Device for inspecting appearance and dimensions of battery cells

Abstract

Provided is a battery cell inspection device comprising an inspection unit for inspecting the appearance and dimensions of a battery cell and a defect sorting unit which sorts out defects on the basis of the inspection results. The inspection unit comprises: a mover comprising a track travelling portion which moves while being guided along a linear track and a cell seating portion installed on the track travelling portion; a position changing guide which changes the relative position or arrangement of the cell seating portion with respect to the mover; a clean booth through which the linear track passes and through which the mover and the battery cell seated on the mover pass; and an exterior dimension inspector which is installed in an inspection section that is at a position advanced from the clean booth. The defect sorting unit has a normal product return line for re-classifying battery cells, which have been determined to be normal in a supplementary determination, as normal products.

Description

Battery cell appearance and dimension inspection device

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2024-0070073, dated May 29, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery cell inspection device, and more particularly, to a device for inspecting the appearance and dimensions of a battery cell before shipment of a cylindrical battery cell.

[0003] Cylindrical battery cells are manufactured by housing electrode assemblies wound in a jelly-roll configuration inside a metal can. These manufactured battery cells undergo a final visual inspection before shipment.

[0004] Meanwhile, demand for battery products requiring large storage capacities is increasing, leading to a gradual increase in the capacity of cylindrical battery cells. As the capacity of a single battery cell increases, final inspection before shipment requires not only a simple appearance inspection but also dimensional inspection.

[0005] However, since conventional final inspection devices before shipment only inspect the appearance of battery cells, it is difficult to apply conventional inspection devices to large cylindrical battery cells that require dimensional inspection.

[0006] Furthermore, as the capacity of a single battery cell increases, the unit price also increases. Therefore, applying the conventional pre-shipment visual inspection method, which is prone to over-inspection, would significantly increase the number of discarded good products, leading to significant cost losses.

[0007] In addition, the conventional inspection method was not only slow in inspection speed, but also did not automatically load good and defective products, so it required a lot of personnel for the shipping process and the time required for the shipping process was considerable.

[0008] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-described problems, and aims to provide an inspection device capable of performing highly accurate appearance and dimensional inspection.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide an inspection device capable of performing appearance and dimension inspection at high speed, thereby reducing the time required for shipping work.

[0010] The present invention aims to provide an inspection device that can minimize the number of personnel required for shipment work and reduce the time required for shipment work by automatically discharging and loading good and defective products and performing the process unmanned.

[0011] The technical objectives of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above. Other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned above can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0012] The present invention provides a battery cell inspection device including an inspection unit that inspects the appearance and dimensions of a battery cell.

[0013] The above battery cell may be a cylindrical battery cell.

[0014] The above battery cell inspection device may further include a defective sorting unit that sorts out and separately discharges battery cells determined to be defective among the battery cells that have passed the inspection unit.

[0015] The above battery cell inspection device may further include a good product discharge unit that discharges battery cells judged as good by the defective product sorting unit.

[0016] The above inspection unit includes a linear track extending along a transport direction and a mover moving along the linear track.

[0017] The above movers are provided in multiple numbers, and each can be independently controlled for movement.

[0018] The above mover has a track driving section connected to the linear track so that movement in the transport direction is guided by the linear track, and a cell mounting section installed on the track driving section.

[0019] The above cell mounting portion can be placed on the track driving portion.

[0020] A battery cell for which an appearance and dimension inspection is to be performed can be mounted on the above cell mounting portion.

[0021] The above inspection unit includes a clean booth for removing foreign substances or contaminants that may exist on the surface of the battery cell.

[0022] The above clean booth has an inlet and an outlet through which the battery cells mounted on the mover pass.

[0023] The above inlet and outlet can be provided at each end of the clean booth in the transport direction.

[0024] The above linear track can penetrate the above clean booth.

[0025] The above mover can also pass through the above clean booth.

[0026] The inlet and / or outlet may have a shape through which the linear track passes and through which the mover and the battery cells mounted on the mover pass.

[0027] The above inlet and / or outlet may have a shape that includes, but is slightly larger than, the cross-section of the linear track as viewed in the transport direction and the outline of the mover and battery cell.

[0028] The above inspection unit includes an inspection section provided at a position further forward in the transport direction than the clean booth, and an exterior dimension inspector provided in the inspection section.

[0029] The above inspection unit may include a posture change guide that comes into contact with the mover and changes the relative position or posture of the cell mounting portion with respect to the mover.

[0030] The above cell mounting portion may include a mounting member having a mounting surface on which the battery cell is mounted.

[0031] The above-mentioned mounting member may have a built-in magnet arranged on the back surface of the mounting surface. The magnet may magnetically attract the battery cell mounted on the mounting surface without directly contacting the battery cell, thereby maintaining a stable mounting state of the battery cell.

[0032] The surface of the above-mentioned settling surface may have a high coefficient of friction.

[0033] The surface material of the above-mentioned mounting surface may be a softer material than the metal can of the battery cell.

[0034] The above-mentioned posture change guide can change the relative position or posture of the above-mentioned mounting member with respect to the above-mentioned track driving member by contacting the above-mentioned cell mounting member.

[0035] The above-mentioned posture change guide may include a rail cam follower extending along the travel direction of the linear track.

[0036] The above cell mounting portion may include a body fixed to the track driving portion and a cam block installed on the body so as to be relatively movable with respect to the body.

[0037] The above cam block can move along a predetermined movement trajectory.

[0038] The above cell mounting portion may further include a cam guide installed on the body to regulate the movement trajectory of the cam block.

[0039] The above-mentioned fixing member can be linked to the movement of the cam block.

[0040] The cam block may come into contact with the rail cam follower in an extended section as the mover moves in the transport direction along the linear track.

[0041] The above rail cam follower may have a contact profile that comes into contact with the cam block.

[0042] The above contact profile may extend along the transport direction and have a section with varying height.

[0043] The above rail cam follower may be a wall extending parallel to the travel direction of the linear track and extending in the vertical direction.

[0044] The above contact profile may be provided on one side of the wall facing the cam block.

[0045] The above contact profile may be a slot groove shape provided on one side of the wall.

[0046] The movement trajectory of the above cam block can be extended up and down.

[0047] The above cam guide may be a pair of rods extending in parallel in the vertical direction.

[0048] The cross-section of the above load may be circular.

[0049] A pair of said loads may be spaced apart in the transport direction on one side of said body.

[0050] The above cam block may have a hole through which a pair of the above rods pass.

[0051] The cam block may be arranged on one side of the body and may have a shape that extends long in the transport direction. Specifically, the cam block may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0052] On the outer surface of the cam block facing one side of the wall, a rail cam protruding laterally to be inserted into the slot groove may be provided.

[0053] The above rail cam may be in the form of a roller that rotates around a rotational axis extending laterally.

[0054] The diameter of the above roller may be slightly smaller than the width of the above slot groove.

[0055] The above cell mounting portion may further include a body cam follower installed on the body and connected to the mounting member so as to link with the movement of the cam block.

[0056] The above body cam follower can be installed on the body so as to be rotatable about a central axis extending in the vertical direction.

[0057] The above body can rotatably support the body cam follower at the upper and lower portions of the body cam follower.

