System for appearance inspection of secondary battery using modular curved track

Abstract

A secondary battery external inspection system using a modular curved track is provided. A secondary battery external inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cell loading device for loading a secondary battery cell to be inspected for external defects; a cell inspection device for receiving the secondary battery cell from the cell loading device and inspecting the external appearance of the secondary battery cell; and a cell unloading device for unloading the secondary battery cell after inspection is completed at the cell inspection device. In this case, the cell inspection device comprises: a curved track composed of a plurality of straight track modules and a curved track module; a cell moving unit provided on the upper side of the curved track to move a plurality of secondary battery cells along the curved track by a predetermined constant distance; and a plurality of vision cameras arranged adjacent to the cell moving unit to inspect the external appearance of the secondary battery cells by position. Accordingly, the actual operating rate can be improved by using a modular curved track to reduce damage to battery cells caused by the secondary battery inspection system and to simplify maintenance of the equipment.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a secondary battery appearance inspection system, and more specifically, to a secondary battery appearance inspection system using a modular curved track. Background Technology

[0003] A secondary battery refers to a battery that receives external power, converts electrical energy into chemical energy for internal storage, and converts the stored chemical energy into electrical energy to supply it externally.

[0004] These secondary batteries can be classified into prismatic, cylindrical, pouch-type structures, etc., depending on their external shape.

[0005] A pouch-type secondary battery is formed by wrapping a jelly roll, which is a stack of cell electrodes, with a flexible film. This pouch-type structure has the advantage of increasing energy density per unit volume and allowing the electrode size to be easily changed to the size desired by the end user.

[0006] Multiple of these pouch-type battery cells are assembled to form a module, and battery packs composed of multiple modules are used in electric vehicles and the like.

[0007] Since a single battery pack contains tens to hundreds of battery cells, if a fire occurs in one defective battery cell, it can cause a chain reaction of fires throughout the entire battery pack.

[0008] Therefore, it is important to accurately classify defective products in the battery cell state before assembly into a battery pack, and a secondary battery inspection system can be developed to determine the presence of defects by analyzing the external appearance of pouches and tabs.

[0009] In the secondary battery inspection system, battery cells are fed in and move along a closed-loop axis, and vision inspection is performed using multiple cameras to determine the presence or absence of defects.

[0010] In conventional secondary battery inspection systems, when a battery cell needs to be rotated in the corner of a closed loop, there is a risk that the battery cell may become detached due to centrifugal force when rotating using a turntable, and that the impacted battery cell may lead to a fire.

[0011] In addition, the linear motor transfer module used in conventional secondary battery inspection systems has the driver board located on one side of the equipment, which is constrained by cable length, making it difficult to replace the module due to failure or expand the track to add functions.

[0012] In addition, since the stage for securing the battery cell with a vacuum suction pad is made of metal, there is a risk of surface damage when the battery cell is placed in the secondary battery inspection system. Prior art literature

[0014] Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2355208 (Title of Invention: Secondary Battery Inspection System) The problem to be solved

[0015] The present invention has been devised to solve the aforementioned problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a secondary battery inspection system with an improved actual operating rate by utilizing a modular curved track to reduce damage to battery cells caused by the secondary battery inspection system and to simplify equipment maintenance. means of solving the problem

[0017] A secondary battery appearance inspection system according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above objective comprises: a cell loading device for loading a secondary battery cell to be inspected for defects in its appearance; a cell inspection device for receiving the secondary battery cell from the cell loading device and inspecting the appearance of the secondary battery cell; and a cell unloading device for unloading the secondary battery cell after inspection is completed at the cell inspection device; wherein the cell inspection device comprises: a curved track composed of a plurality of straight track modules and a curved track module; a cell moving unit provided on the upper side of the curved track for moving a plurality of secondary battery cells along the curved track by a predetermined constant distance; and a plurality of vision cameras arranged adjacent to the cell moving unit for inspecting the appearance of the secondary battery cells by position.

