Battery shape inspection apparatus and method

Abstract

A battery shape inspection apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise: at least one processor; and memory for storing at least one command executed through the at least one processor. Here, the at least one command can includes the commands of: acquiring a vertical cross-sectional image of a battery; defining, in the vertical cross-sectional image, a reference line passing through an area of a crimping unit; and calculating the flatness of the crimping unit by using the intersection point of the reference line and the area of the crimping unit.

Description

Battery shape inspection device and method

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0107283 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 12, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery shape inspection device and method, and more particularly, to a battery shape inspection device and method for measuring one or more dimensions related to the shape of a battery using CT data of the battery.

[0003] Secondary batteries are batteries that can be reused by charging even after discharge, and can be used as an energy source for small devices such as mobile phones, tablet PCs, and vacuum cleaners, and are also used as an energy source for medium and large devices such as automobiles and ESS (Energy Storage Systems) for smart grids.

[0004] Secondary batteries can be categorized into can-type batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a cylindrical metal can, and pouch-type batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch-shaped case. In general, cylindrical can-type batteries are known to have a relatively large capacity and high structural stability.

[0005] Cylindrical batteries can be manufactured through processes such as an electrode manufacturing process, an electrode assembly manufacturing process, an electrode assembly receiving process, and a can assembly bonding process. During the manufacturing process and the final manufacturing stage of a cylindrical battery, a quality inspection process may be conducted on the battery.

[0006] Battery shape inspection is a test to determine whether the shape of the battery has been formed as intended. It is generally conducted by measuring the dimensions of the battery, such as the total height, outer diameter, and beading height, using an image of the battery's exterior.

[0007] This image-based shape inspection can only inspect dimensions that can be seen from the outside of the battery, and cannot inspect areas hidden by the outer surface.

[0008] Related prior literature includes KR 10-2024-0026118 A.

[0009] An object of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a battery shape inspection device that measures one or more dimensions related to the shape of a battery using CT data.

[0010] Another object of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a battery shape inspection method using such a battery shape inspection device.

[0011] Another object of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a battery shape inspection system including such a battery shape inspection device.

[0012] A battery shape inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above purpose may include at least one processor; and a memory storing at least one command executed through the at least one processor.

[0013] Here, the at least one command may include: a command for obtaining a vertical cross-sectional image of the battery; a command for defining a reference line passing through an area of ​​the crimping portion in the vertical cross-sectional image; and a command for calculating a flatness of the crimping portion using an intersection of the reference line and the area of ​​the crimping portion.

[0014] The command for obtaining the vertical cross-sectional image may include a command for obtaining CT data of the battery from a computed tomography (CT) device; and a command for extracting a vertical cross-sectional image including the crimping portion area from the CT data.

[0015] The command defining the reference line may include a command defining a reference point on the outer line of the crimping portion; a command defining a parallel line that is in contact with the reference point; a command vertically moving the parallel line by a predetermined distance so that the parallel line passes through the crimping portion area; and a command defining the vertically moved parallel line as the reference line.

[0016] The command defining the reference point may include a command defining the point located at the top on the outer line of the upper surface of the crimping portion as the reference point, and the command moving the parallel line vertically by a defined distance may include a command moving the parallel line downward by a defined distance.

[0017] The command defining the reference point may include a command defining the point located at the top on the outer line of the lower surface of the crimping part as the reference point, and the command moving the parallel line vertically by a defined distance may include a command moving the parallel line downward by a defined distance.

[0018] The command for calculating the flatness may include a command for identifying a first intersection point and a second intersection point where the reference line and the crimping portion area intersect; and a command for calculating the flatness based on a horizontal distance between the first intersection point and the second intersection point.

[0019] The command for calculating the flatness may include a command for calculating the flatness for one side crimping portion; and a command for calculating the flatness for the other side crimping portion.

[0020] The at least one command may further include a command for determining whether the battery is defective based on whether the calculated flatness exceeds a preset tolerance range.

