Apparatus and method for inspecting the appearance of a pouch-type bettery using electron emission

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for inspecting the appearance of a pouch-type battery using electron emission, and may include the steps of: irradiating the surface of a pouch-type battery, in which a metal layer is protected by an insulating sheet, with electrons emitted through an electron emitter while moving in a predetermined direction; measuring a signal generated from the pouch-type battery while irradiating the electrons; and analyzing the characteristics of the measured signal to determine whether the metal layer is externally exposed.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for inspecting the appearance of a pouch-type battery, and more specifically, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for inspecting the appearance of a pouch-type battery using electron emission. Background Technology

[0002] A pouch-type battery is a secondary battery in which a cell pouch encloses electrodes in the form of a 'jelly roll' made of rolled-up materials such as a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator, or electrodes in the form of a 'stacking' made of stacked materials.

[0003] Compared to cylindrical and prismatic can batteries, this pouch-type battery offers higher internal space efficiency, resulting in greater energy storage density. Additionally, its flexible exterior allows it to be freely bent or folded, enabling it to be manufactured in shapes suitable for the design of various electronic products, including electric vehicles. Based on these strengths, demand is rapidly increasing in line with the growth of the electric vehicle market.

[0004] However, since even a single invisible hole can lead to a battery fire, this pouch-type battery is a product where not even a minute scratch or puncture can occur. In particular, when used in electric vehicles, defects are directly linked to human safety, so the quality standards are very strict and production is difficult.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to develop a technology that enables rapid and easy inspection of the exterior of pouch-type batteries, while also allowing for more accurate defect detection. Prior art literature

[0006] Korean Published Patent Application No. 10-2020-0007292 (Publication Date: January 22, 2020) The problem to be solved

[0007] The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for inspecting the appearance of a pouch-type battery using electron emission, which enables the detection of defect factors and the filtering of defective products by inspecting the appearance of the pouch-type battery quickly and easily in a non-contact and non-destructive manner using electron emission.

[0008] The problems that this disclosure aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0010] A method for inspecting the appearance of a pouch-type battery using electron emission according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the aforementioned technical problem comprises the steps of: irradiating the surface of a pouch-type battery, in which a metal layer is protected by an insulating sheet, with electrons emitted through an electron emitter while moving in a predetermined direction; measuring a signal generated from the pouch-type battery while irradiating the electrons; and analyzing the characteristics of the measured signal to determine whether the metal layer is externally exposed.

[0011] In one embodiment, the signal can be measured by connecting a probe to an area where the metal layer of the pouch-type battery is exposed.

[0012] In one embodiment, the step of determining whether the metal layer is externally exposed involves checking the waveform of the measured signal and determining the pouch-type battery as a defective product if a change exceeding a preset threshold is detected, and determining the pouch-type battery as a normal product if only the waveform corresponding to the dielectric constant of the insulating sheet is detected.

[0013] In one embodiment, the pouch-type battery appearance inspection method may further include a step of scanning the surface of the pouch-type battery using a vision sensor prior to the step of irradiating the electrons.

[0014] In one embodiment, the scanning step can detect a scratch on the surface of the pouch-type battery through the vision sensor.

[0015] In one embodiment, the step of irradiating the electrons may be performed on the area where the scratch is detected.

[0016] In one embodiment, the step of irradiating electrons may involve using a vision sensor to move along the direction of the scratch and irradiate electrons when the scratch is detected.

[0017] In one embodiment, the electron emitters may be arranged in a row.

[0018] In one embodiment, the electron emitter may be at least one of a plasma generator, an X-ray generator, an ionizer, and an electron gun.

[0019] An external inspection device for a pouch-type battery using electron emission according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the aforementioned technical problem comprises: an electron emitter that irradiates electrons emitted while moving in a predetermined direction on the surface of a pouch-type battery in which a metal layer is protected by an insulating sheet; a measuring unit that measures a signal generated from the pouch-type battery while irradiating the electrons; and a determining unit that determines whether the metal layer is externally exposed by analyzing the characteristics of the measured signal. Effects of the invention

[0021] According to the aforementioned means for solving the problem of the present disclosure, by using electron emission to inspect the appearance of a pouch-type battery quickly and easily in a non-contact and non-destructive manner, defect factors can be detected and defective products can be filtered out.

