Battery inspection device, inspection method using same, and battery manufacturing system comprising same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a battery inspection device for determining the type of a battery cell in a transfer member that accommodates the battery cell, an inspection method using same, and a battery manufacturing system comprising same, the battery inspection device comprising: a placement member that moves the transfer member; and a measurement member, located outside the placement member, that determines the type of the battery cell accommodated in the transfer member.

Description

Battery testing device, testing method using the same, and battery manufacturing system including the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery testing device for testing battery cells, a testing method using the same, and a battery manufacturing system including the same. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a battery testing device for testing whether information regarding the width of a battery cell matches the actual width of the battery cell, a testing method using the same, and a battery manufacturing system including the same.

[0002] In the formation process, a battery manufacturing process, rather than moving individual battery cells individually, multiple battery cells are housed on a single transport member (or tray) and then moved. This is because grouping multiple battery cells together and moving them via the transport member, rather than moving each battery cell individually, increases the production efficiency of the formation process.

[0003] Typically, in the Martian process, battery cells of different widths are produced and transported. Therefore, in order to distinguish between battery cells of different widths, the transport member may include an information section, such as a barcode, containing information about the battery cells, including information about the number of battery cells accommodated in the transport member. That is, the distinction between battery cells accommodated in the Martian process is based on information about the number of battery cells recorded in the information section.

[0004] However, due to operator error, the information regarding the number of battery cells recorded in the information section may differ from the number of battery cells actually accommodated in the transfer member. If the number of actual battery cells differs from the information regarding the number recorded in the information section, there is a risk that equipment or devices included in the battery manufacturing system may be damaged, or a fire may occur in the equipment or devices included in the battery manufacturing system or in the battery cells accommodated in the transfer member.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a problem is to distinguish between battery cells having different widths in a battery cell manufacturing process.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the problem is to determine whether the information of the battery cell described in the transfer member matches the information of the actual battery cell.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the problem is to prevent damage to equipment or devices of a battery manufacturing system due to incorrect battery cell information, or to prevent fire from occurring in equipment or devices of a battery manufacturing system and battery cells.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the task is to increase the safety of a battery manufacturing system.

[0009] Meanwhile, the battery cell manufactured using the battery inspection device according to the present disclosure, the inspection method using the same, and the battery manufacturing system including the same can be widely applied in the field of green technology such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, energy storage systems (ESS), and other battery-using photovoltaics and wind power. In addition, the battery cell manufactured using the battery inspection device according to the present disclosure, the inspection method using the same, and the battery manufacturing system including the same can be used in eco-friendly mobility including electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0010] In order to solve the above-described problem, a battery inspection device for determining the type of a battery cell in a transfer member including a grip part for detachably fixing a battery cell and an information part containing information on the type of the battery cell is provided, the battery inspection device including: a placement part for moving the transfer member; an inflow area and an outflow area located on the placement part through which the transfer member is introduced and discharged; a measuring area located on the placement part between the inflow area and the outflow area; and a measuring part located outside the placement part for determining the type of the battery cell accommodated in the transfer member.

[0011] The above measurement unit may include a measurement probe that is movable toward the transfer member located in the measurement area.

[0012] The above measurement unit can measure the movement length of the measurement probe by moving the measurement probe from a preset first position to a second position in contact with the grip unit.

[0013] The battery inspection device according to the present disclosure further includes an inspection control unit that controls the measurement unit and the placement unit and is capable of communicating with an externally located server, and the inspection control unit can determine whether the types of the battery cells match each other based on information about the types of the battery cells contained in the information unit received through the server and the types of the battery cells measured through the measurement unit.

[0014] In addition, the transfer member includes a first transfer member on the arrangement member and a second transfer member stacked on the first transfer member, and the measuring member includes a first measuring member that moves toward a grip portion of the first transfer member at a first height preset based on the bottom surface of the first transfer member; and a second measuring member that moves toward a grip portion of the second transfer member at a second height preset based on the bottom surface of the first transfer member; and the first height may be lower than the second height.

[0015] Meanwhile, in a method for testing a battery testing device including a placement unit that moves a transfer unit that accommodates a battery cell, and a measurement unit that is located apart from the placement unit and determines the type of the battery cell accommodated in the transfer unit in a preset measurement area, the method for testing using a battery testing device according to the present disclosure includes the steps of: placing the transfer unit that accommodates the battery cell in a measurement area located on the placement unit through the placement unit; determining the type of the battery cell inside the transfer unit through the measurement unit; comparing whether the type of the battery cell obtained through an external server matches the type of the battery cell measured through the measurement unit; and processing whether the transfer unit that accommodates the battery cell moves based on whether the types of the battery cells match.