[0021] The at least one command may further include: a command to obtain a first vertical cross-sectional image of an upper region of the battery and a second vertical cross-sectional image of a lower region of the battery; a command to measure a first distance, which is a vertical distance of the battery region, in the first vertical cross-sectional image, and a command to measure a second distance, which is a vertical distance of the battery region, in the second vertical cross-sectional image; and a command to calculate a height distance of the battery by adding a third distance corresponding to a pre-stored central region to the sum of the first distance and the second distance.

[0022]

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described other object, a battery shape inspection method is provided, which is a battery shape inspection method using a battery shape measuring device, comprising: a step of obtaining a vertical cross-sectional image of a battery; a step of defining a reference line passing through an area of ​​a crimping portion in the vertical cross-sectional image; and a step of calculating a flatness of the crimping portion using an intersection of the reference line and the area of ​​the crimping portion.

[0024] The step of obtaining the vertical cross-sectional image may include the step of obtaining CT data of the battery from a computed tomography (CT) device; and the step of extracting a vertical cross-sectional image including the crimping portion area from the CT data.

[0025] The step of defining the reference line may include: defining a reference point on the outer line of the crimping portion; defining a parallel line that is in contact with the reference point; vertically moving the parallel line by a predetermined distance so that the parallel line passes through the crimping portion area; and defining the vertically moved parallel line as the reference line.

[0026] The step of defining the reference point may include a step of defining a point located at the uppermost end on the outer line of the upper surface of the crimping portion as the reference point, and the step of vertically moving the parallel line by a defined distance may include a step of moving the parallel line downward by a defined distance.

[0027] The step of defining the reference point may include a step of defining a point located at the uppermost end on the outer line of the lower surface of the crimping portion as the reference point, and the step of vertically moving the parallel line by a predetermined distance may include a step of moving the parallel line downward by a predetermined distance.

[0028] The step of calculating the flatness may include a step of identifying a first intersection point and a second intersection point where the reference line and the crimping portion area intersect; and a step of calculating the flatness based on a horizontal distance between the first intersection point and the second intersection point.

[0029] The step of calculating the flatness may include a step of calculating the flatness for one side crimping portion; and a step of calculating the flatness for the other side crimping portion.

[0030] The above battery shape inspection method may further include a step of determining whether the battery is defective based on whether the calculated flatness exceeds a preset tolerance range.

[0031] The above battery shape inspection method may further include the steps of: obtaining a first vertical cross-sectional image of an upper region of the battery and a second vertical cross-sectional image of a lower region of the battery; measuring a first distance, which is a vertical distance of the battery region, from the first vertical cross-sectional image; and measuring a second distance, which is a vertical distance of the battery region, from the second vertical cross-sectional image; and calculating a height distance of the battery by adding a third distance corresponding to a pre-stored central region to the sum of the first distance and the second distance.

[0032]

[0033] According to another embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described further object, a battery shape inspection system may include a CT device that generates CT (Computed Tomography) data of a battery; and a battery shape inspection device that obtains the CT data from the CT device, calculates one or more dimensions related to the shape of the battery using a vertical cross-sectional image extracted from the CT data, and determines whether the shape of the battery is defective based on the calculated dimensions.

[0034] Here, the battery shape inspection device can define a reference line passing through the area of ​​the crimping portion in the vertical cross-section image, and calculate the flatness of the crimping portion using the intersection of the reference line and the area of ​​the crimping portion.

[0035] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to measure dimensions that cannot be confirmed from the outside of the battery using a vertical cross-sectional image obtained from CT data of the battery.

[0036] Figure 1 is a reference diagram for explaining a general battery shape inspection method.

[0037] Figure 2 shows the internal structure of the upper region of a cylindrical battery cell.

[0038] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a battery shape inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 4 is a side view of a CT device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5 is an operation flowchart of a battery shape inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 6 is a reference diagram for explaining a battery shape inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 7 is an operation flowchart of a battery shape inspection method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figures 8 to 10 are reference drawings for explaining a battery shape inspection method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 11 is a reference diagram for explaining a battery shape inspection method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig. 12 is a block diagram of a battery shape inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] 100: Battery

[0047] 200: CT device

[0048] 300, 1200: Battery shape inspection device

[0049] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Throughout the description of each drawing, similar reference numerals have been used to designate similar components.

