Electrode alignment vision inspection apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a vision inspection apparatus, which is provided in an electrode stacking apparatus performing a zigzag stacking process, the vision inspection apparatus comprising a camera and an optical system for acquiring an image by photographing an edge portion of an electrode. The present invention is characterized in that the camera and the optical system are arranged so that an outer surface of the edge portion does not appear in the image.

Description

Electrode Alignment Vision Inspection Device

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2024-0104787, dated August 6, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a structure of a vision inspection device that detects the position of an edge of an electrode by vision in order to inspect the alignment of the electrode with respect to a separator during the manufacturing process of an electrode assembly through zigzag stacking.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability according to product group and electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by electrical power sources.

[0004] These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency because they not only have the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also have the advantage of producing no byproducts from energy use.

[0005] Currently, the types of secondary batteries widely used include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.5 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, a number of battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack and the electrical connection type can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage and / or charge / discharge capacity.

[0006] Meanwhile, known types of unit secondary battery cells include cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch-shaped battery cells. Among these, pouch-shaped batteries primarily incorporate stacked electrode assemblies. There are several methods for manufacturing stacked electrode assemblies, one of which is the zigzag stacking method, which involves stacking electrodes between layers of a zigzag-folded separator.

[0007] In the zigzag stacking process, it is crucial to prevent misalignment of the electrodes relative to the separator. In particular, if the electrodes are misaligned relative to the folding portion of the separator, the electrodes and the separator may not be sufficiently fixed to each other, potentially leading to exposure or detachment of the electrodes. This misalignment can also lead to reduced battery charge / discharge efficiency, and the dimensions of the electrode assembly itself can become inaccurate, reducing energy density or significantly reducing pouch insertability. Therefore, an inspection device is needed to inspect the relative position and alignment of the electrodes relative to the separator during the zigzag stacking process.

[0008] Figures 1 and 2 respectively illustrate a vision inspection device for detecting the position of an edge portion of an electrode and an image obtained using the same. Referring to these drawings, a vision inspection device including a camera (4) is typically used to inspect the alignment of an electrode (2) with respect to a separator (1).

[0009] The camera (4) of the above vision inspection device is configured to obtain an image (I) by simultaneously photographing the folding portion (11) in which the separator (1) is folded and the edge portion (21) of the electrode (2) while facing inwardly downward in the width direction. At this time, the camera (4) is positioned on the outer side in the width direction compared to the folding portion (11) of the separator (1) so as not to interfere with the transport device (3) that transports the folded separator (1) and electrode (2), and its photographing direction (D) is installed so as to face inwardly downward in the width direction in order to photograph the edge portion (21) and the folding portion (11).

[0010] The image (I) obtained as a result of the shooting performed in this way shows the folding part (11) of the separator (1) and the edge part (21) of the electrode (2) as viewed from the outer upper side in the width direction. Accordingly, the outer surface (210) of the edge part (21) is visible in the image (I). In addition, if the electrode (2) is not completely adhered to the separator (1) and is lifted, a shadow (S) formed due to the height difference between the electrode (2) and the separator (1) may also appear in the image (I). Due to the outer surface (210) and the shadow (S) shown in the image (I), the exact boundary of the edge part (21) may be detected inaccurately. If the position of the edge part (21) is detected inaccurately, the alignment of the edge part (21) with respect to the folding part (11) is also inevitably detected inaccurately, which results in the alignment inspection result of the electrode (2) itself becoming inaccurate.

[0011] The present invention was created under the background of the above-described prior art, and its purpose is to provide a vision inspection device capable of accurately detecting alignment between an edge portion of an electrode and a folding portion of a separator.

[0012] Specifically, the present invention seeks to provide a structure of a vision inspection device capable of eliminating inaccuracy in edge position detection due to lifting of an electrode or shadowing caused by the same.

[0013] Another technical problem of the present invention is to provide a structure of a vision inspection device that can be provided in an electrode lamination device so as to perform vision inspection without interfering with or in cooperation with the lamination process of a separator and an electrode.