[0016] In addition, the step of processing whether the transport member containing the battery cell is moved may, if the types of the battery cells match, move the transport member containing the battery cell to a degassing device that removes gas generated inside the battery cell.

[0017] In addition, the step of processing whether the transfer member containing the battery cell moves can notify the user when it is determined that the types of the battery cells are different.

[0018] In addition, the step of determining the type of the battery cell inside the transfer member through the measuring unit may include moving the measuring probe included in the measuring unit from a first position set in advance to a second position where it contacts at least one end of the battery cell and contacts a grip portion that detachably fixes the battery cell to the transfer member, and using the length by which the measuring probe moves, the type of the battery cell may be determined.

[0019] Meanwhile, a battery manufacturing system according to the present disclosure includes a charging / discharging device for charging / discharging a battery cell; a degassing device for removing gas generated inside the battery cell; and a battery inspection device for determining the type of battery cell accommodated in a transfer device when moving the transfer device for accommodating the battery cell from the charging / discharging device to the degassing device.

[0020] In addition, the battery inspection device may include a placement unit that moves a transfer member that accommodates the battery cell; an inflow area and an outflow area located on the placement unit through which the transfer member is introduced and discharged; a measurement area located between the inflow area and the outflow area on the placement unit; and a measurement unit located outside the placement unit that determines the type of the battery cell accommodated in the transfer member located in the measurement area.

[0021] The above measurement unit may include a measurement probe that is movable toward the transfer member located in the measurement area.

[0022] The above measurement unit can measure the movement length of the measurement probe by moving the measurement probe from a first position set in advance to a second position where the measurement probe contacts at least one end of the battery cell inside the transfer member and contacts a grip portion that detachably fixes the battery cell.

[0023] The above battery manufacturing system may further include a server that stores information on battery cells accommodated and moved in the transport member.

[0024] The above battery manufacturing system further includes a process control device that controls the charging / discharging device, the degassing device, the battery inspection device, and the server, and the process control device can determine whether the types of the battery cells match each other based on information about the types of the battery cells received through the server and the types of the battery cells measured through the battery inspection device.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, battery cells having different widths can be distinguished without error in a manufacturing process of a battery cell, specifically, a chemical reaction process.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to determine whether the information of the battery cell described in the transfer member matches the information of the actual battery cell.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent damage to equipment or devices of a battery manufacturing system due to incorrect battery cell information, or to prevent fire from occurring in equipment or devices of a battery manufacturing system and battery cells.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the safety of a battery manufacturing system can be increased.

[0029] FIG. 1 is an example of a battery cell transported using a transport member according to the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 is an example of a manufacturing process according to a battery manufacturing system according to the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3 is an example of a transfer member according to the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a top view of an example of a battery inspection device according to the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a view of an example of a battery inspection device according to the present disclosure, viewed from one side perpendicular to the direction of movement of the transfer member.

[0034] Figure 6 illustrates the principle by which the measuring unit according to the present disclosure determines the type of battery cell.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a test method using a battery test device according to the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an example of a battery manufacturing system including a battery inspection device according to the present disclosure.

[0037] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, these are merely exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described as examples.

[0038] Certain terms used in this specification are for convenience of explanation only and are not intended to limit the illustrated embodiments.

[0039] For example, expressions such as "same" and "same as" not only indicate a strictly identical state, but also indicate a state in which there is a difference in tolerance, or the degree to which the same function is obtained.

[0040] For example, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements such as “in which direction,” “along which direction,” “parallel,” “perpendicular,” “centered,” “concentric,” or “coaxial” not only strictly indicate such arrangements, but also indicate a state of relative displacement with an angle or distance that allows for tolerance, or the degree to which the same function is obtained.

[0041] In order to explain the present disclosure, the following description is based on a spatial orthogonal coordinate system with an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other. Unless otherwise specified, the Z-direction means the height direction, and the X-direction (or first direction) means any one of the directions perpendicular to the height direction. And the Y-direction (or second direction) means the Z-direction and the direction perpendicular to the X-direction.

[0042] However, the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction mentioned below are for the purpose of explanation so that the present disclosure can be clearly understood, and it goes without saying that each direction may be defined differently depending on where the standard is set.

[0043] The use of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" before the components mentioned below is intended solely to avoid confusion regarding the components they refer to, and has no bearing on the order, importance, or dominant-subordinate relationship between the components. For example, an invention can be implemented that includes only a second component without a first component.

[0044] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0045] FIG. 1 is an example of a battery cell (200) transported using a transport member (400, see FIG. 3) according to the present disclosure.

[0046] The above battery cell (200) may include a main body (215) that houses an electrode assembly (not shown) that produces or stores electric energy, and a lead tab portion (211, 212) that is electrically connected to the electrode assembly and protrudes outward from the main body (215).