[0050] Terms such as "first," "second," "A," and "B" may be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component could be referred to as the "second component," and similarly, the second component could also be referred to as the "first component." The term "and / or" includes any combination of multiple related items listed or any one of multiple related items listed.

[0051] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0052] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0054] Hereinafter, the present invention and various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0055]

[0056] Figure 1 is a reference diagram for explaining a general battery shape inspection method.

[0057] Battery shape inspection is a test to determine whether the shape of the battery has been formed as intended. It is generally conducted by measuring dimensions related to the shape of the battery using an image of the battery's exterior.

[0058] For example, referring to FIG. 1, the battery shape inspection device can measure dimensions of the battery, such as the total height (H_t), outer diameter (W), and beading height (H_b), using an image captured from the side of the battery. Thereafter, the battery shape inspection device can determine whether the battery has a shape defect by comparing the measured dimensions with a preset tolerance range for each dimension.

[0059] Since these image-based shape inspection devices perform inspection based on battery exterior images captured from the outside of the battery, inspection of parts covered by the exterior of the battery is impossible.

[0060]

[0061] Figure 2 shows the internal structure of the upper region of a cylindrical battery cell.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 2, a cylindrical battery cell may include a can (1) having an opening formed therein; a cap assembly (2) including a top cap (2a) for sealing the opening, and a vent (2b) for discharging gas inside the can (1); a gasket (3) provided between the can (1) and the cap assembly (2) and having elasticity and insulation; and a CID (Current Interrupt Device, 4) provided below the vent (2b) for interrupting current when a certain temperature or higher is present. Here, the can (1), the cap assembly (2), and the gasket (3) may be joined (area A) through a crimping process that applies physical force to an end of the can (1).

[0063] In order to more precisely determine whether the battery has been formed as intended, it is necessary to measure various dimensions such as the thickness of the crimping portion, the flatness of the crimping portion, the thickness of the gasket (3), the thickness of the vent (2b), the horizontal distance between the outer surface of the battery and the end of the vent (4), and the horizontal length of the gasket (3) protruding outward.

[0064] However, as described with reference to Fig. 1, a general shape inspection device has limitations in the accuracy of selecting good batteries because it is impossible to inspect parts covered by the outer surface of the battery.

[0065]

[0066] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a battery shape inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] The battery shape inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention can be utilized in a process step of inspecting whether a battery (100) has a defective shape.

[0068] The battery shape inspection system may include a CT device (200) that is positioned at a specific location and takes a cross-sectional image of a battery (100) to generate CT data, and a battery shape inspection device (300) that obtains CT data from the CT device (200) and uses the CT data to derive one or more dimensions related to the shape of the battery (100).

[0069] The battery (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may correspond to a cylindrical battery cell, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0070] The CT device (200) is a device that generates CT data of a battery (100). Here, the CT data may mean three-dimensional image data synthesized from cross-sectional images of the inside of the battery (100).

[0071] For example, the CT device (200) can obtain a section image by irradiating X-rays from the side of the battery (100) and detecting X-rays that have passed through the inside of the battery (100). Here, the CT device (200) can obtain a plurality of section images (e.g., 360 images) while the battery (100) is sequentially rotated by a unit angle (e.g., 1 degree), and synthesize the section images using a predefined restoration algorithm to generate CT data representing the internal shape of the battery.

[0072] A CT device (200) is positioned on a battery transport line and can generate CT data for each of a plurality of batteries. Here, the CT device (200) can sequentially generate CT data for each of the batteries by using a gripper to hold a battery cell and restoring the cross-sectional images acquired during the rotation of the gripper.

[0073] The battery shape inspection device (300) can obtain CT data of the battery (100) from the CT device (200) and use the CT data to calculate one or more dimensions related to the shape of the battery (100).

[0074] The battery shape inspection device (300) can extract a vertical cross-sectional image of the battery (100) from CT data and, using the extracted vertical cross-sectional image, calculate one or more dimensions related to the shape of the battery (100).

