure plate.

8. The mounting portion of the support member is V-shaped or U-shaped, The battery cell inspection apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the fixing portion of the support member extends from both ends of the mounting portion and is fixed to the respective upper ends of the pressure plate.

9. The battery cell inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein both ends of the support member are fixed to the pressure plate, and the support member is folded or bent between the fixing portions on both sides so that the battery cell can be mounted on the support member.

10. The battery cell inspection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising cushioning members provided on each of the opposing surfaces of the pressure plate.

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

12. The aforementioned battery cell has a body that protrudes in one direction, The battery cell inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the push member is provided on a pressure plate facing the protruding body of the battery cell.

13. The aforementioned battery cell has a body that protrudes in both directions, The battery cell inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the push members are provided on mutually opposing surfaces of the pressure plate.

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

15. The stage of gripping the battery cell with a gripper, The steps include: mounting the battery cells, gripped by the gripper, onto the support members between the opposing pressure plates; The steps include moving the pressure plate toward the battery cell, The step includes inspecting the battery cell while pressurizing it with the pressure plate, A battery cell inspection method comprising a push member that protrudes from the pressure plate and pushes the support member in order to prevent the mounted battery cells from becoming misaligned.

16. 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, The push member is The battery cell may already protrude from the pressure plate before being mounted on the support member, The battery cell inspection method according to claim 15, wherein the battery cell protrudes from the pressure plate at the same time as or after it is mounted on the support member.

17. The battery cell inspection method according to claim 15, wherein during the step of inspecting the battery cell, the protruding push member pushes the support member.

18. The battery cell inspection method according to claim 15, wherein the degree to which the push member moves back to the pressure plate side and pushes the support member can be adjusted in the steps of moving the pressure plate to the battery cell side and inspecting the battery cell while pressurizing the battery cell with the pressure plate.

19. The battery cell inspection method according to claim 15, wherein the gripper maintains its grip on the battery cell during the inspection step.

20. The battery cell inspection method according to claim 15, further comprising the 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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