[0058] The above body cam follower may have a cylindrical shape.

[0059] A spiral groove may be provided on the outer surface of the above cam follower.

[0060] The above spiral groove can be provided over a section of approximately 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the cam follower.

[0061] The upper and lower parts of the above spiral groove can extend straight in the vertical direction.

[0062] On the inner side opposite to the outer side of the cam block, a body cam protruding laterally to be inserted into the spiral groove may be provided.

[0063] The above body cam may be in the form of a roller that rotates around a rotational axis extending laterally.

[0064] The diameter of the above roller may be slightly smaller than the width of the above spiral groove.

[0065] The change in height of the above contact profile can correspond to the elevation height of the cam block.

[0066] The lifting height of the above cam block can correspond to the length of the section in which the spiral groove is formed in the vertical direction.

[0067] The above-mentioned fixing member can be connected to the upper portion of the body cam follower.

[0068] At this time, the center of the above-mentioned fixing member and the center of the body cam follower can be connected in a mutually aligned state.

[0069] The above-mentioned fixing member can move integrally with the body cam follower.

[0070] In a state where the cam block does not come into contact with the rail cam follower, the cam block can be positioned at the maximum lowered position.

[0071] The heights of both ends of the contact profile in the transport direction can correspond to the maximum lowering position of the cam block.

[0072] The above-mentioned securing member is rotatable between a first position and a second position, and can be elastically supported in a direction in which the securing member rotates from the second position to the first position.

[0073] The angle between the first position and the second position may be approximately 90 degrees.

[0074] The above body cam follower is rotatable between a third position and a fourth position, and can be elastically supported in a direction in which the body cam follower rotates from the fourth position to the third position.

[0075] The angle between the third position and the third position may be approximately 90 degrees.

[0076] The cam block is movable between the fifth position and the sixth position, and can be elastically supported in a direction in which the cam block can move from the sixth position to the fifth position.

[0077] The fifth position may be the maximum lowering position of the cam block, and the sixth position may be the maximum raising position of the cam block.

[0078] The first, third and fifth positions may be mutually interconnected positions, and the second, fourth and sixth positions may be mutually interconnected positions.

[0079] The elastic member providing the above elasticity can be connected to any one of the mounting member, the body cam follower, and the cam block.

[0080] The battery cell mounted on the cell mounting portion can be maintained in a first position in which the axial direction of the battery cell is parallel to the transport direction, or can be changed to a second position in which the axial direction intersects the transport direction by the cell mounting portion.

[0081] The above battery cell can maintain the first posture when the mover does not contact the posture change guide.

[0082] The above first posture can correspond to the above first position, and the above second posture can correspond to the above second position.

[0083] The above first position can correspond to the above third position, and the above second position can correspond to the above fourth position.

[0084] The above first position can correspond to the above fifth position, and the above second position can correspond to the above sixth position.

[0085] The above clean booth may include a pneumatic nozzle that discharges air to the battery cell inside the clean booth, and a suction unit that sucks air inside the clean booth to the outside.

[0086] The above pneumatic nozzle is built into the clean booth and can discharge air to the battery cell in a direction crossing the transport direction of the battery cell.

[0087] The above suction unit can be placed between the inlet and the outlet in the transport direction.

[0088] The above pneumatic nozzle may have a cross duct extending laterally and a pair of side ducts extending downward from each end of the cross duct.

[0089] The above cross duct may be provided with a first discharge port that is opened downward.

[0090] The first discharge port is provided in plurality, and the plurality of first discharge ports can be spaced apart from each other along the extension direction of the cross duct.

[0091] Each of the above side ducts may be provided with a second discharge port opened in a direction facing each other.

[0092] In each side duct, a plurality of second discharge ports are provided, and the plurality of second discharge ports can be spaced apart from each other along the extension direction of the side duct.

[0093] The above suction unit can be placed at a position corresponding to the position where the pneumatic nozzle is placed in the transport direction.

[0094] The above suction unit can be placed on both sides and the lower surface of the clean booth.

[0095] The above clean booth may include a partition provided inside the clean booth between the inlet and the pneumatic nozzle and / or suction unit in the transport direction.

[0096] The above bulkhead may be provided in the form of a wall surface extending in a direction intersecting the transport direction.

[0097] The above bulkhead may be provided with a through hole through which the battery cell passes.

[0098] The above-mentioned through hole may have a shape through which the linear track passes and through which the mover and the battery cell mounted on the mover can pass.

[0099] The above-mentioned passage hole may have a shape that includes a cross-section of the linear track as viewed in the transport direction and an outline of the mover and battery cell, but is slightly larger than that.

[0100] A plurality of the above bulkheads are provided, and the plurality of the above bulkheads can be spaced apart from each other in the transport direction.

[0101] The above clean booth may further include an air curtain section that discharges air to the outlet in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the battery cells around the outlet.

[0102] The above air curtain portion is installed on both sides of the outlet from the outside of the outlet and can extend in the vertical direction. The air curtain portion can discharge air across the outlet.

[0103] The above battery cell can pass through the clean booth in the first posture.

[0104] In one inspection section, multiple external dimension inspectors can be positioned in duplicate along the transport direction.

[0105] The above external dimension inspector may include a flat surface inspector.

[0106] In one inspection section, multiple flat inspection machines (2D inspection machines) can be positioned in duplicate along the transport direction.

[0107] The above external dimension inspector may include a stereoscopic inspector (3D inspector).

[0108] In one inspection section, multiple stereoscopic inspection machines can be positioned in duplicate along the transport direction.

[0109] The above external dimension inspector may include both a flat surface inspector and a stereoscopic inspector.

[0110] The above-mentioned flat inspection device and stereoscopic inspection device can be placed adjacent to each other in the transport direction.

[0111] The above inspection section may be arranged in multiple numbers along the above transport direction.

[0112] The plurality of inspection sections may include a side inspection section for inspecting a side surface of the battery cell.

[0113] The above battery cell can pass through the side inspection section in the first posture.

[0114] The plurality of inspection sections may include upper and lower inspection sections for inspecting the upper and lower surfaces of the battery cell.

[0115] The above battery cell can pass through the inspection section in the above second posture.

[0116] The above plurality of inspection sections may include a plurality of side inspection sections.

[0117] The plurality of side inspection sections may include a first side inspection section for inspecting the side of a predetermined section in a circumferential direction, and a second side inspection section for inspecting the side of a section remaining in the circumferential direction excluding at least a portion of the predetermined section.

[0118] The above inspection unit may further include a cell invertor that inverts and re-settles the battery cell seated on the cell mounting portion.

[0119] The above cell inverter can be placed between the first side inspection section and the second side inspection section in the transport direction.

[0120] The above-mentioned posture change guide may be provided in at least one of the plurality of inspection sections.

[0121] The above posture change guide may be provided in the side inspection section or the upper and lower inspection section.

[0122] The above inspection unit may further include a marking unit for marking a battery cell mounted on the cell mounting unit.

[0123] The above marking can be done using a laser marking method.

[0124] The above defective sorting unit may include a first transport line for transporting battery cells that have passed through the inspection unit, and a defective discharge line branching from the first transport line.

[0125] The above defective discharge line can be connected to a second transport line that operates independently of the first transport line.