[0022] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the configuration of an external inspection device for a pouch-type battery using electron emission according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a method for inspecting the appearance of a pouch-type battery using electron emission according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a specific operation for determining whether a metal layer is externally exposed in a pouch-type battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the structure of a pouch-type battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the external inspection process of a pouch-type battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to make the present disclosure complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0026] The terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the disclosure. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. The terms “comprises” and / or “comprising” as used in this specification do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the components mentioned. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components, and “and / or” includes each of the mentioned components and all combinations of one or more. Although terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Accordingly, the first component mentioned below may be the second component within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Additionally, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0028] Throughout this disclosure, the same reference numerals denote the same components. This disclosure does not describe all elements of the embodiments, and general content in the art to which this disclosure pertains or content that overlaps between embodiments is omitted. As used in the specification, the terms “part” or “module” refer to hardware components such as software, FPGAs, or ASICs, and the “part” or “module” performs certain roles. However, the term “part” or “module” is not limited to software or hardware. The “part” or “module” may be configured to reside in an addressable storage medium or may be configured to run one or more processors. Accordingly, by example, the “part” or “module” includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, as well as processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functions provided within the components and "parts" or "modules" may be combined into a smaller number of components and "parts" or "modules," or further separated into additional components and "parts" or "modules."

[0029] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as being "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where they are directly connected but also cases where they are indirectly connected, and indirect connections include connections made via a wireless communication network.

[0030] Furthermore, when it is stated that a part "includes" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0031] Throughout the specification, when it is stated that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where a component is in contact with another component, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0032] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish one component from another, and the components are not limited by the aforementioned terms.

[0033] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless there is an obvious exception in the context.

[0034] In each step, identification codes are used for convenience of explanation and do not describe the order of the steps; the steps may be performed differently from the specified order unless a specific order is clearly indicated in the context.

[0035] The operating principles and embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an external inspection device for a pouch-type battery using electron emission according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, an external inspection device for a pouch-type battery using electron emission according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the ‘inspection device’) (100) may include an electron emitter (110), a measuring unit (120), and a discrimination unit (130).

[0038] First, the electron emitter (110) moves in a preset direction and irradiates the surface of the pouch-type battery, which is the object to be inspected, by emitting electrons. Here, the pouch-type battery has a metal layer protected by an insulating sheet, and the electron emitter (110) may be, for example, a plasma generator that emits electrons in the form of gas. In addition, the electron emitter (110) may be an X-ray device that emits electrons, an ionizer, an electron gun, etc. Meanwhile, in the case of a plasma generator, the emitted gas may be one of various forms such as negative ions, positive ions, negative charges, positive charges, neutrons, radicals, etc. At this time, the generated plasma may be atmospheric pressure plasma.

[0039] In one embodiment, when a plurality of pouch-type batteries are arranged in a row, the electron emitter (110) can sequentially move each pouch-type battery in one direction in which the plurality of pouch-type batteries are arranged and emit electrons to irradiate them.

[0040] In another embodiment, the electron emitters (110) may be configured in a configuration where multiple units are arranged in a row. In this case, the multiple electron emitters (110) can move along one direction and emit electrons to irradiate the pouch-type battery.

[0041] Meanwhile, the measuring unit (120) measures the signal generated in the pouch-type battery while the electron emitter (110) irradiates electrons. To this end, a probe is connected to an area where the metal layer of the pouch-type battery is exposed, for example, to both unfolded side areas, thereby allowing the measuring unit (120) to measure a signal including current and voltage. Accordingly, the generation of noise due to non-uniformity in signal measurement in the insulated area, i.e., the insulating layer, can be suppressed. Meanwhile, if the entire area of ​​both sides of the pouch-type battery is protected by an insulating layer, a hole may be made in a dummy area for inspection to expose the metal layer and measure the signal.

[0042] The determination unit (130) determines whether the metal layer is externally exposed by analyzing the characteristics of the signal measured by the measurement unit (120). At this time, the characteristics of the signal may include peak value derivation, displacement generation, waveform change, etc.