[0075] The battery shape inspection device (300) can determine whether the battery has a defective shape by comparing the dimensions calculated using a vertical cross-sectional image of the battery (100) with a predefined tolerance range.

[0076]

[0077] Figure 4 is a side view of a CT device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] A CT device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an X-ray irradiation unit (210), a battery gripper (220), an elevating unit (230), a detector (240), and a data processing device (250).

[0079] The battery gripper (220) grips the upper portion of the battery (100) and can sequentially rotate by a predetermined unit angle. For example, the battery gripper (220) can sequentially rotate by 1 degree in a counterclockwise direction while gripping the battery (100).

[0080] The X-ray irradiation unit (210) can irradiate X-rays toward the side of the battery (100). Here, the X-ray irradiation unit (210) can irradiate X-rays toward the side of the battery (100) while the battery (100) is sequentially rotated by a unit angle.

[0081] The detector (240) can detect X-rays that have passed through the inside of the battery (100) and transmit X-ray detection data corresponding to the detected X-rays to the data processing device (250).

[0082] The data processing device (250) can generate CT data using X-ray detection data received from the detector (240). Specifically, the data processing device (250) can generate a plurality of (e.g., 360) slice images using X-ray detection data acquired in a process in which the battery (100) is sequentially rotated by a unit angle, and synthesize the slice images using a predefined restoration algorithm to generate CT data representing the internal shape of the battery.

[0083] In an embodiment, the battery gripper (220) is fixedly connected to the lifting unit (230) and can be vertically raised and lowered by the lifting unit (230).

[0084] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the X-ray irradiation unit (210) irradiates X-rays toward the upper side of the battery (100), so that a plurality of slice images (e.g., 360 images) for the upper region of the battery can be acquired. Thereafter, the elevating unit (230) is raised to a predetermined position, and the X-ray irradiation unit (210) irradiates X-rays toward the lower side of the battery (100), so that a plurality of slice images (e.g., 360 images) for the lower region of the battery can be acquired. Here, the data processing device (250) can generate first CT data corresponding to the upper region using the slice images for the upper region of the battery, and can generate second CT data corresponding to the lower region using the slice images for the lower region of the battery.

[0085] The data processing device (250) can transmit the generated CT data to the battery shape inspection device.

[0086]

[0087] FIG. 5 is an operation flowchart of a battery shape inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a reference diagram for explaining the battery shape inspection method of FIG. 5.

[0088] A battery shape inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be performed by a battery shape inspection device that is linked to a CT device.

[0089] The battery shape inspection device can obtain CT data of the battery from a CT device (S510).

[0090] The battery shape inspection device can extract a vertical cross-sectional image of the battery from CT data (S520). Here, the vertical cross-sectional image may refer to an image representing a vertical cross-section passing through the central axis of the battery.

[0091] The battery shape inspection device can use a vertical cross-sectional image of the battery to calculate one or more dimensions related to the shape of the battery (S530). For example, the battery shape inspection device can use the vertical cross-sectional image to calculate one or more of the following: the total height of the battery, the thickness of the crimping portion, the flatness of the crimping portion, the thickness of the gasket, the thickness of the vent, the horizontal distance between the outer surface of the battery and the end of the vent, the horizontal length of the gasket protruding outward, and the outer diameter.

[0092] More specifically, the battery shape inspection device can extract a vertical cross-sectional image (Fig. 6(A)) of the upper region from the first CT data corresponding to the upper region of the battery. Here, the battery shape inspection device can extract a region of interest (ROI) corresponding to the joint region of the can, cap assembly, and gasket from the vertical cross-sectional image.

[0093] The battery shape inspection device can identify the can area, the gasket area, the vent area, and the top cap area in the ROI using a predefined area segmentation algorithm, as illustrated in Fig. 6(B). Thereafter, the battery shape inspection device can calculate the thickness of the crimping portion (T1), the thickness of the gasket (T2), the thickness of the vent (T3), the horizontal distance between the outer surface of the battery and the end of the vent (D1), and the horizontal length (D2) of the gasket protruding outward.

