Stacking inspection device for secondary battery and stacking inspection method using same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a stacking inspection device for a secondary battery. The stacking inspection device for a secondary battery may comprise: a stack table for holding a stacked body formed by stacking sheet-type stacking members, each of which is one of a first electrode sheet, a second electrode sheet, and a separator sheet, in a stacking direction in order to form an electrode assembly; first holders disposed in a row along the first side surface of the stacked body; second holders disposed in a row along the second side surface opposite to the first side surface of the stacked body; a reference line provided along the outer circumference of the stacked body; and an imaging unit for capturing images of the reference line and side boundaries of the stacked body exposed through the first holders and the second holders. In addition, the present disclosure includes a stacking inspection method using the stacking inspection device for a secondary battery described above.

Description

Stacking inspection device for secondary batteries and stacking inspection method using the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a stacking inspection device for a secondary battery, and more specifically, to an inspection device for verifying the alignment state of a separator sheet and an electrode sheet constituting an electrode assembly for a secondary battery.

[0002] In addition, the present disclosure includes an inspection method using the aforementioned stacking inspection device for secondary batteries.

[0003] Secondary batteries are batteries capable of repeatedly performing charging and discharging, and with the advancement of the information and communication and display industries, they are widely applied as power sources for portable electronic communication devices such as mobile phones and laptops. Furthermore, with the recent rise in concern for environmental issues, research on eco-friendly means of transportation, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles (HEVs), capable of replacing fossil fuel-powered vehicles is actively underway, and the demand for secondary batteries as a power source for these eco-friendly modes of transport is steadily increasing.

[0004] Generally, an electrode assembly included in a secondary battery consists of a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. In the process of stacking the electrode plates and the separator, if, for example, the alignment of the electrode plates is disrupted, it can cause performance degradation of the secondary battery and safety accidents.

[0005] In this regard, although various techniques for inspecting the alignment status of electrode plates have been proposed, a satisfactory solution capable of improving the accuracy of stacking inspection has not yet been presented.

[0006] [Prior Art Literature]

[0007] [Patent Literature]

[0008] (Patent Document 1) Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10-2107226

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosures, a stacking inspection device for a secondary battery can be provided that can verify the alignment state of each stacked member without affecting the stacking process of an electrode assembly for a secondary battery.

[0010] In addition, the present disclosure is intended to provide a stacking inspection method using the aforementioned stacking inspection device for a secondary battery.

[0011] A stack inspection device for a secondary battery according to the first aspect of the present disclosure may include: a stack table for mounting a stacked body comprising a sheet-type stacked member which is one of a first electrode sheet, a second electrode sheet, and a separator sheet; a first holder arranged in a row along a first side of the stacked body; a second holder arranged in a row along a second side opposite to the first side of the stacked body; a reference line provided along the outer perimeter of the stacked body; and a shooting unit for acquiring images of the side boundary of the stacked body and the reference line exposed through the first holder and the second holder.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the stack table may be configured to be vertically movable in the stacking direction of the stacked body.

[0013] The present disclosure can maintain a constant spacing between a stacked member disposed on the top layer of a stack and an imaging unit.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a reference line may be provided by visualizing a laser irradiated from a laser generator.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the reference line may be formed as a planar laser light sheet oriented in a stacking direction toward a stack table.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the reference line may be formed at the intersection of a measuring jig fixed spaced apart from the stack table.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a reference line may be formed to be displayed on the display screen of the imaging unit.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first holder may be symmetrically arranged in pairs along the width direction of the laminate and may include a first exposed groove formed extending longitudinally from the boundary of the first holder and a first exposed hole formed extending in the width direction inside the first holder. Correspondingly, the second holder may be symmetrically arranged in pairs along the width direction of the laminate and may include a second exposed groove formed extending longitudinally from the boundary of the second holder and a second exposed hole formed extending in the width direction inside the second holder.

[0019] The present disclosure allows the separator sheet to be folded into a zigzag shape by the reciprocating motion of a lamination roll.