[0126] Among the battery cells in the first transfer line, battery cells that are judged to be defective in the appearance and dimension inspection conducted through the inspection unit in advance can be transferred from the first transfer line to the second transfer line through the defective discharge line.

[0127] The above judgment can be made automatically by software.

[0128] The above second transport line can be extended to a sorting discharge line for sorting and discharging defective battery cells.

[0129] In the second transport line, a judgment waiting section for the results of the supplementary judgment may be provided between the defective discharge line and the sorting discharge line in the transport direction.

[0130] The above supplementary judgment can be made by a person confirming the results of the test previously performed in the test unit.

[0131] In the second transfer line, a good product return line may be provided between the judgment waiting section and the sorting discharge line in the transfer direction to return battery cells judged to be good in the supplementary judgment to the first transfer line.

[0132] In the above second transport line, a plurality of sorting discharge lines can be connected so as to branch off.

[0133] Each of the above-described sorting and discharge lines may serve as a route for discharging defective battery cells classified by different defect causes. For example, the first sorting and discharge line may serve as a route for discharging defective battery cells caused by foreign substances, and the second sorting and discharge line may serve as a route for discharging battery cells with defects such as scratches or dents.

[0134] In the second transport line, the battery cells may be transported while being placed on trays. For example, the second transport line may include a conveyor belt, trays placed on the conveyor belt, and battery cells placed on the trays.

[0135] Accordingly, in a section where battery cells are gathered, such as a judgment waiting section, scratches or short circuits occurring in the battery cells due to the battery cells directly contacting a conveyor belt or other transport line can be prevented.

[0136] The above-mentioned good product discharge unit may include a plurality of good product discharge lines connected in parallel to the above-mentioned defective product sorting unit, and a loading unit provided in each good product discharge line.

[0137] The above-mentioned good product discharge unit can be placed in a space adjacent to the loading waiting section where battery cells judged as good products arrive in the first transport line of the above-mentioned defective product sorting unit.

[0138] Each of the quality discharge lines may include a transport guide extending between the loading standby section and the loading section, and a pickup device installed to move along the extension direction of the transport guide. The pickup device may pick up battery cells from the loading standby section and transfer them to a loading bin in the loading section.

[0139] The quality discharge unit can respond to the high-speed logistics speeds required for the previously performed high-speed appearance and dimensional inspections by simultaneously transferring quality battery cells from the loading standby area to multiple loading bins using multiple pickups.

[0140] According to the present invention, high-precision appearance and dimensional inspection can be performed simultaneously and at high speed.

[0141] The present invention enables the shipping operation to be performed at high speed in response to the appearance and dimension inspection performed at high speed, so that the final inspection and shipping operation can be performed quickly.

[0142] The present invention can minimize the number of people required for shipment work and reduce the time required for shipment work by automatically discharging and loading good and defective products and performing the process unmanned.

[0143] The present invention can reduce errors that may result in defective products being judged as defective due to over-inspection during the defective product selection process.

[0144] In addition to the effects described above, specific effects of the present invention are described below while explaining specific details for carrying out the invention.

[0145] Figures 1 and 2 are a perspective view and a plan view of a battery cell inspection device according to the present invention.

[0146] Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views and plan views of the inspection unit.

[0147] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the mover of the inspection unit.

[0148] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a cell mounting portion in which the position of the battery cell in the mover has been changed so that the battery cell can assume the first posture.

[0149] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a cell mounting portion in which the position of the battery cell in the mover has been changed so that the battery cell can assume a second posture.

[0150] Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views of a rail cam follower interacting with a cell mounting portion.

[0151] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the clean booth.

[0152] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the clean booth with part of the cover removed.

[0153] Figures 12 and 13 are perspective views and plan views of the defective sorting unit.

[0154] Figures 14 and 15 are a perspective view and a plan view of a quality discharge unit.

[0155] [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 10: Battery cell 11: Top surface 12: Bottom surface 13: Side surface 20: External dimension inspection device 30: Inspection unit 31: Linear track 31-1: Mounting position 31-2: Discharge position 32: Rail cam follower (attitude change guide) 321: Slot groove (contact profile) 33: Mover 331: Track running part 332: Cell mounting part 333: Body 334: Cam guide (rod) 335: Cam block 3351: Rail cam 3352: Body cam 336: Body cam follower 3361: Spiral groove 337: Mounting member 3371: Mounting surface 3372: Magnet 35: Inspection section 36: Side inspection section 36-1: First side inspection section 36-2: Second side inspection section 37: Upper and lower inspection sections 38: Cell inverter 39: Marking section 40: Clean booth 41: Inlet cover 411: Inlet 42: Top cover 43: Pneumatic nozzle 431: Cross duct 432: Side duct 434: Outlet 45: Side cover 451: Side suction section 46: Bottom cover 461: Bottom suction section 47: Outlet cover 471: Outlet 472: Air curtain section 48: Bulkhead 481: Pass-through hole 50: Exterior dimension inspector 51: Flat surface inspector (2D) 51-1: First flat surface inspector 51-2: Second flat surface inspector 51-3: Third flat surface inspector 51-4: Fourth flat surface inspector 51-5: Fifth flat surface inspector 51-6: Sixth flat surface inspector 51-7: Seventh flat surface inspector 51-8: 8th plane inspection machine 52: Stereoscopic inspection machine (3D) 52-1: 1st stereoscopic inspection machine 52-2: 2nd stereoscopic inspection machine 52-3: 3rd stereoscopic inspection machine 52-4: 4th stereoscopic inspection machine 52-5: 5th stereoscopic inspection machine 60: Defect sorting unit 61: 1st transport line 61-1: Good product waiting section 62: Defective product discharge line 63: 2nd transport line 63-1: Judgment waiting section 63-2: Tray discharge line 64: Good product return line 65-1: 1st sorting discharge line 65-2: 2nd sorting discharge line 65-3: 3rd sorting discharge line 65-4: 4th sorting discharge line 70: Tray 80: Good product discharge unit 81: Good product discharge line 82: Transfer guide 83: Picker 84: Loading section 90: Loading box

[0157] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the technical idea of ​​the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of known technologies related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0158] Although terms like "first" and "second" 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, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0159] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0160] Hereinafter, the phrase "any configuration is placed on (or below)" a component or "on (or below)" a component may mean that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, and that other configurations may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0161] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0162] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not necessarily be construed to include all of the components or steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0163] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C to D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0164] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0165] In describing the embodiment, the transport direction means the direction in which the battery cells are transported by a linear track or conveyor belt.

[0166] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of the present invention provides a battery cell inspection device (20) including an inspection unit (30) for inspecting the appearance and dimensions of a cylindrical battery cell (10), a defective product sorting unit (60) for sorting and discharging defective products from battery cells (10) inspected by the inspection unit (30), and a good product discharge unit (80) for loading battery cells (10) sorted as good products by the defective product sorting unit (60) for shipment.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 5, the cylindrical battery cell (10) has an upper surface (11) provided with a first electrode terminal, a side surface (13) having an outer circumferential surface of the cylinder, and a lower surface finished with a vent cap.