[0094] The battery shape inspection device can determine whether a battery has a shape defect by comparing the dimensions calculated by S530 with a predetermined tolerance range. For example, if the thickness of the crimping portion (T1) falls outside the tolerance range of amm or more and bmm or less, the battery shape inspection device can classify the battery as having a "crimping portion thickness defect."

[0095]

[0096] FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of a battery shape inspection method according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 8 to 10 are reference diagrams for explaining the battery shape inspection method of FIG. 7.

[0097] The battery shape inspection device can extract a vertical cross-sectional image of the battery from CT data of the battery (S710). Here, the CT data may be first CT data corresponding to the upper region of the battery.

[0098] The battery shape inspection device can define a reference line (Lref) passing through the crimping portion area in a vertical cross-section image (S720). Here, the crimping portion may refer to a portion of the upper portion of the can that is bent horizontally toward the central axis of the can.

[0099] More specifically, the battery shape inspection device can extract a vertical cross-sectional image (Fig. 8) of the upper region from the first CT data. Thereafter, the battery shape inspection device can extract a region of interest (ROI) including the region of the crimping portion from the vertical cross-sectional image. Here, the battery shape inspection device can extract one or more of the regions of interest (ROI_left, ROI_right) corresponding to the regions of the crimping portion formed on the left and right sides, respectively.

[0100] The battery shape inspection device can derive the outer line of the crimping part area using a predefined edge detection algorithm and define a specific point on the outer line as a reference point (Pref).

[0101] For example, the reference point (Pref) may be defined as the point located at the uppermost point on the outer line of the upper surface of the crimping portion, as illustrated in FIG. 9. For another example, the reference point (Pref) may be defined as the point located at the uppermost point on the outer line of the lower surface of the crimping portion, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0102] Thereafter, the battery shape inspection device can define a parallel line (Lpar) that is in contact with the reference point (Pref), and vertically move the parallel line (Lpar) by a predetermined distance (h) so that the parallel line (Lpar) passes through the crimping portion area. Here, the battery shape inspection device can define the vertically moved parallel line (Lpar) as the reference line (Lref).

[0103] For example, if the reference point (Pref) is defined as a point located at the top of the upper surface of the crimping portion as illustrated in FIG. 9, the battery shape inspection device can define a parallel line (Lpar) that is in contact with the reference point (Pref) and define the parallel line (Lpar) moved downward by 0.05 mm as the reference line (Lref).

[0104] For another example, if the reference point (Pref) is defined as a point located at the top of the lower surface of the crimping portion as illustrated in FIG. 10, the battery shape inspection device can define a parallel line (Lpar) that is in contact with the reference point (Pref) and define the parallel line (Lpar) moved downward by 0.05 mm as the reference line (Lref).

[0105] The battery shape inspection device can derive the intersection point of the reference line and the crimping part area (S730).

[0106] For example, referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the battery shape inspection device can derive a first intersection point (P1) and a second intersection point (P2) where the reference line (Lref) and the crimping portion area intersect in the vertical cross-section image.

[0107] The battery shape inspection device can calculate the flatness of the crimping section using the intersection points derived from S730 (S740). Here, the flatness can be calculated as a lower value for flatter sections, and a higher value for more severe bending.

[0108] The flatness of the crimping portion can be calculated based on the horizontal distance between the first intersection point (P1) and the second intersection point (P2). Here, the flatness of the crimping portion can be calculated as a lower value as the horizontal distance (D_x) between the first intersection point (P1) and the second intersection point (P2) is longer, and can be calculated as a higher value as the horizontal distance (D_x) is shorter. For example, the flatness of the crimping portion can be calculated by multiplying the reciprocal of the horizontal distance (D_x) by the adjustment factor (K) (K / D_x).

[0109] In an embodiment, the battery shape inspection device can calculate the flatness of one side crimping portion and the flatness of the other side crimping portion. For example, the battery shape inspection device can calculate the flatness of the left crimping portion and the flatness of the right crimping portion, respectively. Here, the battery shape inspection device can calculate the first flatness based on the upper surface of the left crimping portion and the second flatness based on the lower surface. In addition, the battery shape inspection device can calculate the third flatness based on the upper surface of the right crimping portion and the fourth flatness based on the lower surface.