[0043] For example, the determination unit (130) checks the waveform of the measured signal and compares the displacement value with a preset threshold. If a change greater than the preset threshold is detected (if the displacement value is greater than the preset threshold), it is determined that the metal layer is exposed to the outside and the corresponding pouch-type battery is classified as a defective product. If only the waveform according to the dielectric constant of the insulating sheet is detected (if the displacement value is less than or equal to the preset threshold), it is determined that the metal layer is not exposed to the outside and the corresponding pouch-type battery is classified as a normal product.

[0044] Meanwhile, although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the inspection device (100) may be configured to include a communication unit, a storage unit, and a sensor unit.

[0045] The communication unit transmits and receives at least one piece of information or data with at least one device / terminal. Here, the at least one device / terminal may be a device / terminal that wishes to receive a test result from the test device (100), and its type and form are not limited.

[0046] In addition, this communication unit may also perform communication with other devices and transmits and receives wireless signals in a communication network according to wireless internet technologies.

[0047] Wireless internet technologies include, for example, WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), etc., and the inspection device (100) transmits and receives data according to at least one wireless internet technology within a range that includes internet technologies not listed above.

[0048] For short-range communication, short-range communication can be supported by using at least one of the following technologies: Bluetooth™, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless Universal Serial Bus (Wireless USB). Such a short-range wireless communication network can support wireless communication between an inspection device (100) and at least one terminal. In this case, the short-range wireless communication network may be a short-range wireless personal area network.

[0049] The storage unit may store data for at least one process (algorithm) for inspecting the appearance of a pouch-type battery using electron emission, or for a program that reproduces said process. In addition, the storage unit may store additional processes for performing other operations, but is not limited thereto.

[0050] Meanwhile, the storage unit can store at least one pre-learned model (including a language model) used to inspect the appearance of a pouch-type battery using electron emission, and various information / data that supports various functions of the inspection device (100).

[0051] Additionally, the storage unit may store a plurality of application programs (or applications) running on the inspection device (100), data for the operation of the inspection device (100), and instructions. At least some of these application programs may be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. Meanwhile, the application program may be stored in at least one memory provided in the storage unit and installed on the inspection device (100), and may be driven to perform an operation (or function) by at least one processor stored in the storage unit.

[0052] Meanwhile, at least one memory may include a storage medium of at least one type among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. In addition, the memory may store information temporarily, permanently, or semi-permanently, and may be provided as an embedded or removable type.

[0053] This storage unit may also be linked with separate external servers.

[0054] Meanwhile, the sensor unit may be configured to include at least one vision sensor, and scratches present on the surface can be detected by scanning the surface using the at least one vision sensor before emitting electrons onto the surface of the pouch-type battery. In this case, the electron emitter (110) emits electrons for the area where the scratch is detected. For example, when a scratch is detected, the electron emitter (110) can emit electrons by moving along the direction of the scratch using the vision sensor. That is, by first determining whether a scratch has occurred and then secondarily determining in stages whether the metal layer is exposed externally from the battery surface only in the part where the scratch occurred, the speed of inspection of the battery surface regarding the exposure of the metal layer can be accelerated.

[0055] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a method for inspecting the appearance of a pouch-type battery using electron emission according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 2, electrons emitted through an electron emitter (110) are irradiated while moving the surface of a pouch-type battery, in which a metal layer is protected by an insulating sheet, in a preset direction (S101), and while irradiating the electrons, a measuring unit (120) measures a signal generated from the pouch-type battery (S103).

[0057] Next, the determination unit (130) analyzes the characteristics of the signal measured by step S103 to determine whether the metal layer is externally exposed (S105).

[0058] Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 2, an operation to scan the surface of a pouch-type battery using at least one vision sensor can be performed before step S101. This makes it possible to accurately detect defect factors, such as scratches, on the surface of the pouch-type battery.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a specific operation for determining whether a metal layer is externally exposed in a pouch-type battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and illustrates step S105 of FIG. 2 in more detail. However, this is limited to cases where the occurrence of displacement is detected as a characteristic of the signal, and the detailed operation may differ when other characteristics are used, and is not limited thereto.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, the determination unit (130) checks the waveform of the signal measured by the measurement unit (120) (S1051), and compares the displacement value (A) and the preset threshold value (B) based on the result of the check (S1052).