[0168] The above-mentioned appearance and dimension inspection is a final inspection procedure for the appearance and dimensions of a finished battery cell (10) prior to final shipment. This inspection procedure is a comprehensive inspection procedure that must be performed on all products. Therefore, to speed up product production, this comprehensive inspection procedure must be performed very quickly.

[0169] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned appearance and dimensional inspection must be performed on the entire lateral perimeter, top surface, and bottom surface of the battery cell (10). This inspection is performed by acquiring images of the side, top, and bottom surfaces of the battery cell (10). Therefore, in the above-mentioned comprehensive inspection procedure, the entire exterior of the battery cell (10) must be photographed quickly.

[0170] Additionally, the above-mentioned appearance and dimensional inspection must be performed quickly and accurately. To this end, an accurate appearance image of the battery cell (10) must be obtained.

[0171] The procedure for the above appearance and dimension inspection can be performed in the inspection unit (30).

[0172] The above-mentioned defective sorting unit (60) sorts out battery cells (10) that have passed the above-mentioned inspection unit (30) and discharges them separately. The above-mentioned defective sorting unit (60) needs to minimize the misjudgment of products that are not actually defective as defective due to excessive standards.

[0173] Unlike typical processes, defective products are judged intermittently and irregularly. Therefore, defective products are delivered irregularly to the conveying line that transports them separately. Conversely, once delivered, defective products must be transported to a designated waiting location. During this process, defective products already waiting in the waiting location slip with the transport line that is operating to transport the defective products. This process can cause damage, such as scratches or short circuits, to the defective products.

[0174] However, if a product that was judged to be defective by over-inspection is damaged as described above, even though it can be re-selected as a good product, it actually becomes a defective product, resulting in waste.

[0175] The above defective product sorting unit (60) must prevent over-inspection from occurring during the process of sorting defective products and prevent products determined to be defective from being further damaged.

[0176] The above-mentioned good product discharge unit (80) discharges the battery cells (10) judged to be good by the above-mentioned defective product sorting unit (60). The above-mentioned good product discharge unit (80) must discharge good products quickly as the inspection speed of the above-mentioned inspection unit (30) is fast.

[0177] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the inspection unit (30) includes a linear track (31) extending along a transport direction, and a mover (33) moving along the linear track (31). A plurality of movers (33) are provided, and each mover can be independently controlled to move. The mover (33) loads a battery cell (10) at a loading position (31-1) of the linear track (31), moves along the linear track (31), and discharges the battery cell (10) at a discharge position (31-2). Then, it returns to the loading position (31-1).

[0178] Conventional conveyor belt-type transport equipment struggles to precisely control the product's position during transport. This makes it difficult to obtain accurate images during exterior and dimensional inspection procedures, which require capturing images through photography. Inaccurate images can lead to over-inspection.

[0179] The above linear track (31) is capable of constant velocity movement, high-speed movement, and high-precision position control. For example, the repeatability accuracy is increased to less than 10 um.

[0180] A linear track (31) capable of high-precision position control in this way can increase the repeatability of captured images to within 1 pixel. This increases inspection accuracy, prevents over-inspection, and minimizes inspection deviation.

[0181] In addition, the linear track (31) generates little vibration during the transport process, so it can also improve the quality of laser marking on the battery cell (10).

[0182] In addition, the linear track (31) is capable of constant velocity movement. Therefore, 3D inspection using a line scan method becomes possible.

[0183] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the mover (33) has a track driving part (331) connected to the linear track (31) so that movement in the transport direction is guided by the linear track, and a cell mounting part (332) installed on the track driving part (331). The cell mounting part (332) may be placed on the track driving part (331). A battery cell (10) for which an appearance and dimension inspection is to be performed may be mounted on the cell mounting part (332).

[0184] The above cell mounting portion (332) has a mounting member (337) provided with a mounting surface (3371) on which the battery cell (10) is mounted. The mounting member (337) has a concave upper surface corresponding to the side surface of the battery cell (10). The mounting member (337) is provided in the form of blocks provided on both sides in a direction corresponding to the axial direction of the battery cell (10). A pair of blocks is spaced apart from each other so that the mounting member (337) does not interfere with a gripper for holding and moving the battery cell (10).

[0185] The above-mentioned mounting member (337) may have a built-in magnet (3372) disposed on the back surface of the mounting surface (3371). The magnet (3372) does not directly contact the battery cell (10) mounted on the mounting surface (3371), but magnetically attracts the battery cell (10) to maintain a stable mounting state of the battery cell (10).

[0186] The surface of the above-described mounting surface (3371) has a high coefficient of friction, thereby preventing the battery cell (10) from rotating on the mounting surface (3371). The surface material of the above-described mounting surface (3371) is made of a softer material than the metal can of the battery cell (10), thereby preventing damage to the surface of the metal can. The material may be, for example, synthetic resin.

[0187] The above cell mounting portion (332) has a body (333) fixed to the track driving portion (331) and a cam block (335) installed on the body (333) so as to be relatively movable with respect to the body (333). The body (333) allows the cam block (335) to move along a predetermined movement trajectory and supports the cam block (335).

[0188] The movement trajectory of the above cam block (335) extends up and down.

[0189] The above cell mounting portion (332) further includes a cam guide (334) installed on the body (333) to regulate the movement trajectory of the cam block (335). The cam guide (334) is exemplified as a pair of rods (334) extending in parallel in the vertical direction. The cross-section of the rods (334) is circular. The pair of rods (334) are spaced apart from each other in the movement direction on one side of the body (333).

[0190] The cam block (335) has a hole through which a pair of rods (334) pass. The cam block (335) is arranged on one side of the body (333) and has a shape that extends long in the transport direction. Specifically, the cam block (335) has a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0191] The above-mentioned fixing member (337) is linked to the movement of the cam block (335).

[0192] The embodiment discloses a body cam follower (336) installed on the body (333) and connected to the mounting member (337) to link with the movement of the cam block (335). The cell mounting portion (332) of the embodiment discloses that the mounting member (337) and the cam block (335) are mutually linked through the body cam follower (336). However, the linkage method is not limited thereto.

[0193] The above body cam follower (336) is installed on the body (333) so as to be rotatable about a central axis extending in the vertical direction. The body (333) rotatably supports the body cam follower (336) at the upper and lower portions of the body cam follower (336).

[0194] The above body cam follower (336) has a cylindrical shape, and a spiral groove (3361) is provided on the outer surface of the body cam follower (336). The spiral groove (3361) is provided over a section of approximately 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the body cam follower (336).

[0195] The above-mentioned securing member (337) is connected to the upper portion of the body cam follower (336). At this time, the center of the securing member (337) and the center of the body cam follower (336) are connected in a mutually aligned state. The securing member (337) moves as one unit with the body cam follower (336).

[0196] On the inner surface of the cam block (335) facing the body cam follower (336), a body cam (3352) is provided that protrudes laterally to be inserted into the spiral groove (3361). The body cam (3352) is in the form of a roller that rotates around a rotational axis extending laterally, and the diameter of the roller may be slightly smaller than the width of the spiral groove (3361).

[0197] The elevation height of the above cam block (335) can correspond to the length of the section in which the spiral groove (3361) is formed in the vertical direction.

[0198] The above-mentioned fixing member (337) is rotatable between the first position illustrated in Fig. 6 and the second position illustrated in Fig. 7. The angle between the first position and the second position may be approximately 90 degrees.