[0047] Although Fig. 1 illustrates a pouch-shaped battery cell, this is only an example, and the transport member (400) according to the present disclosure can accommodate not only square battery cells or cylindrical battery cells, but also battery cells of other shapes.

[0048] FIG. 2 is an example of a manufacturing process according to a battery manufacturing system (1000, see FIG. 8) according to the present disclosure.

[0049] The battery manufacturing process includes an electrode process (not shown) for manufacturing an electrode assembly, an assembly process (P100) for mechanically assembling a battery cell (200, see FIG. 1) using the manufactured electrode assembly, a formation process (or activation process) for imparting electrical characteristics to the simply assembled battery cell (200) through charging and discharging, and other processes thereafter.

[0050] The above-mentioned Mars process can perform a charging / discharging process (P300) to preliminarily charge / discharge the battery cell that has completed the assembly process (P100) at room temperature, and a degassing process (P700) to remove gas generated inside the battery cell (200) through the charging / discharging process (P300). Thereafter, additional charging / discharging processes and degassing processes will be performed repeatedly.

[0051] Meanwhile, in the Mars process, it is necessary to move the battery cells for the device for the charging / discharging process (P300) and the degassing process (P700). However, the battery cells (200) are not moved individually, but multiple battery cells (200) are moved at once through a transfer member (400, see FIG. 3) that accommodates the battery cells (200). If the information about the battery cells (200) accommodated in the transfer member (400) is different from the size of the actual battery cells (200), the equipment for manufacturing the battery cells (200) may be damaged. To prevent this, it is necessary to confirm the information about the battery cells (200) accommodated in the transfer member (400) and the information about the actual battery cells (200).

[0052] To this end, the battery manufacturing system (1000) according to the present disclosure may include a battery cell inspection process (P500) that measures the type of battery cell (200) being transported by the transport member (400) between the charging / discharging process (P300) and the degassing process (P700) in the Martian process and determines whether the type matches the type of battery cell (200) being transported by the transport member (400) stored in the server (800, see FIG. 8).

[0053] Figure 3 is an example of a transfer member (400) according to the present disclosure.

[0054] The above transport member (400, or tray) can be used to accommodate battery cells (200, see FIG. 1) and move them from one device to another.

[0055] To this end, the transfer member (400) may include a transfer case (410) with an open upper portion, and a grip portion (450) positioned inside the transfer case (410) to detachably fix the battery cell (200).

[0056] The above transport case (410) is provided in a box shape and can accommodate a plurality of battery cells (200) therein. The above transport case (410) can include a transport floor panel (417) that supports the grip portion (450), a first extension panel (411) that extends upward from one corner of the transport floor panel (417), a second extension panel (412), a first measurement panel (415), and a second measurement panel (416).

[0057] The above transport floor panel (417) can support the grip portion (450) and the battery cell (200) fixed by the grip portion (450).

[0058] The first extension panel (411) and the second extension panel (412) can be positioned to face each other.

[0059] The first measurement panel (415) and the second measurement panel (416) are positioned to face each other and may include a first opening (413) and a second opening (414), respectively.

[0060] The first measurement panel (415) and the second measurement panel (416) may have the same shape. Similarly, the first extension panel (411) and the second extension panel (412) may have the same shape. Accordingly, even if the left and right of the transfer member (400) are reversed, the measurement unit (320) can be used without having to change its position. In other words, the first extension panel (411) and the second extension panel (412) have the same shape to increase the efficiency of the assembly process.

[0061] The transfer member (400) can be positioned on the placement member (330) so that the first measurement panel (415) and the second measurement panel (416) are placed parallel to the moving direction of the placement member (330, see FIG. 4) to be described later. This is to allow the measurement member (320) to contact one end of the grip member (450) or one end of the battery cell (200) inside the transfer case (410) through the first opening (413) or the second opening (414). Accordingly, the battery cell accommodated in the transfer member (400) can be placed in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction.

[0062] The above-mentioned transport member (400) may be moved between each device using a transport system such as a conveyor belt. In addition, the above-mentioned transport members (400) may be moved by being stacked. To this end, the shape of the transport floor panel (417) of one transport case (410) may be formed to correspond to the shape of the upper surface of another transport case (410) so that they can be easily stacked. For example, if the lower shape of the transport floor panel (417) is female, the shape of the upper surface of the transport case (410) may be male.

[0063] The above grip portion (450) can fix the battery cell (200) to the inside of the transport case (410).

[0064] The grip portion (450) can be fixed to the inside of the transfer member (400) in a detachable manner by contacting both ends of the battery cell (200) along the protruding direction in which the lead tab portion (211, 212, see FIG. 1) protrudes. This is to prevent the battery cell (200) from shaking and falling over during movement and colliding with another adjacent battery cell (200) and being damaged.