[0018] In addition, for the curved track, curved track modules are placed at four corner points, and the cell moving unit can move at a lower speed than when moving in the area corresponding to the straight track module to prevent the detachment of the secondary battery cell when moving in the area corresponding to the curved track module.

[0019] Additionally, the cell inspection device may further include an off-gas detection sensor capable of detecting off-gas generated when an abnormality occurs in a secondary battery cell; and a spark detection sensor and a smoke detection sensor capable of detecting a fire risk that occurs in a secondary battery cell.

[0020] And the cell inspection device may further include a flipper capable of inverting the secondary battery cell up and down; and an aligner that moves the secondary battery cell so that it is placed in the correct position.

[0021] Additionally, the cell moving unit may include: a moving unit body coupled to the upper side of a curved track; a plurality of stages provided on the upper side of the moving unit body to allow a secondary battery cell to be placed thereon; hinge clamps provided at the upper ends of the first stage provided on the far right and the second stage provided on the far left among the plurality of stages to prevent the placed secondary battery cell from detaching; a vacuum suction pad for fixing the placed secondary battery cell; a urethane pad provided on the upper side of the plurality of stages to absorb shock when the secondary battery cell is placed thereon; and urethane stoppers provided at both left and right ends of the moving unit body to reduce shock when colliding with an adjacent moving unit.

[0022] And the body of the moving unit can be implemented as a Linear Magnetic Moving System Mover (LMMS Mover) to reduce the impact generated while moving along a curved track.

[0023] In addition, vacuum suction pads are provided in multiple numbers to stably fix secondary battery cells, and are arranged at regular intervals between the first stage and the second stage, and when the body of the moving unit moves along a curved track, the vacuum suction pads arranged at each point can suction and fix the secondary battery cells placed on top of each other.

[0024] In addition, the vacuum suction pad is implemented as a detachable type so that it can be replaced according to changes in the size or shape of the cell, and the cell moving unit has a plurality of vacuum compartments formed inside the body of the moving unit so that an internal space is provided at the bottom of each point where the vacuum suction pads are arranged, and each vacuum compartment can be connected to a vacuum line provided individually.

[0025] In addition, each vacuum compartment becomes a vacuum state by each individually connected vacuum line when a secondary battery cell is placed on the upper part of the vacuum adsorption pad, and when it becomes a vacuum state, it can be separated from each vacuum line before the body of the moving unit moves along the curved track.

[0026] And the cell moving unit further includes a vacuum pressure gauge installed on one side of the moving unit body to measure the vacuum pressure of the vacuum suction pads arranged at each point; and the cell inspection device may further include a pressure verification vision camera installed at regular intervals along the curved track to photograph the vacuum pressure gauge installed on one side of the moving cell moving unit when the cell moving unit moves along the curved track, and to check whether the vacuum pressure of the vacuum suction pads arranged at each point deviates from a preset reference pressure through the vacuum pressure gauge. Effects of the invention

[0028] As explained above, according to the embodiments of the present invention, the actual operating rate can be improved by using a modular curved track to reduce damage to battery cells caused by a secondary battery inspection system and to simplify maintenance of the equipment.

[0029] In addition, by applying a curved track to change the direction of travel of the battery cell, the battery cell can be moved along the curved track at a lower speed than the straight track of the battery cell stage, thereby preventing the battery cell from detaching from the stage. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0031] FIG. 1 is a provided drawing describing the configuration of a secondary battery appearance inspection system according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of a curved track according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a drawing provided for the description of a vision camera installed on a curved track according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of a cell moving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a cell moving unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a drawing provided to describe a bypass conveyor according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0032] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a provided drawing describing the configuration of a secondary battery appearance inspection system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] The secondary battery external inspection system according to the present embodiment can improve the actual operating rate by using a modular curved track (110) (modular track) to reduce damage to the battery cell caused by the secondary battery inspection system and to simplify maintenance of the equipment.