[0199] The above body cam follower (336) is rotatable between the third position shown in Fig. 6 and the fourth position shown in Fig. 7. The angle between the third positions may be approximately 90 degrees.

[0200] The cam block (335) is movable between the fifth position shown in Fig. 6 and the sixth position shown in Fig. 7. The embodiment exemplifies that the fifth position is the maximum elevation position of the cam block (335) and the sixth position is the maximum reduction position of the cam block (335).

[0201] The above-mentioned fixing member (337), body cam follower (336) and cam block (335) are mutually linked positions in the first position, third position and fifth position shown in FIG. 6, and are mutually linked positions in the second position, fourth position and sixth position shown in FIG. 7.

[0202] The battery cell (10) mounted on the cell mounting portion (332) can be maintained in a first posture (see FIG. 6) in which the axial direction of the battery cell (10) is parallel to the transport direction by the cell mounting portion (332), or can be changed to a second posture (see FIGS. 5 and 7) in which the axial direction intersects the transport direction.

[0203] Meanwhile, the upper and lower portions of the spiral groove (3361) may be formed to extend straight in the vertical direction. Accordingly, when the cam block (335) is positioned at the upper or lower portion, the cam block (335) reliably prevents the rotation of the body cam follower (336).

[0204] The posture or position of the battery cell (10) mounted on the cell mounting portion (332) can be controlled by the posture change guide (32). The posture change guide (32) comes into contact with the cam block (335) of the cell mounting portion (332) to change the relative position or posture of the mounting member (337) with respect to the track driving portion (331).

[0205] The above-described posture change guide (32) may include a rail cam follower (32) extending along the transport direction of the linear track (31). The cam block (335) comes into contact with the rail cam follower (32) in the extended section as the mover (33) moves along the linear track (31) in the transport direction.

[0206] The above rail cam follower (32) is in the form of a wall extending parallel to the transport direction of the linear track (31) and extending in the vertical direction.

[0207] The above rail cam follower (32) has a contact profile (321) that comes into contact with the cam block (335). The contact profile (321) has a section that maintains a constant height along the transport direction and a section in which the height changes.

[0208] The above contact profile (321) may be in the shape of a slot groove (321) provided on one side of the wall facing the cam block (335).

[0209] On the outer surface of the cam block (335) facing one side of the wall, a rail cam (3351) is provided that protrudes laterally to be inserted into the slot groove (321). The rail cam (3351) protrudes to face the body cam (3352). The rail cam (3351) is in the form of a roller that rotates around a rotational axis that extends laterally. The diameter of the roller may be slightly smaller than the width of the slot groove (321).

[0210] The change in height of the above contact profile (321) can correspond to the elevation height of the cam block (335).

[0211] The above rail cam follower (32) may be provided in at least a portion of the linear track (31). As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the rail cam follower (32) is provided in the entire section of the linear track (31). However, the rail cam follower (32) does not necessarily have to be provided in the entire section.

[0212] When the cam block (335) is in contact with the rail cam follower (32), the vertical position of the cam block (335) can be determined by the contact profile (321).

[0213] In a state where the cam block (335) does not come into contact with the rail cam follower (32), the cam block (335) can be positioned at the maximum lowered position or the maximum raised position.

[0214] The vertical height difference of the above contact profile (321) can correspond to the height difference between the maximum lowering position and the maximum rising position of the cam block (335).

[0215] Accordingly, while the battery cell (10) runs along the linear track (31), the posture of the battery cell (10) can be controlled according to the position of the battery cell (10) with respect to the linear track (31). That is, in the linear track (31) section where the battery cell (10) must maintain the first posture, the contact profile (321) can be at the top, and in the linear track (31) section where the battery cell (10) must maintain the first posture, the contact profile (321) can be at the bottom.

[0216] The above inspection unit (30) captures an image by photographing the exterior of the battery cell (10). The inspection unit (30) is equipped with a clean booth (40) to remove foreign substances or contaminants that may exist on the surface of the battery cell (10) and thereby increase inspection accuracy.

[0217] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the clean booth (40) removes foreign substances on the outside of the battery cell (10) after the battery cell (10) is mounted on the mover (33) and before shooting is performed.

[0218] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the clean booth (40) is a roughly rectangular prism-shaped body having a top cover (42), a pair of side covers (45), a bottom cover (46), an inlet cover (41), and an outlet cover (47).

[0219] In the embodiment, the clean booth (40) is installed so that the linear track (31) passes through the clean booth (40), and the mover (33) is also installed so that it passes through the clean booth (40). However, the clean booth (40) does not necessarily have to be installed in this form.

[0220] The inlet cover (41) and the outlet cover (47) of the above clean booth (40) are arranged opposite each other and each has an inlet (411) and an outlet (471) through which the battery cell (10) mounted on the mover (33) passes. The inlet (411) and the outlet (471) are respectively provided at both ends of the clean booth (40) in the transport direction.

[0221] The inlet (411) and / or outlet (471) may have a shape through which the linear track (31) passes and through which the mover (33) and the battery cell (10) mounted on the mover (33) may pass. At this time, the inlet (411) and / or outlet (471) may have a shape that includes a cross-section of the linear track (31) as viewed in the transport direction and an outline of the mover (33) and the battery cell (10), but is slightly larger than that.

[0222] The above clean booth (40) is equipped with a pneumatic nozzle (43) that discharges air to the battery cell (10) inside the clean booth (40) and a suction unit that sucks air inside the clean booth (40) to the outside.

[0223] The above pneumatic nozzle (43) is built into the clean booth (40) and discharges air to the battery cell (10) in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the battery cell (10). The above pneumatic nozzle (43) can be installed on the upper cover (42).

[0224] The above pneumatic nozzle (43) may be provided with a cross duct (431) extending laterally and a pair of side ducts (432) extending downward from each end of the cross duct.

[0225] The above cross duct (431) has a first discharge port (not shown) that is opened downward. A plurality of the first discharge ports are provided, and the plurality of first discharge ports are spaced apart from each other along the extension direction of the cross duct.

[0226] Each of the side ducts (432) has a second discharge port (434) that is opened in a direction facing each other. A plurality of the second discharge ports (434) are provided in each side duct (432), and the plurality of second discharge ports (434) are spaced apart from each other along the extension direction of the side duct (432).

[0227] The above suction part can be placed at a position corresponding to the position where the pneumatic nozzle (43) is placed in the transport direction.

[0228] The above suction part may include a pair of side suction parts (451) each disposed on a pair of side covers (45) between the inlet (411) and the outlet (471) in the transport direction and / or a lower suction part (461) disposed on the lower cover (46).

[0229] The above clean booth (40) may have an inlet (411) and an outlet (471) that are always open so that the battery cells (10) can continuously pass through. The embodiment discloses a structure that prevents the efficiency of the pneumatic discharge and suction from being lowered due to the inlet (411) and outlet (471) that are always open.

[0230] The above clean booth (40) further includes a partition wall (48) provided inside the clean booth (40) between the inlet (411) and the pneumatic nozzle (43) and / or suction section in the transport direction. The partition wall (48) is provided in the form of a wall surface extending in a direction intersecting the transport direction. A plurality of the partition walls (48) are provided, and a plurality of the partition walls (48) are spaced apart from each other in the transport direction.