[0065] The protruding direction may be the direction in which the grip portion (450) moves. However, since this is the case for a pouch-shaped battery cell, the grip portion (450) may move in a different direction in a square or cylindrical battery cell. In other words, as long as the grip portion (450) can secure a battery cell of any shape to the interior of the transfer member (400), it may move in any direction.

[0066] Meanwhile, the lengths of the two ends of the battery cell (200) may be different along the protruding direction. This is because the specifications of the battery cell (200) may vary depending on the environment, device, or purpose in which the battery cell (200) is used.

[0067] If the length of the battery cell (200) along the protruding direction is referred to as the width, the battery cell (200) can be classified into a long width battery cell and a short width battery cell depending on the relative size of the width. In this specification, only two types of battery cells are described, and since long width and short width are relative concepts, there may be other types of battery cells with different widths in addition to the two types.

[0068] Meanwhile, if the battery cell has positive and negative terminals with different electrical polarities protruding in the same direction, the type of the battery cell can be defined as the width of the length along the direction parallel to the imaginary line connecting the positive and negative terminals. Alternatively, the width can be defined as the length along the direction in which the positive and negative terminals protrude. In addition, in the case of a cylindrical battery cell, the outer diameter of the cylinder shape can be defined as the width.

[0069] The above-mentioned transport member (400) can transport both the long-width battery cells and the short-width battery cells. To this end, the length (GL) between the grip portions (450) can be adjusted according to the width of the battery cells.

[0070] The grip portion (450) can come into contact with at least one lead tab portion (211, 212) along the protruding direction. To this end, the grip portion (450) can include a first grip (451) and a second grip (453) that are movable so as to come into contact with the lead tab portion (211, 212) along the protruding direction.

[0071] The first grip (451) and the second grip (453) may contact an area including both ends of the battery cell (200) along the protruding direction, thereby detachably fixing the battery cell (200) to the inside of the transfer member (400).

[0072] Meanwhile, the transfer member (400) may include an information section (490) that is located in the transfer case (410) and contains information including the type of battery cell (200) accommodated in the transfer member (400). The information section (490) may be a barcode attached to the surface of the transfer case (410), or may be a chip or tag using an RFID method embedded in the transfer case (410).

[0073] The battery manufacturing system (1000) can scan the barcode information or read the chip information to determine the type of battery cell (200) accommodated in the transport member (400). However, since the barcode and chip information can be entered by a worker, errors may exist in the information. The battery inspection device (300), inspection method using the same, and battery manufacturing system using the same according to the present disclosure are intended to prevent such errors.

[0074] FIG. 4 is a top view of an example of a battery inspection device (300) according to the present disclosure.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 4, the battery inspection device (300) includes a placement unit (330) that moves the transfer member (400), an inflow area (311) and an outflow area (319) located on the placement unit (330) through which the transfer member (400) is introduced and discharged, a measurement area (315) located between the inflow area (311) and the outflow area (319) on the placement unit (330), and a measurement unit (320) located outside the placement unit (330) that determines the type of the battery cell (200) accommodated in the transfer member (400).

[0076] The above-described placement unit (330) can move the transfer member (400) from any device (e.g., a charging / discharging device (100, see FIG. 8)) toward the battery testing device (300) or from the battery testing device (300) to another device (e.g., a degassing device (500, see FIG. 8)).

[0077] The above-mentioned placement unit (330) may be any type of transport means capable of moving the transport member (400) containing the battery cell (200). For example, it may be a conveyor belt or a transport robot. Considering that the battery manufacturing system (1000) is a continuous process, it is preferable that the above-mentioned placement unit (330) be a conveyor belt.

[0078] If the above arrangement (330) is in the form of a conveyor belt, the arrangement (330) may be a part of a conveyor belt formed integrally for smooth connection with other devices or equipment.

[0079] The above-described arrangement (330) may include a transport section (331) that supports the transport member (400) and moves the transport member (400), and a first guide (335) and a second guide (336) positioned on both sides of the transport section (331). Since the heights of the first guide (335) and the second guide (336) are relatively higher than the height of the transport section (331), when the transport section (331) transports the transport member (400), the first guide (335) and the second guide (336) can guide the transport member (400) to move along a preset path. In addition, the step between the first guide (335) and the second guide (336) and the transport section (331) will prevent the transport member (400) from derailing the transport section (331).

[0080] Since the above-mentioned transfer member (400) is moved by the placement unit (330) along a preset path, the battery inspection device (300) may include an inflow area (311), an outflow area (319), and a measurement area (315) located on the placement unit (330).