[0014] The technical objectives of the present invention are not limited to the aforementioned purposes. Other unmentioned objectives and advantages of the present invention 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.

[0015] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a vision inspection device equipped in an electrode stacking device that alternately stacks electrodes between each layer of a separator that is continuously supplied from a separator supply unit and folded in a zigzag manner at folding units on both sides in the width direction, the vision inspection device including: a camera positioned on the outer side in the width direction compared to the folding unit so that the photographing direction faces at least inward in the width direction; and an optical system positioned on the inner side in the width direction compared to the camera.

[0016] According to the present invention, the camera captures an edge portion, which is a widthwise end portion of the electrode, through the optical system to obtain an image, and the camera and the optical system are characterized in that they are arranged so that the outer surface of the edge portion does not appear in the image.

[0017] The above vision inspection device can be used to detect the position of the edge portion relative to the separator, specifically, the folding portion, by photographing the edge portion.

[0018] The vision inspection device according to the present invention has the advantage of preventing inaccuracy in detection due to lifting and shading of the edge portion by obtaining an image of the edge portion viewed from the inside in the width direction while photographing the edge portion without interfering with the lamination of the separator and the electrode.

[0019] According to the present invention, the image may represent a view of the edge portion as viewed vertically upward. Alternatively, the image may represent a view of the edge portion as viewed from an inner upper portion in the width direction. That is, it is preferable that the direction in which the edge portion is viewed in the image is not at least from the outer side in the width direction of the edge portion.

[0020] The vision inspection device is preferably provided as a pair, arranged on both sides in the width direction with the separation membrane supply unit as the center. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrodes include a first electrode that is laminated after the separation membrane is folded on one side in the width direction, and a second electrode that is laminated after the separation membrane is folded on the other side in the width direction. Since the vision inspection device is provided as a pair as described above, the positions of the edge portion of the first electrode and the edge portion of the second electrode can both be detected without being covered by the separation membrane.

[0021] However, the vision inspection device is not necessarily limited to being formed as a pair, and may be formed as three or more sets, may be formed as one set to detect only the edge portion of one of the first electrode and the second electrode, or may be formed as one set to alternately detect the edge portions of the first electrode and the second electrode while reciprocating between both sides in the width direction based on the separation membrane supply unit.

[0022] The above-mentioned shooting direction may be parallel to the width direction. Accordingly, the optical system may be arranged along the width direction with respect to the camera. Alternatively, the shooting direction may face inwardly downward in the width direction. Accordingly, the optical system may be arranged inwardly downward in relation to the camera in the width direction.

[0023] The optical system according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a mirror. The mirror is configured to reflect light incident from the edge portion, at least temporarily, to the camera.

[0024] The above at least temporarily may mean at least for a period of time after the electrode is laminated on one layer of the separator by the transport device and before the separator is completely folded again to form the next layer.

[0025] The above mirror can be placed vertically above the edge portion.

[0026] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the mirror may be arranged along the width direction with respect to the camera, and may be positioned vertically above the edge portion. At this time, the mirror may be positioned such that its reflective surface faces downward in the width direction at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the vertical direction. Accordingly, light incident at an incident angle of 45 degrees on the reflective surface of the mirror along the vertical direction from the edge portion may be reflected again at a reflection angle of 45 degrees and reach the camera along the horizontal direction.

[0027] Accordingly, the image acquired by the camera can represent an image of the edge portion taken from a vertical upward direction. That is, the image does not reflect shading caused by the edge portion being lifted, and the position of the edge portion can be accurately detected from the image.

[0028] According to one variation, the mirror may be positioned widthwise inward relative to the edge portion. In this case, the camera may be installed facing widthwise downward toward the inner side so as to view the reflective surface of the mirror, and light incident on the reflective surface of the mirror along the inner side upward in the widthwise direction from the edge portion may be reflected along the outer side upward in the widthwise direction and reach the camera.