[0020]

[0021] In addition, the present disclosure relates to a stacking inspection method using a stacking inspection device for a secondary battery described above, and may include: a step of setting a reference line that serves as an alignment reference for a sheet-type stacking member, which is one of a first electrode sheet, a second electrode sheet, and a separator sheet constituting a stack; a step of stacking the stacking member on a stack table; a step of pressurizing and supporting the side boundary of the stacking member placed on the top layer of the stack in the stacking direction using a holder including an exposure groove and an exposure hole that expose the side boundary of the stacking member; a step of photographing the side boundary of the stacking member exposed through the exposure groove and the exposure hole and the reference line; and a step of determining the alignment state of the stacking member based on the photographed image.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the stack table can move downward to the opposite side of the stacking direction each time a stacking member is stacked.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a reference line may be provided along the outer perimeter of the laminate.

[0024] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the setting of the reference line may be provided through a reference point of a measuring jig fixed spaced apart from the stack table.

[0025] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the setting of the reference line may be formed to be displayed on a display during the step of capturing an image of the side boundary of the laminated member exposed through the exposure groove and the exposure hole and the reference line.

[0026] In the pressure support step, the holder may include a first holder arranged in a line along a first side of the laminate and a second holder arranged in a line along a second side facing the first side of the laminate.

[0027] The first holder may be symmetrically arranged in pairs along the width direction of the laminate and may include a first exposed groove formed extending longitudinally from the boundary of the first holder and a first exposed hole formed extending in the width direction inside the first holder. Correspondingly, the second holder may be symmetrically arranged in pairs along the width direction of the laminate and may include a second exposed groove formed extending longitudinally from the boundary of the second holder and a second exposed hole formed extending in the width direction inside the second holder.

[0028] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the imaging step may image the side boundary of a laminated member disposed on the top layer of the laminate.

[0029] In the judgment step, the present disclosure can determine whether there is a lamination defect in the laminated member through the gap between the side boundary of the laminated member exposed through the exposed groove and the exposed hole and the reference line.

[0030] The present disclosure may sequentially repeat the stacking step of a stacked member, the pressure support step, the imaging step, and the judgment step.

[0031]

[0032] The features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description based on the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted in their ordinary and dictionary senses, but should be interpreted in a sense and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the alignment state of the laminated members can be checked during the lamination process of an electrode assembly for a secondary battery.

[0035] In addition, the present disclosure can improve product reliability by continuously and in real-time conducting a full inspection of the alignment status of the laminated members whenever the laminated members are laminated.

[0036] Furthermore, the present disclosure allows for high reliability in the measurement of the gap between the stacked member and the reference line by placing a reference line at the same height as the stacked member placed at the top of the stacked body.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a stacking inspection device for a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a front view schematically illustrating a stacking inspection device for a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 3a is a schematic plan view illustrating a stacking inspection device for a secondary battery illustrated in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3b is a schematic view illustrating a shooting screen of a shooting unit of a stacking inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a front view schematically illustrating a stacking inspection device for a secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIGS. 5a to 5d are schematic diagrams illustrating, step-by-step, an inspection method using a stacking inspection device for a secondary battery according to the present disclosure.

[0042] The terms used to describe an embodiment of the present disclosure are not intended to limit the present disclosure. It should be understood that singular expressions include plural expressions unless otherwise specified in the context.

[0043] In assigning reference numerals to the components of the drawings, identical components are assigned the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings, and similar components are assigned similar reference numerals.

[0044] Drawings may be schematic or exaggerated for the purpose of illustrating embodiments. In this document, expressions such as “have,” “may have,” “include,” or “may include” indicate the presence of such features (e.g., numerical values, functions, operations, or components such as parts) and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0045] Terms such as "one," "other," "another," "first," and "second" are used to distinguish one component from another, and the components are not limited by these terms.