[0231] In the above bulkhead (48), a passage hole (481) through which the battery cell (10) passes is provided. The passage hole (481) has a shape through which the linear track (31) passes and through which the mover (33) and the battery cell (10) mounted on the mover (33) can pass. The passage hole (481) includes a cross-section of the linear track (31) as viewed in the transport direction and an outline of the mover (33) and the battery cell (10), but has a shape that is slightly larger than them.

[0232] The above clean booth (40) further includes an air curtain part (472) that discharges air to the outlet (471) in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the battery cell (10) around the outlet (471).

[0233] The above air curtain part (472) is installed on both sides of the outlet (471) outside the outlet (471) and extends in the vertical direction. The air curtain part (472) discharges air so as to cross the outlet (471).

[0234] Accordingly, foreign substances removed from the battery cell (10) inside the clean booth (40) cannot escape outside the clean booth (40) and can be discharged through the suction unit.

[0235] The above battery cell (10) can pass through the clean booth (40) in the first posture. To this end, the contact profile (321) can be extended while maintaining a high position along the transport direction within the clean booth (40).

[0236] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the inspection unit (30) includes an external dimension inspection device (50) installed in an inspection section (35) provided at a position further forward in the transport direction than the clean booth (40).

[0237] In one inspection section (35), multiple external dimension inspectors (50) are arranged in duplicate along the transport direction. In the embodiment, two external dimension inspectors (50) are arranged in duplicate along the transport direction.

[0238] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, two battery cells (10) are each mounted on a mover (33), and then sequentially pass through the clean booth (40) and reach the inspection section (35).

[0239] Two battery cells (10) arrive at one inspection section (35) together.

[0240] Two external dimension inspectors (50) placed in duplicate inspect the two battery cells (10), respectively. That is, inspection of two battery cells (10) is performed simultaneously in one inspection section (35).

[0241] The above-described external dimension inspector (50) includes a flat surface inspector (51). In one inspection section (35), a plurality of flat surface inspectors (51) (2D inspectors) are arranged in duplicate along the transport direction. In the embodiment, two flat surface inspectors (51) are arranged in duplicate.

[0242] The above-described external dimension inspector (50) includes a stereoscopic inspector (52) (3D inspector). In one inspection section (35), a plurality of stereoscopic inspectors (52) are arranged in duplicate along the transport direction. In the embodiment, two stereoscopic inspectors (52) are arranged in duplicate.

[0243] The above-mentioned external dimension inspector (50) includes both a flat surface inspector (51) and a stereoscopic inspector (52). The flat surface inspector (51) and the stereoscopic inspector (52) are arranged adjacent to each other in the transport direction.

[0244] The above inspection section (35) is arranged in multiple numbers along the above transport direction.

[0245] The plurality of inspection sections (35) include a side inspection section (35) for inspecting the side surface of the battery cell (10) and an upper and lower inspection section (35) for inspecting the upper and lower surfaces of the battery cell (10).

[0246] The above battery cell (10) passes through the side inspection section (35) in the first posture and passes through the upper and lower inspection section (35) in the second posture.

[0247] The above side inspection section (35) is provided in multiple numbers.

[0248] The plurality of side inspection sections (35) include a first side inspection section (36-1) that inspects a first side, which is a side of a predetermined section in the circumferential direction, and a second side inspection section (36-2) that inspects a second side, which is a side of the remaining section excluding at least a part of the predetermined section in the circumferential direction.

[0249] The above inspection unit (30) further includes a cell inversion device (38) that inverts and re-settles the battery cell (10) seated on the cell mounting portion (332). The cell inversion device (38) is arranged between the first side inspection section (36-1) and the second side inspection section (36-2) in the transport direction.

[0250] In the embodiment, after passing through the clean booth (40), the first side inspection section (36-1) is first arranged. In the first side inspection section (36-1), the first plane inspection machine (51-1), the first stereoscopic inspection machine (52-1), the second plane inspection machine (51-2), and the second stereoscopic inspection machine (52-2) are arranged in sequence.

[0251] Among the two battery cells (10) that are simultaneously inspected in the first side inspection section (36-1), one of them is inspected while passing through the first plane inspection machine (51-1) and the first stereoscopic inspection machine (52-1), and at the same time, the other one is inspected while passing through the second plane inspection machine (51-2) and the second stereoscopic inspection machine (52-2).

[0252] After passing the first side inspection section (36-1), the cell inverter (38) is placed. Accordingly, the battery cell (10) is inverted and mounted on the mover (33) so that the side (13) that was facing upward faces the floor. Two of the cell inverters (38) are also placed in duplicate along the driving direction, so that two battery cells (10) are inverted and mounted simultaneously.

[0253] After passing the above cell inverter (38), the second side inspection section (36-2) is arranged. In the second side inspection section (36-2), the third plane inspection machine (51-3), the third stereoscopic inspection machine (52-3), the fourth plane inspection machine (51-4), and the fourth stereoscopic inspection machine (52-4) are arranged in sequence.

[0254] Among the two battery cells (10) that are being inspected simultaneously in the second side inspection section (36-2), one of them is inspected while passing through the third plane inspection machine (51-3) and the third stereoscopic inspection machine (52-3), and at the same time, the other one is inspected while passing through the fourth plane inspection machine (51-4) and the fourth stereoscopic inspection machine (52-4).

[0255] After passing the second side inspection section (36-2), the upper and lower inspection section (37) is arranged. In the upper and lower inspection section (37), the fifth plane inspection machine (51-5), the sixth plane inspection machine (51-6), the seventh plane inspection machine (51-7), the eighth plane inspection machine (51-8), and the fifth stereoscopic inspection machine (52-5) are arranged in sequence.

[0256] Among the two battery cells (10) that are simultaneously inspected in the above upper and lower inspection sections (37), one of them is inspected while passing through the fifth plane inspection machine (51-5) and the sixth plane inspection machine (51-6), and at the same time, the other is inspected while passing through the seventh plane inspection machine (51-7), the eighth plane inspection machine (51-8), and the fifth stereoscopic inspection machine (52-5). In addition, one of the above is inspected while passing through the fifth stereoscopic inspection machine (52-5).

[0257] That is, for one of the two battery cells (10) that are inspected simultaneously, the first planar inspection machine (51-1) and the first stereoscopic inspection machine (52-1) acquire planar image information and stereoscopic image information for the first side of the side, the third planar inspection machine (51-3) and the third stereoscopic inspection machine (52-3) acquire planar image information and stereoscopic image information for the second side of the side, the fifth planar inspection machine (51-5) and the sixth planar inspection machine (51-6) acquire top planar image information and bottom planar image information, and the fifth stereoscopic inspection machine (52-5) acquires top and bottom stereoscopic image information. And for the remaining one battery cell (10), the second plane inspector (51-2) and the second stereoscopic inspector (52-2) obtain plane image information and stereoscopic image information for the first side of the side, the fourth plane inspector (51-4) and the fourth stereoscopic inspector (52-4) obtain plane image information and stereoscopic image information for the second side of the side, the seventh plane inspector (51-7) and the eighth plane inspector (51-8) obtain top plane image information and bottom plane image information, and the fifth stereoscopic inspector (52-5) obtains top and bottom stereoscopic image information.