[0029] Accordingly, the image acquired by the camera can represent an image of the edge portion taken from the inner upper side in the width direction. That is, the image does not reflect shading due to the lifting of the edge portion, and the position of the edge portion can be accurately detected from the image.

[0030] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the mirror may be connected to a transport device for transporting the electrode to be laminated on the separator.

[0031] Specifically, the transport device includes a gripping portion configured to grip and release the electrode and an arm portion for moving the gripping portion, and the mirror can be connected to the arm portion.

[0032] At this time, the mirror may be arranged so that light incident from the edge portion is reflected to the camera at least at the time when the gripping portion releases the electrode. That is, the mirror may be configured to move along the dark portion and assume a posture for projecting an image of the edge portion toward the camera at least at the step where the transport device releases the electrode and laminates it on the separator. Accordingly, the mirror may be positioned vertically above or widthwise inwardly above the edge portion during shooting, while avoiding a position where it interferes with the separator that is folded in a zigzag manner when shooting is not performed.

[0033] The optical system according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a lens. The lens is configured to refract light incident from the edge portion toward the camera, at least temporarily.

[0034] The above at least temporarily may mean at least for a period of time after the electrode is laminated on one layer of the separator by the transport device and before the separator is completely folded again to form the next layer.

[0035] The lens is preferably positioned outside the edge portion in the width direction. Accordingly, the lens can be positioned so as not to interfere with the separator being folded in a zigzag manner. In this case, the lens may be fixedly installed outside the edge portion in the width direction, or alternatively, the lens may be installed so that its position continuously changes as the separator and the electrode are laminated.

[0036] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the lens may be a Scheimpflug optical system having a horizontal plane passing through the edge portion with respect to the image plane of the camera as a focal plane.

[0037] In other words, the lens may be arranged as a convex lens so that the intersection of the principal plane of the lens and the image plane of the camera lies on a horizontal plane passing through the edge portion.

[0038] Accordingly, even if both the camera and the optical system are positioned outside the width direction of the edge portion, the image acquired by the camera can represent a horizontal plane photographed at the height where the edge portion is located. That is, the image does not reflect shading due to the lifting of the edge portion, and the position of the edge portion can be accurately detected from the image.

[0039] The present invention provides a vision inspection device capable of accurately detecting the position of an edge portion and its alignment with a folding portion by photographing the edge portion and the folding portion from a vertically upward direction or an inner direction upward direction of the edge portion by introducing an optical system.

[0040] Specifically, the vision inspection device according to the present invention can detect the edge portion by taking a picture so that the outer surface of the electrode edge portion does not appear in the image, thereby eliminating the influence of the edge portion being lifted or the resulting shadow.

[0041] The vision inspection device according to the present invention also has the advantage of being able to accurately photograph and detect the edge portion without interfering with the transport of the electrode and the supply of the separator in the zigzag lamination process, such as a mirror mounted on the dark portion of the transport device and / or a lens positioned on the outer side in the width direction compared to the edge portion.

[0042] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment, or the description of effects that can be easily inferred by a person skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0043] Figures 1 and 2 each show a vision inspection device for detecting the position of an edge portion of an electrode and an image obtained using the same.

[0044] Figure 3 shows a vision inspection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig. 4 shows a vision inspection device according to one modified example.

[0046] Fig. 5 shows a vision inspection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 6 shows an image obtained from a vision inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1: Separator 10: Separator supply section 101: Feed nip roll 102: Swing nip roll 11: Folding section 2: Electrode 21: Edge section 210: Outer surface 3: Transport device 31: Gripper section 32: Shadow section 4: Camera 5: Optics / Mirror / Lens I: Image PP: Main surface FP: Focal plane IP: Image plane D: Shooting direction S: Shade

[0050] 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.