[0046]

[0047] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0048]

[0049] The present disclosure individually detects the alignment state of each stacked member to be stacked in one direction during the manufacturing process of an electrode assembly for a secondary battery. In particular, the present disclosure is configured to determine whether there is a stacking defect in the electrode assembly by measuring the gap between each stacked member constituting the electrode assembly and a preset reference line.

[0050]

[0051] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electrode stacking inspection device for a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a front view schematically illustrating an electrode stacking inspection device for a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 3a is a plan view schematically illustrating the stacking inspection device for a secondary battery illustrated in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3b is a diagram schematically illustrating a shooting screen of a shooting unit of a stacking inspection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052]

[0053] A stack inspection device for a secondary battery (1: hereinafter referred to as a stack inspection device) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a stack table (11) for mounting a stacked body (200) in which a sheet-type stacked member, which is one of a first electrode sheet (210), a second electrode sheet (220), and a separator sheet (230), is stacked in a stacking direction; a first holder (12) arranged in a row along a first side of the stacked body (200); a second holder (13) arranged in a row along a second side facing the first side of the stacked body (200); a reference line (R; R1, R2, R3, R4) provided along the outer perimeter of the stacked body (200); and a shooting unit (14) for capturing the reference line together with the edge boundary of the stacked body (200) exposed through the first holder (12) and the second holder (13).

[0054] Through this configuration, the present disclosure can determine the alignment state of each stacked member constituting the stack (200) by calculating the gap (G) between the boundary of each stacked member of the stack (200) exposed through the exposed grooves (121, 131) and exposed holes (122, 132) of the holder (12, 13) and reference line (R). Here, the term "stacked member" (no reference numeral) is a general term for a sheet-type constituent member constituting the stack (200), and may be one of a first electrode sheet (210), a second electrode sheet (220), or a separator sheet (230); specifically, it may be a first electrode sheet (210), a second electrode sheet (220), or a separator sheet (230) disposed on the uppermost layer of the stack (200).

[0055] Additionally, the present disclosure may include an analysis unit (15) that determines the alignment state of each stacked member based on a boundary image of the stacked body (200) collected by a shooting unit (14).

[0056]

[0057] A stack inspection device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a stack table (11).

[0058] The stack table (11) is a component that supports the electrode assembly (2) which is the object to be measured, and can be made of a flat plate structure capable of supporting a stack (200) formed by sequentially stacking stacking members to gradually increase the thickness in the stacking direction on the stack table (11).

[0059] The electrode assembly (2) may be a power generation device of the stacked electrode assembly type comprising a laminate (200) in which one or more first electrode sheets (210), one or more second electrode sheets (210), and a separator sheet (230) inserted to insulate between the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet are stacked in one direction, that is, in the stacking direction (Z). The laminate (200) may be formed by stacking the separator sheet (230), the first electrode sheet (210), the separator sheet (230), and the second electrode sheet (220) in that order. The first electrode sheet may act as an anode or a cathode and may have a polarity different from that of the second electrode sheet.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the stack table (11) is configured to move up and down along the stacking direction of the stack (200) so as to adjust the top layer position of the stack (200) to the same height. Optionally, the stack table (11) is coupled to a driving means (not shown) at its lower portion and can move up and down according to the driving of the driving means. The stack table (11) is designed to move downward as the stacking of the stack (200) progresses on its upper surface, so as to adjust the position where a stacking member (that is, a sheet-type stacking member among the first electrode sheet (210), the second electrode sheet (220), and the separator sheet (230) to be placed on the top layer of the stack (200) is stacked to the same height. This allows for a clear image to be obtained by maintaining a constant spacing distance (D) between the uppermost layer of the stacked body (200) and the shooting unit (14) to be described later, while maintaining the focus of the shooting unit (14) on the stacked member to be placed on the uppermost layer of the stacked body (200) exposed through the exposure groove and exposure hole of the first or second holder (12, 13), thereby improving the precision of the spacing (G) between the reference line (R) and the stacked member.

[0061] Furthermore, the stack table (11) can be formed to have a larger area than the stack (200), that is, the electrode assembly (2).