[0110] The battery shape inspection device can determine whether a battery is defective by comparing the flatness calculated by S740 with a preset tolerance range. For example, if the flatness exceeds a preset threshold, the battery can be classified as having a "crimping section flatness defect." For another example, if at least one of the first and third flatnesses exceeds a preset threshold, the battery can be classified as having a "crimping section flatness defect." For another example, if at least one of the first to fourth flatnesses exceeds a preset threshold, the battery can be classified as having a "crimping section flatness defect."

[0111]

[0112] Fig. 11 is a reference diagram for explaining a battery shape inspection method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] The battery shape inspection device can calculate the total height of the battery based on a first vertical cross-sectional image of an upper region of the battery and a second vertical cross-sectional image of a lower region of the battery.

[0114] More specifically, the CT device can generate first CT data corresponding to the upper region (A_upper in FIG. 11(A)) of the battery using cross-section images. In addition, the CT device can generate second CT data corresponding to the lower region (A_low in FIG. 11(A)) of the battery using cross-section images. Here, the height value (H_mid) for the middle region, which is not measured by the CT device, can be pre-stored in the battery shape inspection device.

[0115] The battery shape inspection device can extract a first vertical cross-sectional image (Fig. 11(B)) from a first CT image acquired from a CT device, and can extract a second vertical cross-sectional image (Fig. 11(C)) from second CT data.

[0116] Thereafter, the battery shape inspection device can measure a first distance (H_upper), which is a vertical distance of the battery area, in the first vertical cross-section image (I_upper), and can measure a second distance (H_low), which is a vertical distance of the battery area, in the second vertical cross-section image (I_low).

[0117] The battery shape inspection device can calculate the height distance (total height) of the battery by adding the third distance (H_mid) corresponding to the height of the central region stored in advance to the sum of the first distance (H_upper) and the second distance (H_low) (H_t = H_upper + H_low + H_mid).

[0118] That is, the battery shape inspection device can calculate the total height of the battery using first CT data corresponding to the upper region and second CT data corresponding to the lower region without acquiring CT data for the entire area of ​​the battery.

[0119]

[0120] Fig. 12 is a block diagram of a battery shape inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] The battery shape inspection device (1200) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be linked with a CT device.

[0122] A battery shape inspection device (1200) may include at least one processor (1210), a memory (1220) that stores at least one command executed through the processor, and a transmission / reception device (1230) that is connected to a network and performs communication.

[0123] The at least one command may include: a command for obtaining a vertical cross-sectional image of the battery; a command for defining a reference line passing through an area of ​​the crimping portion in the vertical cross-sectional image; and a command for calculating a flatness of the crimping portion using an intersection of the reference line and the area of ​​the crimping portion.

[0124] The command for obtaining the vertical cross-sectional image may include a command for obtaining CT data of the battery from a computed tomography (CT) device; and a command for extracting a vertical cross-sectional image including the crimping portion area from the CT data.

[0125] The command defining the reference line may include a command defining a reference point on the outer line of the crimping portion; a command defining a parallel line that is in contact with the reference point; a command vertically moving the parallel line by a predetermined distance so that the parallel line passes through the crimping portion area; and a command defining the vertically moved parallel line as the reference line.

[0126] The command defining the reference point may include a command defining the point located at the top on the outer line of the upper surface of the crimping portion as the reference point, and the command moving the parallel line vertically by a defined distance may include a command moving the parallel line downward by a defined distance.

[0127] The command defining the reference point may include a command defining the point located at the top on the outer line of the lower surface of the crimping part as the reference point, and the command moving the parallel line vertically by a defined distance may include a command moving the parallel line downward by a defined distance.

[0128] The command for calculating the flatness may include a command for identifying a first intersection point and a second intersection point where the reference line and the crimping portion area intersect; and a command for calculating the flatness based on a horizontal distance between the first intersection point and the second intersection point.