[0061] Next, based on the comparison result in step S1052, if the displacement value is greater than a preset threshold (A>B), it is determined that the metal layer is exposed to the outside and the corresponding pouch-type battery is classified as a defective product (S1053), and if the displacement value is less than or equal to the preset threshold (A≤B), it is determined that the metal layer is not exposed to the outside and the corresponding pouch-type battery is classified as a normal product (S1054).

[0062] Alternatively, the external exposure of the metal layer can be determined from changes in the measured signal, for example, changes in the resistance value measured from the measurement of the capacitance value, rather than by comparing displacement values. For example, when electrons emitted from an electron emitter (110) are irradiated onto the surface of a pouch-type battery (10), a potential difference is generated between the surface and the aluminum layer (204). In the area where the metal layer is not exposed, only voltage displacement according to the dielectric constant of the protective film occurs, and the capacitance is measured. However, in the area where the metal layer is exposed, current is generated as electrons are absorbed by the surface, and the resistance is measured. In other words, the external exposure of the metal layer can be determined based on the electrical change of the measured signal.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the structure of a pouch-type battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 4, the pouch-type battery (10) may be composed of a total of seven layers: polypropylene (201), adhesive (202), anti-corrosion layer (203), aluminum layer (corresponding to a metal layer) (204), anti-corrosion layer (205), adhesive (206), and nylon (207).

[0065] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the external inspection process of a pouch-type battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 5, an electron emitter (110) moves across the surface of a pouch-type battery (10) in which an aluminum layer (204) is protected by an insulating sheet and irradiates electrons emitted through a head.

[0067] At this time, the electron emitter (110) may have a pre-set direction of movement and may emit electrons while moving along the surface of the pouch-type battery (10) based on the pre-set direction of movement.

[0068] While the electron is being emitted, the measuring unit (120) measures the signal generated in the pouch-type battery (10). To do this, a probe is connected to the uninsulated side area (211) of the pouch-type battery (10), thereby enabling the measuring unit (120) to measure the signal.

[0069] If the metal layer is exposed to the outside due to an external defect in the pouch-type battery (10), electrons irradiated from the electron emitter (110) come into contact with the aluminum layer (204), causing a sudden and rapid signal change.

[0070] That is, when electrons emitted from an electron emitter (110) are irradiated onto the surface of a pouch-type battery (10), a potential difference is generated between the surface and the aluminum layer (204). In the area where the metal layer is not exposed, only voltage displacement according to the dielectric constant of the protective film occurs, and capacitance is measured. However, in the area where the metal layer is exposed, current is generated as electrons are absorbed by the surface, and resistance is measured. That is, the measuring device (120) measures these electrical changes and displacement waveforms.

[0071] Additionally, although not shown, the determination unit (130) can determine whether the metal layer is exposed to the outside by receiving a signal from the measuring instrument (120) and detecting such abrupt signal changes through analysis of the signal waveform. That is, the exposure of the aluminum layer can be checked by utilizing the electrical conductivity of the pouch-type battery through electron emission, rather than surface treatment or other methods conventionally used to check for exposure of the pouch-type battery (10).

[0072] The aforementioned program may include code encoded in a computer language such as C, C++, JAVA, or machine language, which can be read by the computer's processor (CPU) through the computer's device interface, in order for the computer to read the program and execute the methods implemented in the program. Such code may include functional code related to functions that define the necessary functions for executing the methods, and may include control code related to execution procedures necessary for the computer's processor to execute the functions according to a predetermined procedure. Additionally, such code may further include memory reference code regarding where (address) additional information or media necessary for the computer's processor to execute the functions should be referenced in the computer's internal or external memory. In addition, if the processor of the computer needs to communicate with any other computer or server located remotely in order to execute the above functions, the code may further include communication-related code regarding how to communicate with any other computer or server located remotely using the communication module of the computer, and what information or media to transmit or receive during communication.