[0062]

[0063] The present disclosure includes a first holder (12) capable of fixing the position of a sheet-type laminated member by pressing a first side area of ​​a laminate (200).

[0064] The first holder (12) can be positioned to support the edge region of the laminate (200) on one side in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the laminate (200).

[0065] As illustrated, the first holder (12) may include a first exposure groove (121) and a first exposure hole (122) that expose the boundary of the laminate (200), more specifically the boundary of the laminate member to be placed on the top layer of the laminate (200), on the first side of the laminate (200). The first exposure groove (121) may be formed extending in the longitudinal direction (Y) from the boundary of the first holder (12), while the first exposure hole (122) may be formed extending in the width direction (X) inside the first holder (12).

[0066] The boundaries of the first electrode sheet (210), the second electrode sheet (220), and the separator sheet (230), which correspond to the sheet-type laminated member of the laminate (200), can be exposed through the first exposure groove (121) and the first exposure hole (122) formed in the first holder (12). The first exposure groove (121) exposes the first side boundary located on one side in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the laminated member, and the first exposure hole (122) can expose the third side boundary and the fourth side boundary located on one side in the width direction (X) of the laminated member.

[0067] The first holder (12) may be symmetrically arranged in a pair along the width direction (X) in the first side area of ​​the laminate (200). One of the first holders (12) of the pair may be arranged so as to expose the third side boundary of the laminate (200) or the sheet-type laminate member through the first exposure hole (122), while the other first holder of the pair may be arranged so as to expose the fourth side boundary of the laminate (200) or the sheet-type laminate member through the first exposure groove (122).

[0068]

[0069] Meanwhile, in this specification, the stacking direction, width direction, and length direction of the electrode assembly (2) or laminate (200) are defined as arrows (Z, X, Y) as shown in FIG. 1, as terms indicating the direction of the electrode assembly (2) or laminate (200). Here, the stacking direction (Z) refers to the direction in which the first electrode sheet, the second electrode sheet, and the separator sheet constituting the electrode assembly (2) are stacked on the stack table (11); the length direction (Y) refers to the arrangement direction of the first holder (12) and the second holder (13) arranged in mutually parallel or the extension direction of the separator sheet (230); and the width direction (X) may refer to a direction orthogonal to the length direction (Y). Accordingly, the stacking direction (Z), the width direction (X), and the length direction (Y) are orthogonal to each other.

[0070] Additionally, the first side and the second side refer to the two edges (or boundaries) of each sheet-type laminated member arranged opposite each other in the longitudinal direction (Y) orthogonal to the lamination direction (Z), and the third side and the fourth side refer to the two edges (or boundaries) of each sheet-type laminated member arranged opposite each other in the width direction (X).

[0071]

[0072] Corresponding to the first holder, the present disclosure includes a second holder (13) capable of fixing the position of a sheet-type laminated member by pressing a second side area of ​​the laminate (200).

[0073] The second holder (13) can be positioned to support the edge region of the laminate (200) on the other side in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the laminate (200).

[0074] As illustrated, the second holder (13) may include a second exposure groove (131) and a second exposure hole (132) that expose the boundary of the laminate (200), more specifically the boundary of the sheet-type laminated member to be placed on the top layer of the laminate (200), on the second side of the laminate (200). The second exposure groove (131) may be formed extending in the longitudinal direction (Y) from the boundary of the second holder (13), while the second exposure hole (132) may be formed extending in the width direction (X) inside the second holder (13).

[0075] The boundaries of the first electrode sheet (210), the second electrode sheet (220), and the separator sheet (230), which correspond to the sheet-type laminated member of the laminate (200), can be exposed through the second exposure groove (131) and the second exposure hole (132) formed in the second holder (13). The second exposure groove (131) exposes the second side boundary located on the other side in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the laminated member, and the second exposure hole (132) can expose the third side boundary and the fourth side boundary located on the other side in the width direction (X) of the laminated member.