[0129] The command for calculating the flatness may include a command for calculating the flatness for one side crimping portion; and a command for calculating the flatness for the other side crimping portion.

[0130] The at least one command may further include a command for determining whether the battery is defective based on whether the calculated flatness exceeds a preset tolerance range.

[0131] The at least one command may further include: a command to obtain a first vertical cross-sectional image of an upper region of the battery and a second vertical cross-sectional image of a lower region of the battery; a command to measure a first distance, which is a vertical distance of the battery region, in the first vertical cross-sectional image, and a command to measure a second distance, which is a vertical distance of the battery region, in the second vertical cross-sectional image; and a command to calculate a height distance of the battery by adding a third distance corresponding to a pre-stored central region to the sum of the first distance and the second distance.

[0132] The battery shape inspection device (1200) may also include an input interface device (1240), an output interface device (1250), a storage device (1260), etc. Each component included in the battery shape inspection device (1200) may be connected by a bus (1270) and communicate with each other.

[0133] Here, the processor (1210) may refer to a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor on which methods according to embodiments of the present invention are performed. In addition, the memory may be configured with at least one of a volatile / transitory storage medium and a non-volatile / non-transitory storage medium. For example, the memory may be configured with at least one of a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM), and may include an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory (EEPROM).

[0134]

[0135] The operations of the method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented as a computer-readable program or code on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium may include any type of recording device that stores data readable by a computer system. The computer-readable recording medium may also be distributed across network-connected computer systems, allowing the computer-readable program or code to be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0136] The operation of the method according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in various forms related to a program, such as a computer program or code itself or a computer program product.

[0137] Additionally, the computer-readable recording medium may include one or more of a volatile / transitory recording medium and a non-volatile / non-transitory recording medium.

[0138] A computer-readable recording medium may include hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory, and may include, for example, various types of servers located on a network. Program instructions may include not only machine language codes, such as those generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like.

[0139] While some aspects of the present invention have been described in the context of a device, they may also represent a description of a corresponding method, wherein a block or device corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method may also be described as a corresponding block or item or a feature of a corresponding device. Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) a hardware device, such as, for example, a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, one or more of the most significant method steps may be performed by such a device.

[0140] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. At least one processor; and A memory that stores at least one instruction to be executed through at least one processor, At least one of the above commands, Command to obtain a vertical cross-sectional image of a battery; In the above vertical cross-section image, a command defining a reference line passing through the area of ​​the crimping portion; and A battery shape inspection device, comprising a command for calculating the flatness of the crimping portion by using the intersection of the reference line and the crimping portion area.

2. In claim 1, The command to obtain the above vertical cross-sectional image is: A command to acquire CT data of a battery from a computed tomography (CT) device; and A battery shape inspection device, comprising a command for extracting a vertical cross-sectional image including the crimping portion area from the CT data.

3. In claim 1, The command defining the above reference line is: A command for defining a reference point on the outer line of the above crimping portion; A command defining a parallel line tangent to the above reference point; A command to vertically move the parallel line by a predetermined distance so that the parallel line passes through the crimping portion area; and A battery shape inspection device comprising a command defining a vertically moved parallel line as the reference line.

4. In claim 3, The command that defines the above reference point is: Includes a command for defining the point located at the top on the outer line of the upper surface of the crimping part as the reference point, The command to move the above parallel line vertically by a defined distance is: A battery shape inspection device comprising a command to move the above parallel line downward by a predetermined distance.

5. In claim 3, The command that defines the above reference point is: Includes a command for defining the point located at the top on the outer line of the crimping part as the reference point, The command to move the above parallel line vertically by a defined distance is: A battery shape inspection device comprising a command to move the above parallel line downward by a predetermined distance.

6. In claim 1, The command to calculate the above flatness is: A command to check a first intersection point and a second intersection point where the reference line and the crimping portion area intersect; and A battery shape inspection device, comprising a command for calculating the flatness based on the horizontal distance between the first intersection and the second intersection.