[0035] To this end, the present secondary battery external inspection system may include a cell inspection device (100), a cell loading device (200), a cell unloading device (300), a loading conveyor (400), an unloading conveyor (500), a dust collection system (600), and an NG discharge system (700).

[0036] A cell inspection device (100) is provided to receive a secondary battery cell from a cell loading device (200) and to inspect the appearance of the secondary battery cell.

[0037] A cell loading device (200) is provided to load (load) a secondary battery cell to be inspected for defects in appearance, and a cell unloading device (300) can unload (unload) a secondary battery cell that has been inspected by a cell inspection device (100).

[0038] Specifically, the cell loading device (200) and the cell unloading device (300) may each be provided with a horizontal multi-joint robot (not shown) for loading a secondary battery cell to be inspected for external defects and a horizontal multi-joint robot (not shown) for unloading a secondary battery cell that has been inspected in the cell inspection device (100).

[0039] The horizontal articulated robot for loading and the horizontal articulated robot for unloading are each equipped with a vacuum suction pad, allowing for safe transport of battery cells without external damage, and the width of the vacuum suction pad can be changed according to changes in the size and shape of the battery cells.

[0040] Then, the battery cell requiring inspection moves along the loading conveyor (400), and after removing external foreign matter by the dust collection system (600), it is moved to the cell inspection device (100) via a horizontal multi-joint robot for loading provided in the cell loading device (200).

[0041] The battery cell transferred to the cell inspection device (100) is inspected for any abnormalities in its upper and lower exterior.

[0042] And the battery cell that has completed inspection is moved to the unloading conveyor (500) via the horizontal multi-joint robot (310) for unloading provided in the cell unloading device (300), and can be moved along the unloading conveyor (500) and discharged from the secondary battery exterior inspection system.

[0043] Here, the section where the battery cell (30) moves from the dust collection system (600) to the cell unloading device (300) to prevent additional contamination after removing external foreign matter from the battery cell can be protected by a cover.

[0044] That is, the dust collection system (600) can remove foreign matter on the surface of the battery cell before transferring the cell to the inspection device, and may further include a structure (not shown, e.g., cover) that covers the portion from the cell loading device (200) to the inspection device so that additional foreign matter does not occur on the cell surface.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a curved track according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a drawing provided for the description of a vision camera installed on a curved track according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] The cell inspection device (100) may include a curved track (110), a cell moving unit (120) provided on the upper side of the curved track (110) to move a plurality of secondary battery cells along the curved track (110) by a predetermined distance, a plurality of vision cameras (130) arranged adjacent to the cell moving unit (120) to inspect the appearance of the secondary battery cells by position, a position detection sensor (140), a pressure checking vision camera (150) installed at regular intervals along the curved track (110), a flipper (cell inverter) capable of inverting the secondary battery cells up and down, and an aligner that moves the secondary battery cells so that they are placed in the correct position.

[0047] Through this, the battery cell transferred to the cell inspection device (100) moves along a curved track (110) composed of multiple track modules in sections and is inspected for abnormalities in the upper and lower exterior through multiple vision cameras (130) and flippers.

[0048] The curved track (110) may be composed of a plurality of straight track modules (111) and curved track modules (112).

[0049] For example, the curved track (110) may have curved track modules (112) placed at four corner points, and one or more straight track modules (111) may be placed between the curved track modules (112) and other curved track modules (112), and coils (not shown) may be embedded along the track to control a cell moving unit (120) moving along the top of the curved track (110).

[0050] At this time, the vision camera (130) is installed around the point where the curved track module (112) starts or ends (the point connected to the straight track module (111)) as illustrated in FIG. 3, so as to monitor the attachment and detachment of the secondary battery cell.

[0051] And when the cell moving unit (120) moves in an area corresponding to the curved track module (112), it moves at a lower speed than when moving in an area corresponding to the straight track module (111), thereby preventing the secondary battery cell from being detached.

[0052] Specifically, for example, when the cell moving unit (120) moves in an area corresponding to the curved track module (112), it can reduce the moving speed to about 60-70% of the speed at which it moves in an area corresponding to the straight track module (111).