[0051] Although the terms "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0052] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0058] Fig. 3 illustrates a vision inspection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. With reference thereto, a zigzag stacking process according to an embodiment of the present invention will first be briefly described. The zigzag stacking process is performed by interposing and stacking electrodes (2) between each layer of the separator (1) while the continuously supplied separator (1) is folded in a zigzag manner while forming folding sections (11) on both sides in the width direction.

[0059] The above separator (1) is continuously supplied from a separator supply unit (10). The separator supply unit (10) includes a feed nip roll (101) including a pair of rollers that rotate in an interlocking manner, and the separator (1) travels downward between the feed nip rolls (101).

[0060] The separator supply unit (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may also include a swing nip roll (102) that folds the separator (1) while swinging or reciprocating in the width direction. However, alternatively, the folding of the separator (1) may be performed by a swing or reciprocating motion of a stack table on which the separator (1) and the electrode (2) are stacked, rather than by the motion of the separator supply unit (10).

[0061] The above electrode (2) can be transported by a transport device (3) configured to be able to lift the electrode (2) and transport it over the separator (1) and then release the lift.

[0062] The above electrode (2) may include a first electrode that is laminated immediately after one width-wise side of the separator (1) is folded, and a second electrode that is laminated immediately after the other width-wise side of the separator (1) is folded. The first electrode and the second electrode may be one and the other of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, respectively. Accordingly, the transport device (3) may also include a first transport device that transports the first electrode and a second transport device that transports the second electrode.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the transport device (3) may include a gripping part (31) configured to grip and release the electrode (2), and an arm part (32) connected to the gripping part (31) to move the gripping part (31).

[0064] Next, referring to FIG. 3 again, a vision inspection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. At this time, the vision inspection device according to the first embodiment can be used to inspect the alignment between the electrode (2) and the separator (1) in the zigzag stacking process according to one embodiment of the present invention described above. However, through the following description, it will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the vision inspection device according to the present invention can be applied to electrode stacking devices and electrode stacking methods having different structures.

[0065] The above vision inspection device can be used to detect the position of the edge portion (21) relative to the separator (1), specifically, the folding portion (11), by photographing the edge portion (21).

[0066] The vision inspection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a camera (4) and an optical system (4). The camera (4) has a predetermined shooting direction (D) and an image plane, and is configured to detect light incident from the shooting direction (D) and focused on the image plane to acquire an image. At this time, the optical system (4) may be an optical device configured to reflect and / or refract light incident from a predetermined focal plane to the camera (4).

[0067] Fig. 6 shows an image obtained from a vision inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this together with Fig. 3, the camera (4) according to the present invention captures an edge portion (21), which is a widthwise end portion of the electrode (2), through the optical system (4) to obtain an image (I), and the camera (4) and the optical system (4) are characterized in that they are arranged so that the outer surface of the edge portion (21) does not appear in the image (I).

[0068] The vision inspection device according to the present invention has the advantage of preventing inaccuracy in detection due to lifting and shading of the edge portion (21) by obtaining an image of the edge portion (21) while photographing the edge portion (21) without interfering with the lamination of the separator (1) and the electrode (2), and viewing the edge portion (21) from the inside in the width direction.

[0069] The vision inspection device according to the present invention has the advantage of preventing inaccuracy in detection due to lifting and shading of the edge portion (21) by obtaining an image of the edge portion (21) while photographing the edge portion (21) without interfering with the lamination of the separator (1) and the electrode (2), and viewing the edge portion (21) from the inside in the width direction.

[0070] Referring back to FIG. 6, according to the present invention, the image (I) may represent a view of the edge portion (21) as viewed from vertically upward. Alternatively, the image (I) may represent a view of the edge portion (21) as viewed from an inner upper side in the width direction. That is, it is preferable that the direction in which the edge portion (21) is viewed in the image (I) is not at least from the outer side in the width direction of the edge portion (21).