[0081] The above inflow area (311) refers to a specific area into which the transfer member (400) containing the battery cell (200) is introduced through the placement unit (330). The above outflow area (319) refers to a specific area into which the transfer member (400) containing the battery cell (200) that has been inspected in the measurement unit (320) is discharged. In addition, the above measurement area (315) refers to a specific area where inspection is performed through the measurement unit (320).

[0082] The transfer member (400) moved by the above-mentioned placement unit (330) may stop moving in the measurement area (315) and then move again after the inspection of the type of the battery cell (200) is completed. Alternatively, considering that the process is performed continuously, the measurement unit (320) may also inspect the type of the battery cell (200) in the measurement area without stopping the transfer member (400).

[0083] The above measuring unit (320) may be positioned apart from the measuring area (315). That is, the measuring unit (320) may be positioned apart from the placement unit (330) in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the transfer member.

[0084] The above measurement unit (320) may include a measurement probe (3205) that can move toward the transfer member (400) to determine the type of the battery cell (200) accommodated in the transfer member (400) that has reached the measurement area (315).

[0085] More specifically, the measuring unit (320) can move the measuring probe (3205) along the protruding direction until it contacts one end of the battery cell (200) or one end of the grip unit (450) located relatively close to the measuring unit (320).

[0086] As described above, the protruding direction may be the direction in which the grip portion (450) moves. Alternatively, the protruding direction may be any direction perpendicular to the direction in which the transfer member (400) moves in the placement portion (330). However, since this is the case of a pouch-type battery cell, the grip portion (450) may move in a different direction in a square or cylindrical battery cell. That is, as long as the grip portion (450) can fix a battery cell of any shape to the inside of the transfer member (400), it may move in any direction.

[0087] The reason why the above measurement probe (3205) can contact one end of the battery cell (200) or one end of the grip portion (450) is because the first opening (413) and the second opening (414) are positioned parallel to the movement direction of the placement portion (330). Therefore, the measurement probe (3205) can move to the inside of the transfer member (400) through the first opening (413) or the second opening (414) and contact the battery cell (200) or the grip portion (450).

[0088] That is, the measuring unit (320) can measure the movement length (IL, see FIG. 5) of the measuring probe (3205) by moving the measuring probe (3205) from a preset first position (P1, see FIG. 5) to a second position (P2, see FIG. 5) in contact with the grip unit (450).

[0089] While the first position (P1) is fixed, the second position (P2) will vary depending on the type of the battery cell (200). Accordingly, the movement length (IL) will vary depending on the type of the battery cell (200). Through this, the measuring unit (320) can determine the type of the battery cell (200). The principle of determining the type of the battery cell (200) is described below in FIG. 6.

[0090] FIG. 5 is a view of an example of a battery inspection device (300) according to the present disclosure, viewed from one side perpendicular to the direction of movement of the transfer member (400).

[0091] Referring to FIG. 5, the placement unit (330) can move the transfer members (400) by stacking them in the vertical direction to increase manufacturing efficiency. To this end, the measurement unit (320) can be placed according to the height of each transfer member (400).

[0092] That is, the measuring unit (320) may include a first measuring unit (321) that moves toward a grip portion (450) of the first conveying unit (401) or a battery cell (200) accommodated in the first conveying unit (401) at a first height (H1) preset based on the bottom surface of the first conveying unit (401) located at the bottom among the vertically stacked conveying units (400). In addition, the measuring unit (320) may include a second measuring unit (322) that moves toward a grip portion (450) of the second conveying unit (402) located at the top among the vertically stacked conveying units (401, 402) or a battery cell (200) accommodated in the first conveying unit (401) at a second height (H2) preset based on the bottom surface of the first conveying unit (401).

[0093] More specifically, the first measuring unit (321) may include a first measuring probe (3215) that moves toward the grip portion (450) of the first transfer member (401) or the battery cell (200) accommodated in the first transfer member (401) at the first height. Similarly, the second measuring unit (322) may include a second measuring probe (3225) that moves toward the grip portion (450) of the second transfer member (402) or the battery cell (200) accommodated in the second transfer member (402) at the second height.

[0094] The first measuring unit (321) can move the first measuring probe (3215) from a preset first position (P1) to a second position (P2) that contacts one end of the grip portion (450) of the first transfer member (401) that is relatively close to the first measuring probe (3215) or one end of the battery cell (200) accommodated in the first transfer member (401), thereby measuring the moving length (IL) of the first measuring probe (3215).

[0095] Likewise, the second measuring unit (322) can move the second measuring probe (3225) from a preset second position (P2) to a second position (P2) that contacts one end of the grip portion (450) of the second transfer member (402) that is relatively close to the second measuring probe (3225) or one end of the battery cell (200) accommodated in the second transfer member (402), thereby measuring the moving length (IL) of the second measuring probe (3225).