[0053] The position detection sensor (140) is placed in one or more sections to check whether the cell moving unit (120) is in the correct position.

[0054] In addition, the cell inspection device (100) may further include an off-gas detection sensor (not shown), a smoke detection sensor (not shown), and a spark detection sensor (not shown).

[0055] The off-gas detection sensor can detect off-gas generated when an abnormality occurs in a secondary battery cell, and the spark detection sensor and smoke detection sensor can detect the risk of fire occurring in the secondary battery cell.

[0056] In other words, secondary battery cells can ignite due to various causes such as overcharging, over-discharging, degradation, short circuits, and overheating, and because they involve the release of off-gases and a series of thermal runaway phenomena before ignition, fires can be prevented by detecting off-gases before thermal runaway through off-gas detection sensors, and when ignition starts in the battery cells, fires can be detected early and extinguished through smoke detection sensors and spark detection sensors.

[0057] FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of a cell moving unit (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the cell moving unit (120) may include a moving unit body (121), a plurality of stages (122), a hinge clamp (123), a vacuum suction pad (124), a urethane pad (125), a urethane stopper (126), a vacuum pressure gauge (127), and a cell presence detection sensor (128).

[0059] The moving unit body (121) is coupled to the upper side of the curved track (110) and can be implemented as a Linear Magnetic Moving System Mover (LMMS Mover) to reduce the impact generated while moving along the curved track (110).

[0060] The cell moving unit body (121) has a built-in magnet and can move according to a coil signal installed on a curved track (110) without the need for a separate power and signal cable connection, thereby enabling the battery cell to be moved at high speed, with precision and low vibration.

[0061] And the cell moving unit body (121) can move along the curved track module (112) section without deviating from the upper part of the track by inducing an internal magnet according to the signal of the coil.

[0062] A plurality of stages (122) are provided on the upper side of the moving unit body (121) so that a secondary battery cell can be placed thereon.

[0063] For example, the plurality of stages (122) may include a first stage (122-1) provided at the far right, a second stage (122-2) provided at the far left, and one or more third stages (122-3) provided between the first stage (122-1) and the second stage (122-2).

[0064] A hinge clamp (123) may be provided at the upper end of the first stage (122-1), which is provided on the far right of the plurality of stages (122), and the second stage (122-2), which is provided on the far left, respectively, to prevent the installed secondary battery cell from coming off.

[0065] A vacuum suction pad (124) is provided to secure the mounted secondary battery cell.

[0066] Specifically, the vacuum suction pads (124) are provided in multiple numbers to stably fix the secondary battery cells, and are arranged at regular intervals between the first stage (122) and the second stage (122), and when the moving unit body (121) moves along the curved track (110), the vacuum suction pads (124) arranged at each point can each suction and fix the secondary battery cells placed on top.

[0067] And the vacuum suction pad (124) can be implemented as a detachable type so that it can be replaced depending on changes in the size or shape of the cell.

[0068] That is, the battery cell transferred to the cell inspection device (100) is placed on the upper part of the cell transfer unit (120), and when changing the production model, battery cells of various sizes can be inspected by changing the detachable vacuum suction pad (124) and the hinge clamp (123).

[0069] A urethane pad (125) is provided on the upper part of a plurality of stages (122) to absorb shock when a secondary battery cell is placed, in order to minimize external damage.

[0070] Urethane stoppers (126) may be provided at both left and right ends of the moving unit body (121) to reduce impact when colliding with an adjacent moving unit.

[0071] A vacuum pressure gauge (127) is installed on one side of the moving unit body (121) in an analog manner and can measure the vacuum pressure of the vacuum suction pads (124) arranged at each point.

[0072] For example, the vacuum pressure gauge (127) can be checked through a pressure checking vision camera (150) placed at regular intervals to check whether the reference pressure has deviated.