[0258] Planar image information for the first side of the side surface of the battery cell (10) and planar image information for the second side of the side surface are synthesized. Accordingly, planar image information for the entire side surface is produced.

[0259] Additionally, stereoscopic image information for the first side of the side of the battery cell (10) and stereoscopic image information for the second side of the side are synthesized. Accordingly, stereoscopic image information for the entire side is produced.

[0260] A marking section (39) is provided between the second side inspection section (36-2) and the upper and lower inspection sections (37) in the transport direction. The marking section (39) marks the battery cell (10) mounted on the cell mounting section (332). The embodiment exemplifies that the marking is laser marking. And the embodiment exemplifies that the marking section (39) marks the side surface of the battery cell (10).

[0261] The marking on the battery cell (10) can be inspected for appropriateness from images captured in the upper and lower inspection section (37). That is, the marking can be performed after a side inspection. Accordingly, the marking on the side of the battery cell (10) can be prevented from affecting the appearance and dimensional inspection of the side. In addition, inspection of the marking can be performed simultaneously from images captured by the fifth stereoscopic inspection device (52-5) in the upper and lower inspection section (37) without a separate inspection of the marking.

[0262] According to an embodiment, the battery cell (10) can be transferred to a first posture in the side inspection section (36) and the marking section (39), and can be transferred to a second posture in the upper and lower inspection section (37) and the cell inverter (38). However, the matching of postures is not necessarily limited to the embodiment.

[0263] The above-described posture change guide (32) may be provided in at least one of the plurality of inspection sections (35). The embodiment exemplifies that the posture change guide (32) is provided in all inspection sections (35), the contact profile (321) is positioned at the top in the side inspection section (36), and the contact profile (321) is positioned at the bottom in the upper and lower inspection sections (37).

[0264] The above-mentioned attitude change guide (32) may or may not be provided in the cell inverter (38). The embodiment exemplifies that the attitude change guide (32) is provided in the cell inverter (38) and its contact profile (321) is arranged at the bottom.

[0265] The above-mentioned posture change guide (32) may or may not be provided on the marking portion (39). The embodiment exemplifies that the posture change guide (32) is provided on the marking portion (39) and its contact profile (321) is positioned on the upper side.

[0266] The battery cell (10) that has traveled the entire linear track (31) section of FIGS. 3 and 4 is picked up by the mover (33) that has reached the discharge position (31-2) and moved to the defective sorting unit (60) of FIGS. 12 and 13. Then, the mover (33) from which the battery cell (10) has been removed returns to the loading position (31-1) for loading the battery cell (10) to be inspected.

[0267] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 12 and 13, the defective sorting unit (60) includes a first transfer line (61) for transferring battery cells (10) that have passed through the inspection unit (30), a defective discharge line (62) branching from the first transfer line (61), and a second transfer line (63) that operates independently of the first transfer line (61) and is connected to the defective discharge line (62).

[0268] Among the battery cells (10) on the first transfer line (61), the battery cells (10) that are judged as defective in the appearance and dimension inspection previously conducted through the inspection unit (30) are transferred from the first transfer line (61) to the second transfer line (63) through the defective discharge line (62). The determination is made by automatically selecting the appearance defect or the dimension defect using software based on the image information produced by the inspection unit (30). The determination can simply determine whether there is a defect or not, and additionally, the specific content of the defect can be determined. For example, the location and type of the defect, such as a dimensional defect, exterior damage on the side of the battery cell, or exterior damage on the top surface of the battery cell, can be determined.

[0269] The second transfer line (63) may be branched into a sorting discharge line (65) for sorting and discharging defective battery cells (10). A plurality of sorting discharge lines (65) are connected to the second transfer line (63) in a branched manner.

[0270] Each of the above sorting discharge lines (65) may be a path for discharging defective battery cells (10) classified by different causes of defects. For example, the first sorting discharge line (65-1) may be a path for discharging defective battery cells (10) caused by foreign substances, the second sorting discharge line (65-2) may be a path for discharging battery cells (10) with defects such as scratches or dents, the third sorting discharge line (65-3) may be a path for discharging defective battery cells (10) whose dimensional errors exceed the allowable tolerance, and the fourth sorting discharge line (65-4) may be a reserve line for preparing for new types of defect categories that may be added in the future.

[0271] Meanwhile, in the second transport line (63), a judgment waiting section (63-1) is provided between the defective discharge line (62) and the sorting discharge line (65) in the transport direction to wait for the supplementary judgment result. The supplementary judgment is performed by a person confirming the inspection result previously performed in the inspection unit (30). This may be an IBS (image-based GIB sorting system) judgment procedure in which a person checks again whether there are defects by looking at an image of an external defect.

[0272] In the second transfer line (63), between the judgment waiting section (63-1) and the sorting discharge line (65) in the transfer direction, a good product return line (64) is provided to return battery cells (10) judged as good in the supplementary judgment to the first transfer line (61). Accordingly, battery cells (10) re-determined as good can be returned to the first transfer line (61) and then transferred to the good product discharge unit (80) described later.

[0273] Meanwhile, in the second transport line (63), the battery cell (10) may be transported while being placed on a tray (70). For example, the second transport line (63) may include a conveyor belt, a tray (70) placed on the conveyor belt, and a battery cell (10) placed on the tray (70). A plurality of battery cells (10) may be placed on one tray (70).

[0274] Then, in the judgment waiting section (63-1) where the battery cells (10) are gathered, it is possible to prevent scratches or short circuits occurring in the battery cells (10) due to the battery cells (10) directly contacting a transport line such as a conveyor belt.

[0275] The above tray (70) passes through the second transfer line (63) branched from the above selection discharge line (65) and is discharged to the outside through the tray discharge line (63-2), and the discharged tray is re-supplied to the initial position of the second transfer line (63) so that new defective battery cells (10) can be loaded.

[0276] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 14, and 15, the good product discharge unit (80) includes a plurality of good product discharge lines (81) connected in parallel to the defective product sorting unit (60), and a loading section (84) provided in each good product discharge line (81). The embodiment exemplifies two good product discharge lines (81) and two loading sections (84).

[0277] The above-mentioned good product discharge unit (80) can be placed in a space adjacent to the loading waiting section, the good product waiting section (61-1), where battery cells (10) judged as good products arrive from the first transfer line (61) of the above-mentioned defective product sorting unit (60).

[0278] Each of the quality discharge lines (81) may include a transport guide (82) extending between the loading standby section and the loading section (84), and a pickup device (83) installed so as to be movable along the extension direction of the transport guide (82). The pickup device (83) picks up the battery cell (10) of the quality standby section (61-1) and transfers it to the loading box (90) in the loading section (84).

[0279] The quality discharge unit (80) simultaneously transfers quality battery cells (10) in the loading standby area to multiple loading bins using multiple pickup units (83). Accordingly, high-speed loading and shipping are possible in response to the high-speed logistics speeds achieved by the previously performed high-speed appearance and dimensional inspections.

[0280] It should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention will be determined by the claims that follow, rather than by the detailed description set forth above. Furthermore, the meaning and scope of the claims that follow, as well as all possible modifications and variations derived from their equivalent concepts, should be construed as encompassing the scope of the present invention.