[0096] Meanwhile, the placement unit (330) may further include a placement support unit (339) that supports the transport unit (331), the first guide (335), and the second guide (336). The measurement unit (320) may further include a connection unit (328) that connects the placement support unit (339) and the measurement unit (320).

[0097] In Fig. 5, since the types of battery cells (200) loaded on the first transfer member (401) and the second transfer member (402) are the same, the moving length (IL) is shown to be the same. However, if the types of battery cells (200) loaded on the first transfer member (401) and the second transfer member (402) are different, the moving lengths (IL) will also be different.

[0098] The first measuring unit (321) and the second measuring unit (322) can be fixed by a measuring support unit (329) located outside the placement unit (330) in the measuring area (315). Therefore, the first positions (P1) of the first measuring probe (3215) and the second measuring probe (3225) can be the same. The measuring support unit (329) can be connected to the ground or the connecting unit (328) to fix the position of the measuring unit (320). Through this, the first position (P1) will be fixed to one position.

[0099] The above battery inspection device (300) may further include an inspection control unit (360) that controls the measurement unit (320) and the placement unit (330) and can communicate with an externally located server (800, see FIG. 8).

[0100] The above inspection control unit (360) can determine whether the types of the battery cells (200) match each other based on the information about the type of the battery cells (200) contained in the information unit (490) and the type of the battery cells (200) measured through the measurement unit (320).

[0101] Information on the type of the battery cell (200) contained in the information section (490) may be read by a separate reader section (not shown) and stored in the server (800) before measuring the type of the battery cell (200) by the measuring section (320).

[0102] The above-described leader unit may be included in the battery testing device (300) and positioned between the inflow area (311) and the measurement area (315). Alternatively, the leader unit may be positioned between the charging / discharging device (100, see FIG. 8) positioned before the battery testing device (300) and the battery testing device (300). Information on the battery cell (200) accommodated in the transfer member (400) through the information unit (490) will be read by the upper leader unit (not shown) and stored in the server.

[0103] FIG. 6 illustrates the principle by which the measuring unit (320, see FIG. 4) according to the present disclosure determines the type of battery cell (200).

[0104] Referring to FIG. 6, the battery cell (200) is fixed by the grip portion (450) and supported by the transport floor panel (417) so that it can be accommodated in the transport member (400).

[0105] The above measuring unit (320) can measure the movement length (IL1, IL2) of the measuring probe (3205) by moving the measuring probe (3205) from a preset first position (P1) to a second position (P2, see FIG. 5) that contacts one end of the grip unit (450) or one end of the battery cell.

[0106] That is, the measuring unit (320) can move the measuring probe (3205) until it contacts one end of the grip unit (450) that is closer to the measuring unit (320). Alternatively, the measuring unit (320) can move the measuring probe (3205) until it contacts one end of the battery cell (200) accommodated in the transfer member (400) that is closer to the measuring unit (320).

[0107] While the first position (P1) is fixed, the second position (P2) will vary depending on the type of the battery cell (200). Accordingly, the movement length (IL1, IL2) will vary depending on the type of the battery cell (200). Through this, the measuring unit (320) can determine the type of the battery cell (200).

[0108] For example, the movement length (IL1) of the measurement probe (3205) in a long-width battery cell (201) will be shorter than the movement length (IL2) of the measurement probe (3205) in a short-width battery cell (202). That is, the second position (P2') in the case of the short-width battery cell (202) is closer to the center of the transfer member (400) than the second position (P2) in the case of the long-width battery cell (201).

[0109] Even if there is an error in the above measurement probe (3205), it can be ignored because the difference between the length (L1) of the long battery cell (201) and the length (L2) of the short battery cell (202) is large.

[0110] In addition, the measuring unit (320) may be able to determine the type of the battery cell (200) in more detail. For example, if there are four types of widths of the battery cell (200), the moving length (IL) of the measuring probe (3205) may also be divided into five types to determine the type of battery cell.

[0111] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a test method using a battery test device (300) according to the present disclosure.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 7, the inspection method of the battery inspection device (300) according to the present disclosure or the inspection method using the battery inspection device includes a step (S100) of placing the transfer member (400) containing the battery cell (200) in the measurement area (315) located on the placement unit (330) through the placement unit (330), a step (S300) of determining the type of the battery cell (200) inside the transfer member (400) through the measurement unit (320), a step (S500) of comparing whether the type of the battery cell (200) obtained through an externally located server (800) matches the type of the battery cell (200) measured through the measurement unit (320), and a step (S700) of determining whether to move the transfer member (400) containing the battery cell (200) based on whether the types of the battery cells (200) match.

[0113] The step (S700) of processing the transport member (400) containing the battery cell (200) may, when the types of the battery cells (200) match, move the transport member (400) containing the battery cell (200) to a degassing device (500) that removes gas generated inside the battery cell (200) (S720).