[0073] Specifically, a vision camera (150) for checking pressure is installed at regular intervals along a curved track (110), so that when a cell moving unit (120) moves along the curved track (110), it can photograph a vacuum pressure gauge (127) installed on one side of the moving cell moving unit (120) to check whether the vacuum pressure of the vacuum suction pads (124) arranged at each point has deviated from a preset reference pressure through the vacuum pressure gauge (127).

[0074] As another example, the vacuum pressure gauge (127) is implemented digitally, and if a separate communication module (not shown) is provided, when the vacuum pressure of the measured vacuum suction pad (124) deviates from a preset reference pressure, this can be transmitted to an external or information processing means of the cell inspection device (100) through the separate communication module.

[0075] The cell presence detection sensor (128) is composed of a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part sensor, and can detect whether there is a battery cell on the cell moving unit (120).

[0076] For example, the cell inspection device (100) can check for the presence of a cell and immediately capture an image of the battery cell when the position detection sensor detects the cell moving unit (120). This allows the process time to be significantly reduced compared to when under the control of a system PLC.

[0077] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a cell moving unit (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 6, the cell moving unit (120) may have a plurality of vacuum chambers (121a) formed inside the moving unit body (121) so that a vacuum chamber is provided at the bottom of each point where the vacuum adsorption pad (124) is arranged.

[0079] At this time, each vacuum chamber (121a) can be connected to a vacuum line (160) provided individually, and when a secondary battery cell is placed on the upper part of the vacuum suction pad (124), it becomes a vacuum state by each individually connected vacuum line (160), and when it becomes a vacuum state, the moving unit body (121) can be separated from each vacuum line (160) before moving along the curved track (110).

[0080] Specifically, each vacuum chamber (121a) may be composed of three, and each vacuum chamber (121a) may be connected to a vacuum suction pad (124) located on the upper part of the cell moving unit (120).

[0081] This allows the remaining two vacuum chambers (121a) to maintain vacuum pressure in the event that a problem occurs in one vacuum chamber (121a) and vacuum pressure cannot be maintained, thereby preventing the detachment of the battery cell.

[0082] The cell moving unit (120) can form a vacuum pressure in the vacuum compartment (121a) by connecting the vacuum line (160) when the battery cell is first placed on the upper part, and then check whether the allowable vacuum pressure is maintained by checking the analog vacuum gauge (not shown) through the camera at each section as the cell moving unit (120) moves along the curved track (110) of the cell inspection device (100).

[0083] Additionally, the cell moving unit (120) can transmit vacuum pressure data via wireless communication using a digital vacuum gauge.

[0084] And the cell moving unit (120) can connect vacuum lines (160) at regular intervals to maintain vacuum pressure.

[0085] FIG. 7 is a drawing provided for the description of a bypass conveyor (800) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating the process of production proceeding through the bypass conveyor (800) when the cell inspection device (100) cannot be used.

[0086] The secondary battery appearance inspection system may further include a bypass conveyor (800) that allows production to be maintained during regular or irregular maintenance of the secondary battery appearance inspection equipment, in addition to a horizontal multi-joint robot for loading.

[0087] The bypass conveyor (800) can maintain production by ensuring that when maintenance of the secondary battery external inspection equipment occurs and the inspection equipment cannot be used, the production process is not interrupted, and the battery cell is transferred directly to the NG discharge system (700) without passing through other components (skipping the external inspection) after external foreign matter is removed by the dust collection system (600).

[0088] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications are possible by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0090] 100: Cell inspection device 110: Curved track 111: Straight track module 112: Curved track module 120 : Cell movement unit 121 : Movement unit body 121a: Vacuum compartment 122: Multiple stages 123: Hinge clamp 124: Vacuum suction pad 125 : Urethane pad 126 : Urethane stopper 127: Vacuum pressure gauge 128: Cell presence detection sensor 130: Vision Camera 140: Position Detection Sensor 150: Vision camera for pressure verification 160: Vacuum line 200: Cell loading device 300: Cell unloading device 400: Loading conveyor 500: Unloading conveyor 600: Dust collection system 700: NG emission system 800: Bypass conveyor