[0071] Referring back to FIG. 3, it is preferable that the vision inspection device be provided as a pair arranged on both sides in the width direction with the separation membrane supply unit (10) as the center. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode (2) includes a first electrode that is laminated after the separation membrane (1) is folded on one side in the width direction and a second electrode that is laminated after the separation membrane (1) is folded on the other side in the width direction. Since the vision inspection device is provided as a pair as described above, the positions of the edge portion of the first electrode and the edge portion of the second electrode can both be detected without being covered by the separation membrane (1).

[0072] However, the vision inspection device is not necessarily limited to being formed as a pair, and may be formed as three or more sets, may be formed as one set to detect only the edge portion of one of the first electrode and the second electrode, or may be formed as one set to alternately detect the edge portions of the first electrode and the second electrode while reciprocating between both sides in the width direction based on the separation membrane supply unit (10).

[0073] The optical system (4) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a mirror (4). The mirror (4) is configured to reflect light incident from the edge portion (21) to the camera (4), at least temporarily.

[0074] The above at least temporarily may mean at least the time after the electrode (2) is laminated on one layer of the separator (1) by the transport device (3) and before the separator (1) is completely folded again to form the next layer.

[0075] The above mirror (4) can be placed vertically above the edge portion (21).

[0076] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the mirror (4) may be arranged along the width direction with the camera (4) and may be placed vertically above the edge portion (21). At this time, the mirror (4) may be placed so that its reflective surface faces downward in the width direction at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the vertical direction. Accordingly, light incident at an incident angle of 45 degrees on the reflective surface of the mirror (4) along the vertical direction from the edge portion (21) may be reflected again at a reflection angle of 45 degrees and reach the camera (4) along the horizontal direction.

[0077] Referring back to Fig. 6, accordingly, the image (I) acquired by the camera (4) can represent an image of the edge portion (21) taken from a vertical upward direction. That is, the image (I) does not reflect any shading due to the lifting of the edge portion (21), and the position of the edge portion (21) can be accurately detected from the image (I).

[0078] Fig. 4 illustrates a vision inspection device according to one variation. Referring to this, the mirror (4) according to one variation can be arranged widthwise inward compared to the edge portion (21). At this time, the camera (4) can be installed facing widthwise downward so as to view the reflective surface of the mirror (4), and light incident on the reflective surface of the mirror (4) along the widthwise upward inward from the edge portion (21) can be reflected along the widthwise outer upward and reach the camera (4).

[0079] Accordingly, the image (I) acquired by the camera (4) can represent an image of the edge portion (21) taken from the inner upper side in the width direction. That is, the image (I) does not reflect any shadow caused by the lifting of the edge portion (21), and the position of the edge portion (21) can be accurately detected from the image (I).

[0080] Referring again to FIG. 3, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the mirror (4) can be connected to a transport device (3) that transports the electrode (2) to be laminated on the separator (1).

[0081] Specifically, the mirror (4) may be connected to the dark portion (32). At this time, the mirror (4) may be arranged so that light incident from the edge portion (21) is reflected to the camera (4) at least at the time when the grip portion (31) releases the grip of the electrode (2). That is, the mirror (4) may be configured to move along the dark portion (32) and assume a posture for projecting an image of the edge portion (21) toward the camera (4) at least at the step of the transport device (3) releasing the grip of the electrode (2) and stacking it on the separator (1). Accordingly, the mirror (4) may be positioned vertically above or inwardly above the edge portion (21) in the width direction during shooting, while avoiding a position where it interferes with the separator (1) that is folded in a zigzag manner when shooting is not performed.

[0082] Hereinafter, a vision inspection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5. At this time, the vision inspection device according to the second embodiment can be used to inspect the alignment between the electrode (2) and the separator (1) in the zigzag stacking process according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention. However, through the following description, it will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the vision inspection device according to the present invention can be applied to electrode stacking devices and electrode stacking methods having different structures. In addition, with respect to parts of the vision inspection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention that are not separately described, reference may be made to the configuration and description thereof of the first embodiment.

[0083] Fig. 5 illustrates a vision inspection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the optical system (4) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a lens (4). The lens (4) is configured to refract light incident from the edge portion (21) toward the camera (4), at least temporarily.