[0114] In contrast, the step (S700) of processing the transfer member (400) in which the battery cell (200) is accommodated may notify (S710) or warn the user when it is determined that the types of the battery cells (200) do not match each other.

[0115] The inspection method of the battery inspection device (300) according to the present disclosure can warn an operator or worker that the type of the battery cell (200) contained in the information section (490) and the type of the battery cell (200) loaded on the transport member (400) are inconsistent with each other through a monitor, a mobile phone (or tablet), or a terminal managing the process.

[0116] Through this, the battery inspection device (300) can prevent a long-width battery cell from entering a degassing device (500) that degasses a short-width battery cell and the degassing device (500) from being damaged.

[0117] Meanwhile, as described above, in the step (S300) of determining the type of the battery cell (200) inside the transfer member (400) through the measuring unit (320), the inspection method of the battery inspection device (300) according to the present disclosure can determine the type of the battery cell (200) by moving the measuring probe (3205) included in the measuring unit (320) from a first position (P1) set in advance to a second position (P2) where it contacts a grip portion (450) that detachably fixes the battery cell (200) to the transfer member (400) so as to contact at least one end of the battery cell (200), and using the distance that the measuring probe (3205) moves, the type of the battery cell (200) can be determined.

[0118] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an example of a battery manufacturing system (1000) including a battery inspection device (300) according to the present disclosure.

[0119] The above battery inspection device (300) may constitute a part of a battery manufacturing system (1000) for manufacturing a battery cell.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 8, the battery manufacturing system (1000) can manufacture a battery cell (200) including a main body (215, see FIG. 1) including an electrode assembly (not shown) and an electrolyte (not shown) for immersing the electrode assembly (not shown) therein, and a lead tab portion (211, 212, see FIG. 1) connected to the electrode assembly and protruding outward in a battery assembly process (P100, see FIG. 2).

[0121] In order to provide electrical characteristics to the battery cell (200), the battery manufacturing system (1000) includes a charging / discharging device (100) for charging / discharging the battery cell (200), and a degassing device (500) for removing gas generated inside the battery cell (200).

[0122] In addition, the battery manufacturing system (1000) includes a battery inspection device (300) that determines the type of battery cell (200) accommodated in the transport member (400) when the transport member (400) accommodates the battery cell (200) from the charging / discharging device (100) to the degassing device (500).

[0123] Since the type of the battery cell (200) is measured and determined based on the width of the battery cell (200) through the battery inspection device (300), the battery manufacturing system (1000) can compare the type of the battery cell (200) contained in the transport member (400) that is receiving the battery cell (200). Through this, the battery manufacturing system (1000) can filter out transport members (400) in which information about the battery cell (200) is incorrectly input.

[0124] The above battery manufacturing system (1000) may include a server (800) containing information about the charging / discharging device (100), the degassing device (500), the battery inspection device (300), and the battery cell (200) being produced.

[0125] In addition, the battery manufacturing system (1000) may further include a process control device (600) that controls the charging / discharging device (100), the degassing device (500), the battery inspection device (300), and the server (800).

[0126] The above process control device (600) may refer to a device installed in one control room of the battery manufacturing system (1000) to comprehensively manage the charging / discharging device (100), the degassing device (500), the battery inspection device (300), and the server (800). Alternatively, the term may be used to refer to all control units individually installed in the charging / discharging device (100), the degassing device (500), the battery inspection device (300), and the server (800).

[0127] The above charging / discharging device (100) may be a device that performs a room temperature charging / discharging process to preliminarily charge / discharge a battery cell (200) that has completed the above assembly process (P100, see FIG. 2) at room temperature. The degassing device (500) may be a device that performs a process of removing gas generated inside a battery cell (200) that has completed the above room temperature charging / discharging process.

[0128] The charging / discharging device (100) and the degassing device (500) can perform the process using a transfer member (400) that accommodates a plurality of battery cells (200) as a single unit. Therefore, in order to move the battery cells (200) discharged from the charging / discharging device (100) to the degassing device (500), the process control device (600) can input or store the type of the battery cell (200) in the information section (490) of the transfer member (400) according to an input from a user (or worker). Preferably, the information section (490) may be in the form of a barcode, but alternatively, it may be a chip using RFID.

[0129] Meanwhile, the process control device (600) can read the information contained in the information unit (490) with a reader and then store it in the server (800). The process control device (600) can track the transport member (400) using the information unit (490) or the server (800) and determine the type of battery cell (200) loaded on the transport member (400). However, in order to block errors that may contain incorrect information, the battery manufacturing system (1000) according to the present disclosure can compare the type of battery cell (200) contained in the information unit (490) or the server (800) with the type of battery cell (200) measured by the battery inspection device (300).