Claims

Claim 1 A cell loading device for loading a secondary battery cell to be inspected for external defects; a cell inspection device for receiving the secondary battery cell from the cell loading device and inspecting the external appearance of the secondary battery cell; and a cell unloading device for unloading the secondary battery cell that has been inspected by the cell inspection device; wherein the cell inspection device comprises: a curved track composed of a plurality of straight track modules and a curved track module; a cell moving unit provided on the upper side of the curved track for moving a plurality of secondary battery cells along the curved track by a predetermined constant distance; and a plurality of vision cameras arranged adjacent to the cell moving unit for inspecting the external appearance of the secondary battery cell by position; wherein the cell moving unit comprises: a moving unit body coupled to the upper side of the curved track; and a plurality of stages provided on the upper side of the moving unit body for allowing the secondary battery cell to be placed thereon. A secondary battery external inspection system comprising: a plurality of vacuum suction pads for fixing a secondary battery cell that is seated; wherein the cell moving unit has a plurality of vacuum compartments formed inside the body of the moving unit such that an internal space is provided at each point where the plurality of vacuum suction pads are arranged, each vacuum compartment is connected to a vacuum line provided individually, and when a secondary battery cell is seated on the upper part of the vacuum suction pad, a vacuum state is created by each individually connected vacuum line, and each vacuum compartment is connected to each of the plurality of vacuum suction pads. Claim 2 A secondary battery appearance inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the curved track has curved track modules disposed at four corner points, and the cell moving unit moves at a lower speed than when moving the area corresponding to the curved track module to prevent the detachment of the secondary battery cell. Claim 3 A secondary battery appearance inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the cell inspection device further comprises: an off-gas detection sensor capable of detecting off-gas generated when an abnormality occurs in a secondary battery cell; and a spark detection sensor and a smoke detection sensor capable of detecting a fire risk generated in a secondary battery cell. Claim 4 A secondary battery appearance inspection system according to claim 3, wherein the cell inspection device further comprises: a flipper capable of inverting the secondary battery cell vertically; and an aligner for moving the secondary battery cell so that it can be placed in a correct position. Claim 5 A secondary battery appearance inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the cell moving unit further comprises: a hinge clamp provided at the upper end of each of the first stage provided at the far right and the second stage provided at the far left among the plurality of stages to prevent the detachment of the mounted secondary battery cell; a urethane pad provided on the upper part of the plurality of stages to absorb shock when the secondary battery cell is mounted; and a urethane stopper provided at both left and right ends of the moving unit body to reduce shock when colliding with an adjacent moving unit. Claim 6 A secondary battery appearance inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the moving unit body is implemented as a Linear Magnetic Moving System Mover (LMMS Mover) to reduce impact generated while moving along a curved track. Claim 7 A secondary battery external inspection system according to claim 5, wherein the vacuum suction pads are provided in plurality to stably fix the secondary battery cells, arranged at regular intervals between the first stage and the second stage, and when the moving unit body moves along a curved track, the vacuum suction pads arranged at each point each suction and fix the secondary battery cells placed on top of each other. Claim 8 A secondary battery external inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the vacuum adsorption pad is implemented as a detachable type so as to be replaceable according to changes in the size or shape of the cell. Claim 9 A secondary battery appearance inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that each vacuum compartment is separated from each vacuum line before the moving unit body moves along a curved track when it becomes a vacuum. Claim 10 A secondary battery external inspection system according to claim 7, wherein the cell moving unit further comprises a vacuum pressure gauge installed on one side of the moving unit body to measure the vacuum pressure of vacuum suction pads arranged at each point; and the cell inspection device further comprises a pressure verification vision camera installed at regular intervals along the curved track to photograph the vacuum pressure gauge installed on one side of the moving cell moving unit when the cell moving unit moves along the curved track, and to verify whether the vacuum pressure of the vacuum suction pads arranged at each point deviates from a preset reference pressure through the vacuum pressure gauge.

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