7. In claim 1, The command to calculate the above flatness is: A command to calculate the flatness for one-sided crimping portion; and A battery shape inspection device, comprising a command for calculating the flatness of the other side crimping portion.

8. In claim 1, At least one of the above commands, A battery shape inspection device further comprising a command for determining whether the battery is defective based on whether the calculated flatness exceeds a preset tolerance range.

9. In claim 1, At least one of the above commands, A command to obtain a first vertical cross-sectional image of an upper region of the battery and a second vertical cross-sectional image of a lower region of the battery; In the first vertical cross-sectional image, a command for measuring a first distance, which is a vertical distance of a battery area, and in the second vertical cross-sectional image, a command for measuring a second distance, which is a vertical distance of a battery area; and A battery shape inspection device further comprising a command for calculating a height distance of the battery by adding a third distance corresponding to a pre-stored central region to the sum of the first distance and the second distance.

10. A method for inspecting a battery shape using a battery shape measuring device, A step of acquiring a vertical cross-sectional image of a battery; In the above vertical cross-sectional image, a step of defining a reference line passing through the area of ​​the crimping portion; and A battery shape inspection method, comprising a step of calculating the flatness of the crimping portion by using the intersection of the reference line and the crimping portion area.

11. In claim 10, The step of obtaining the above vertical cross-sectional image is: A step of acquiring CT data of a battery from a computed tomography (CT) device; and A battery shape inspection method, comprising a step of extracting a vertical cross-sectional image including the crimping portion area from the CT data.

12. In claim 10, The steps for defining the above reference line are: A step of defining a reference point on the outer line of the above crimping portion; A step of defining a parallel line that is in contact with the above reference point; A step of vertically moving the parallel line by a predetermined distance so that the parallel line passes through the crimping portion area; and A battery shape inspection method comprising a step of defining a vertically moved parallel line as the reference line.

13. In claim 12, The steps for defining the above reference point are: Including a step of defining the point located at the top on the outer line of the upper surface of the crimping part as the reference point, The step of vertically moving the above parallel line by a predetermined distance is: A battery shape inspection method comprising the step of moving the above parallel line downward by a predetermined distance.

14. In claim 12, The steps for defining the above reference point are: Including a step of defining the point located at the top on the outer line of the lower surface of the crimping part as the reference point, The step of vertically moving the above parallel line by a predetermined distance is: A battery shape inspection method comprising the step of moving the above parallel line downward by a predetermined distance.

15. In claim 10, The step of calculating the above flatness is: A step of confirming a first intersection point and a second intersection point where the reference line and the crimping portion area intersect; and A battery shape inspection method, comprising a step of calculating the flatness based on the horizontal distance between the first intersection and the second intersection.

16. In claim 10, The step of calculating the above flatness is: A step for calculating the flatness of one-sided crimping portion; and A battery shape inspection method, comprising a step of calculating the flatness of the other side crimping portion.

17. In claim 10, A battery shape inspection method further comprising a step of determining whether the battery is defective based on whether the calculated flatness exceeds a preset tolerance range.

18. In claim 10, A step of acquiring a first vertical cross-sectional image of an upper region of the battery and a second vertical cross-sectional image of a lower region of the battery; In the first vertical cross-sectional image, a step of measuring a first distance, which is a vertical distance of a battery area, and in the second vertical cross-sectional image, a step of measuring a second distance, which is a vertical distance of a battery area; and A battery shape inspection method further comprising a step of calculating a height distance of the battery by adding a third distance corresponding to a pre-stored central region to the sum of the first distance and the second distance.

19. A CT device that generates CT (Computed Tomography) data of the battery; and A battery shape inspection device is included, which obtains the CT data from the CT device, calculates one or more dimensions related to the shape of the battery using a vertical cross-sectional image extracted from the CT data, and determines whether the shape of the battery is defective based on the calculated dimensions. The above battery shape inspection device, A battery shape inspection system that defines a reference line passing through the area of ​​the crimping section in the above vertical cross-section image, and calculates the flatness of the crimping section using the intersection of the reference line and the area of ​​the crimping section.

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