[0281] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings exemplified above, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Furthermore, even if the operational effects according to the configuration of the present invention have not been explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects predictable by the corresponding configuration should also be acknowledged.

Claims

1. A battery cell inspection device including an inspection unit for inspecting the appearance and dimensions of a battery cell, wherein the inspection unit: A linear track extending along the transport direction; A mover having a track driving section guided and moving by the linear track and a cell mounting section installed on the track driving section; A clean booth having an entrance and an exit through which the linear track passes and through which the mover and the battery cell mounted on the mover pass; An inspection section provided at a location further forward in the transport direction than the above clean booth; An external dimension inspector provided in the above inspection section; and A battery cell inspection device, comprising: a posture change guide that changes the relative position or posture of a cell mounting portion with respect to the mover by contacting the mover.

2. In claim 1, the cell mounting portion has a mounting member having a mounting surface on which the battery cell is mounted, A battery cell inspection device in which the above-mentioned attitude change guide comes into contact with the cell mounting portion and changes the relative position or attitude of the mounting member with respect to the track driving portion.

3. A battery cell inspection device according to claim 2, wherein the mounting member has a built-in magnet disposed on the back surface of the mounting surface.

4. In claim 2, the posture change guide includes a rail cam follower extending along the travel direction of the linear track, The above cell mounting portion: A body fixed to the above track driving section; A cam block installed on the body so as to be relatively movable with respect to the body; and A cam guide installed on the body is further provided to regulate the movement trajectory of the cam block; The cam block contacts the rail cam follower in an extended section as the mover moves in the transport direction along the linear track, A battery cell inspection device in which the above-mentioned fixing member is linked to the movement of the above-mentioned cam block.

5. In claim 4, the rail cam follower has a contact profile that contacts the cam block, A battery cell inspection device, wherein the above contact profile extends along the transport direction and has a section with changing height.

6. In claim 4, a battery cell inspection device, wherein the movement trajectory of the cam block extends vertically.

7. A battery cell inspection device according to claim 4, wherein the cell mounting portion further comprises a body cam follower installed on the body to link with the movement of the cam block and connected to the mounting member.

8. A battery cell inspection device according to claim 7, wherein the body cam follower is installed on the body so as to be rotatable about a central axis extending in the vertical direction.

9. In claim 1, the clean booth: A pneumatic nozzle built into the above clean booth and discharging air to the battery cell in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the battery cell; and A battery cell inspection device comprising a suction unit provided between the inlet and the outlet in the transport direction and sucking air inside the clean booth to the outside.

10. In claim 9, the pneumatic nozzle: A cross duct extending laterally and having a downward-opening discharge port; and A battery cell inspection device comprising a pair of side ducts each extending downward from both ends of the cross duct and having discharge ports opened in a direction facing each other.

11. In claim 9, the suction unit is a battery cell inspection device arranged on both sides and the lower surface of the clean booth at positions corresponding to positions where the pneumatic nozzle is arranged in the transport direction.

12. In claim 9, the clean booth includes a wall-shaped partition provided between the inlet and the pneumatic nozzle in the transport direction inside the clean booth and extending in a direction intersecting the transport direction; A battery cell inspection device, wherein the bulkhead has a through hole through which the linear track passes and through which the mover and the battery cell mounted on the mover pass.

13. A battery cell inspection device according to claim 12, wherein the bulkheads are arranged in a plurality of positions spaced apart from each other in the transport direction.

14. A battery cell inspection device according to claim 9, wherein the clean booth further includes an air curtain section that discharges air to the outlet in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the battery cell around the outlet.

15. In claim 1, the battery cell is cylindrical, A battery cell inspection device in which a battery cell mounted on the cell mounting portion is maintained in a first posture in which the axial direction of the battery cell is parallel to the transport direction or changed to a second posture in which the axial direction intersects the transport direction by the cell mounting portion.

16. A battery cell inspection device according to claim 15, wherein the battery cell passes through the clean booth in the first posture.

17. A battery cell inspection device according to claim 15, wherein the battery cell maintains the first posture when the mover does not contact the posture change guide.

18. In claim 15, the inspection section is arranged in multiple numbers along the transport direction, The above-mentioned posture change guide is a battery cell inspection device provided in at least one inspection section among the plurality of inspection sections.

19. In claim 18, the plurality of inspection sections include a side inspection section for inspecting the side surface of the battery cell, and an upper and lower inspection section for inspecting the upper and lower surfaces of the battery cell. The above-mentioned posture change guide is a battery cell inspection device provided in the side inspection section or the upper and lower inspection section.

20. In claim 19, the side inspection section includes a first inspection section for inspecting the side of a predetermined section in the circumferential direction, and a second inspection section for inspecting the side of the remaining section excluding at least a portion of the predetermined section in the circumferential direction. A battery cell inspection device, wherein the cell inverter is placed between the first inspection section and the second inspection section in the above-mentioned transport direction.

21. In claim 15, the inspection section includes a side inspection section for inspecting the side of the battery cell, and an upper and lower inspection section for inspecting the upper and lower surfaces of the battery cell. A battery cell inspection device in which the battery cell passes through the side inspection section in the first position and passes through the upper and lower inspection section in the second position.

22. In claim 1, the external dimension inspection device includes a flat inspection device and a stereoscopic inspection device, A battery cell inspection device in which the above-mentioned flat inspection device and stereoscopic inspection device are arranged adjacent to each other in the transport direction in one inspection section.

23. A battery cell inspection device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of external dimension inspection devices are arranged in duplicate along the transport direction in one inspection section.

24. A battery cell inspection device according to claim 1, further comprising a defective sorting unit that sorts out and separately discharges battery cells determined to be defective among the battery cells that have passed the inspection unit.

25. In claim 24, the defective sorting unit: A first transport line for transporting battery cells that have passed through the above inspection unit; A defective discharge line branching from the first transfer line and connected to the second transfer line; and It includes a plurality of sorting discharge lines arranged along the transport direction of the second transport line; A battery cell inspection device in which battery cells judged as defective in the first transfer line are transferred to the second transfer line through the defective discharge line.

26. In claim 25, a judgment waiting section for a supplementary judgment result is provided between the defective discharge line and the sorting discharge line in the conveying direction in the second conveying line. A battery cell inspection device, wherein a good product return line is provided between the judgment waiting section and the sorting discharge line in the direction of conveyance in the second conveyance line, for returning battery cells judged to be good in the supplementary judgment to the first conveyance line.

27. A battery cell inspection device according to claim 25, wherein, in the second transport line, the battery cells are transported while being placed on a tray.

28. A battery cell inspection device further comprising a good product discharge unit for discharged battery cells judged to be good in the defective product sorting unit according to claim 24.

29. In claim 24, the quality discharge unit: A plurality of good product discharge lines connected in parallel to the above defective product sorting unit; and A battery cell inspection device including a loading unit provided on each good product discharge line.

30. A battery cell inspection device according to claim 1, further comprising a cell inversion device that inverts and re-inserts the battery cell mounted on the cell mounting portion.

31. A battery cell inspection device according to claim 1, further comprising a marking unit for marking a battery cell mounted on the cell mounting unit.

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