[0073] The above-mentioned storage medium refers to a medium that stores data semi-permanently and is readable by a device, rather than a medium that stores data for a short period of time, such as a register, cache, or memory. Specifically, examples of the above-mentioned storage medium include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device. That is, the above-mentioned program may be stored on various recording media on various servers that the computer can access, or on various recording media on the user's computer. Additionally, the above-mentioned medium may be distributed across networked computer systems, and computer-readable code may be stored in a distributed manner.

[0074] The steps of the method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented directly in hardware, implemented as a software module executed by hardware, or implemented by a combination thereof. The software module may reside in RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), Flash Memory, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any form of computer-readable recording medium well known in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0075] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure may be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Explanation of the symbols

[0077] 10 : Pouch-type battery 100 : Inspection device 110: Electron emitter 120: Measuring part 130 : Discrimination Unit 201 : Polypropylene 202: Adhesive 203: Anti-corrosion layer 204: Aluminum layer 205: Anti-corrosion layer 206: Adhesive 207: Nylon

Claims

Claim 1 A method for inspecting the appearance of a pouch-type battery using electron emission, performed by a device, comprising: a step of irradiating the surface of a pouch-type battery, in which a metal layer is protected by an insulating sheet, with electrons emitted through an electron emitter while moving in a predetermined direction; a step of measuring a signal generated in the pouch-type battery while irradiating the electrons; and a step of determining whether the metal layer is exposed to the outside by analyzing the characteristics of the measured signal, wherein if a capacitance due to voltage variation according to the dielectric constant of the insulating sheet is measured in the measured signal, the pouch-type battery is classified as normal, and if a resistance due to current generated by electron absorption on the surface is measured or the displacement value of the measured signal is greater than a predetermined threshold, the metal layer is determined to be exposed to the outside and the pouch-type battery is classified as defective. Claim 2 A method for inspecting the appearance of a pouch-type battery using electron emission, wherein, in claim 1, the signal is measured by connecting a probe to an area on the side of the pouch-type battery where the metal layer is exposed and not protected by the insulating sheet, or by connecting a probe to a dummy area where the metal layer is exposed by perforation. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A method for inspecting the appearance of a pouch-type battery using electron emission, wherein, in claim 1, the method further comprises the step of scanning the surface of the pouch-type battery using a vision sensor prior to the step of irradiating electrons. Claim 5 A method for inspecting the appearance of a pouch-type battery using electron emission, wherein, in claim 4, the scanning step is characterized by detecting a scratch on the surface of the pouch-type battery through the vision sensor. Claim 6 A method for inspecting the appearance of a pouch-type battery using electron emission, wherein, in claim 5, the step of irradiating the electron is performed on the area where the scratch is detected. Claim 7 A method for inspecting the appearance of a pouch-type battery using electron emission, wherein, in claim 6, the step of irradiating electrons is characterized by using a vision sensor to move along the direction of the scratch and irradiating electrons when the scratch is detected. Claim 8 A method for inspecting the appearance of a pouch-type battery using electron emission, wherein, in claim 1, the electron emitters are arranged in a row. Claim 9 A method for inspecting the appearance of a pouch-type battery using electron emission according to claim 1, wherein the electron emitter is at least one of a plasma generator, an X-ray generator, an ionizer, and an electron gun. Claim 10 An appearance inspection device for a pouch-type battery using electron emission, characterized by comprising: an electron emitter that irradiates electrons emitted while moving in a preset direction on the surface of a pouch-type battery in which a metal layer is protected by an insulating sheet; a measuring unit that measures a signal generated from the pouch-type battery while irradiating the electrons; and a determining unit that analyzes the characteristics of the measured signal to determine whether the metal layer is exposed to the outside, wherein if a capacitance due to voltage variation according to the dielectric constant of the insulating sheet is measured in the measured signal, the pouch-type battery is classified as normal, and if a resistance due to current generated by electron absorption on the surface is measured or the displacement value of the measured signal is greater than a preset threshold, the metal layer is determined to be exposed to the outside and the pouch-type battery is classified as defective.

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