[0130] The present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and modifications, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Therefore, if a modified embodiment includes elements of the claims of the present disclosure, it should be considered to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In a battery inspection device for determining the type of battery cell in a transfer member including a grip portion for detachably fixing a battery cell and an information portion containing information on the type of the battery cell, A placement unit for moving the above-mentioned transfer member; An inflow area and an outflow area located on the above-mentioned arrangement, into which the transfer member is introduced and discharged; A measurement area located between the inflow area and the outflow area on the above arrangement; and A battery inspection device including a measuring unit located outside the above-mentioned arrangement unit and configured to determine the type of the battery cell accommodated in the above-mentioned transfer member.

2. In paragraph 1, The above measuring part A battery testing device including a measuring probe movable toward the transfer member located in the measuring area.

3. In paragraph 2, The above measuring part A battery testing device that moves the measuring probe from a preset first position to a second position in contact with the grip portion and measures the moving length of the measuring probe.

4. In paragraph 1, The above measuring unit and the above arrangement unit are controlled, and further include an inspection control unit capable of communicating with an externally located server. The above inspection control unit A battery inspection device that determines whether the types of the battery cells match each other based on the information about the types of the battery cells contained in the information section received through the server and the types of the battery cells measured through the measurement section.

5. In paragraph 1, The above transfer member includes a first transfer member on the arrangement section and a second transfer member stacked on the first transfer member, The above measuring part A first measuring unit that moves toward the grip portion of the first transport member at a first height set based on the bottom surface of the first transport member; and It includes a second measuring unit that moves toward the grip unit of the second transport unit at a second height set based on the bottom surface of the first transport unit; The above first height is A battery inspection device lower than the second height above.

6. In a method for testing a battery testing device, the device includes a placement unit that moves a transfer unit that accommodates a battery cell, and a measurement unit that is positioned apart from the placement unit and determines the type of the battery cell accommodated in the transfer unit in a preset measurement area. A step of placing the transfer member containing the battery cell through the placement unit in a measuring area located on the placement unit; A step of determining the type of the battery cell inside the transfer member through the measuring unit; A step of comparing whether the type of the battery cell obtained through the externally located server matches the type of the battery cell measured through the measuring unit; and An inspection method of a battery inspection device, comprising: a step of processing whether the transfer member containing the battery cell moves based on whether the types of the battery cells match; 7. In paragraph 6, The step of processing whether the transfer member containing the above battery cell moves or not is An inspection method of a battery inspection device that moves the transfer member containing the battery cell to a degassing device that removes gas generated inside the battery cell when the types of the battery cell match.

8. In paragraph 7, The step of processing whether the transfer member containing the above battery cell moves or not is A method of testing a battery by a battery testing device that notifies a user when the types of the above battery cells are determined to be different.

9. In paragraph 6, The step of determining the type of the battery cell inside the transfer member through the above measuring unit is A method for testing a battery testing device, wherein the measuring probe included in the measuring unit is moved from a first position set to a second position where it contacts at least one end of the battery cell and contacts a grip portion that detachably fixes the battery cell to the transfer member, and the type of the battery cell is determined using the length of movement of the measuring probe.

10. A charging / discharging device for charging / discharging battery cells; A degassing device for removing gas generated inside the battery cell; and A battery manufacturing system including a battery inspection device that determines the type of battery cell accommodated in the transfer member when moving the transfer member that accommodates the battery cell from the charging / discharging device to the degassing device.

11. In paragraph 10, The above battery test device A placement unit for moving a transfer member that accommodates the above battery cell; An inflow area and an outflow area located on the above-mentioned arrangement, into which the transfer member is introduced and discharged; A measurement area located between the inflow area and the outflow area on the above arrangement; and A battery manufacturing system including a measuring unit located outside the above-mentioned arrangement unit and configured to determine the type of the battery cell accommodated in the transfer member located in the above-mentioned measurement area.

12. In paragraph 11, The above measuring part A battery manufacturing system including a measuring probe movable toward the transfer member located in the measuring area.

13. In paragraph 12, The above measuring part A battery manufacturing system for measuring a moving length of the measuring probe by moving the measuring probe from a first position set in advance to a second position where it contacts at least one end of the battery cell inside the transfer member and contacts a grip portion that detachably fixes the battery cell.

14. In paragraph 11, A battery manufacturing system further comprising a server that stores information on battery cells accommodated and moved in the above-mentioned transport member.

15. In paragraph 14, It further includes a process control device that controls the charging / discharging device, the degassing device, the battery inspection device, and the server. The above process control device A battery manufacturing system that determines whether the types of the battery cells match each other based on information about the types of the battery cells received through the server and the types of the battery cells measured through the battery inspection device.

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