[0084] The above at least temporarily may mean at least the time after the electrode (2) is laminated on one layer of the separator (1) by the transport device (3) and before the separator (1) is completely folded again to form the next layer.

[0085] The above lens (4) is preferably positioned on the outer side in the width direction compared to the edge portion (21). Accordingly, the lens (4) can be positioned so as not to interfere with the separator (1) that is folded in a zigzag manner. At this time, the lens (4) may be fixedly installed on the outer side in the width direction compared to the edge portion (21), or alternatively, the position may be installed so as to continuously change as the lamination of the separator (1) and the electrode (2) is performed.

[0086] According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the lens (4) may be a Scheimpflug optical system in which a horizontal plane passing through the edge portion (21) with respect to the image plane of the camera (4) is a focal plane.

[0087] In other words, the lens (4) is a convex lens and can be arranged so that the intersection of the principal plane of the lens (4) and the image plane of the camera (4) is on a horizontal plane passing through the edge portion (21).

[0088] Referring to FIG. 6 together, accordingly, even if both the camera (4) and the optical system (4) are positioned on the outer side in the width direction compared to the edge portion (21), the image (I) acquired by the camera (4) can represent a horizontal plane photographed at the height where the edge portion (21) is placed. That is, the image (I) does not reflect the shadow caused by the lifting of the edge portion (21), and the position of the edge portion (21) can be accurately detected from the image (I).

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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 vision inspection device equipped in an electrode stacking device that alternately stacks electrodes between each layer of a separator that is continuously supplied from a separator supply unit and folded in a zigzag pattern at folding units on both sides in the width direction. A camera positioned on the outer side in the width direction compared to the above folding part, with the shooting direction facing at least inward in the width direction; and An optical system disposed on the inner side in the width direction compared to the above camera; The above camera obtains an image by photographing the edge portion, which is the width-wise end portion of the electrode, through the above optical system. A vision inspection device, characterized in that the camera and the optical system are arranged so that the outer surface of the edge portion does not appear in the image.

2. A vision inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the image shows the edge portion as viewed from vertically upward.

3. A vision inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the image shows the edge portion as viewed from the inner upper side in the width direction.

4. In claim 1, the vision inspection device is a vision inspection device provided as a pair arranged on both sides in the width direction with the separation membrane supply unit as the center.

5. A vision inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the photographing direction is parallel to the width direction.

6. A vision inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the shooting direction is directed downward in the width direction.

7. In claim 1, the optical system includes a mirror, A vision inspection device, wherein the mirror is configured to reflect light incident from the edge portion, at least temporarily, to the camera.

8. A vision inspection device according to claim 7, wherein the mirror is positioned vertically above the edge portion.

9. A vision inspection device according to claim 8, wherein the mirror is positioned inward in the width direction compared to the edge portion.

10. A vision inspection device according to claim 7, wherein the mirror is connected to a transport device that transports the electrode to be laminated on the separator.

11. In claim 10, the transport device includes a gripping portion configured to grip and release the electrode and an arm portion for moving the gripping portion, The above mirror is a vision inspection device connected to the dark part.

12. A vision inspection device according to claim 11, wherein the mirror is arranged so that light incident from the edge portion is reflected to the camera at least at the time when the gripping portion releases the electrode.

13. In claim 1, the optical system includes a lens, A vision inspection device, wherein the lens is configured to refract light incident from the edge portion, at least temporarily, toward the camera.

14. A vision inspection device according to claim 13, wherein the lens is positioned on the outer side in the width direction compared to the edge portion.

15. A vision inspection device according to claim 13, wherein the lens is a Scheimpflug optical system that uses a horizontal plane passing through the edge portion with respect to the image plane of the camera as a focal plane.

16. A vision inspection device according to claim 13, wherein the lens is a convex lens and is arranged so that the intersection of the principal plane of the lens and the image plane of the camera is on a horizontal plane passing through the edge portion.

Images