[0076] The second holders (13) may be symmetrically arranged in pairs along the width direction (X) in the second side area of ​​the laminate (200). One of the second holders (13) in the pair may be arranged to expose the third side boundary of the laminate (200) or the sheet-type laminate member through the second exposure hole (132), while the other second holder in the pair may be arranged to expose the fourth side boundary of the laminate (200) or the sheet-type laminate member through the second exposure groove (132).

[0077] The present disclosure includes a shooting unit (14) positioned at a predetermined distance from a stack table (11).

[0078] The imaging unit (14) is configured to be able to photograph the edge area of ​​the laminate (200) supported by the first and second holders (12, 13), and preferably, it can photograph the side boundary of each sheet-type laminated member constituting the laminate (200) exposed through each exposure groove (121, 131) and each exposure hole (122, 132). As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging unit (14) may be provided on each side in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the laminate (200).

[0079] The present disclosure allows for the alignment of the first electrode sheet (210), the second electrode sheet (220), and the separator sheet (230) to be stacked on each layer by photographing the exposed groove (121, 131) and the exposed hole (122, 132) each time the first electrode sheet, the second electrode sheet, and the separator sheet are stacked.

[0080]

[0081] In particular, the present disclosure includes a reference line (R) formed along the outer perimeter of a laminate (200).

[0082] The present disclosure may provide a reference line (R) that serves as a reference for detecting the position where a stacked member is stacked on a stack table (11). That is, the present disclosure may determine a stacking defect of an electrode assembly by using a pre-set reference line (R) and the gap (G) between the reference line (R) and the side boundary of each stacked member.

[0083] Optionally, the present disclosure may present a reference line (R) by irradiating a laser from a laser generator (16) in a vertical direction with respect to the stack table (11), that is, in the stacking direction (Z). In this specification, since the laser generator described above is a known technology, a detailed description is omitted.

[0084] The reference line (R) may be generated in an exemplary square shape for a laser beam directed toward the stack table (11), but is not limited thereto and may be generated in a shape corresponding to the shape of the stack (200).

[0085] For example, the reference line (R) may include a first reference line (R1) spaced outward from the first side of each stacked member, a second reference line (R2) spaced outward from the second side of each stacked member, a third reference line (R3) spaced outward from the third side of each stacked member, and a fourth reference line (R4) spaced outward from the fourth side of each stacked member.

[0086] Each reference line (R; R1, R2, R3, R4) may be formed between the edge of the stack table (11) and the outer surface of the stack (200, or electrode assembly) to be placed on the stack table (11). This consequently allows the stack (200) to be placed in an inner region enclosed by the first to fourth reference lines (R1 to R4).

[0087] The present disclosure may present a reference line (R) using a laser beam, and the reference line (R) may be formed as a planar laser light sheet oriented in the stacking direction (Z) toward the stack table (11). Accordingly, the present disclosure may visualize the reference line (R) by using a laser light sheet irradiated in the stacking direction (Z) along the outer perimeter of the stack (200).

[0088] In particular, the present disclosure allows for the alignment of each side of the laminate (200) parallel to the reference line (R) visualized, such as a laser light sheet, by irradiating it in the stacking direction, and consequently, as the laminated members are stacked, the phenomenon of image distortion due to the increase in the thickness of the laminate can be minimized.

[0089] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a measuring jig (20) capable of determining a reference line can be placed on each corner area of ​​the stack table (11). The measuring jig (20) is physically separated from and coupled to the stack table (11), so that the reference line can be indicated through the intersection point (20a) at a fixed position regardless of the movement of the stack table.

[0090] The alignment state of the laminate can be inspected and verified based on the distance and positional relationship with the boundary of the laminate relative to the intersection point (20a) in the center of the plane of the illustrated measuring jig (20).

[0091]

[0092] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 3b, by considering the position and range at which the imaging unit photographs the laminated body, a line serving as a reference line is displayed on the display screen (14a) of the imaging unit (14), thereby allowing the gap between the reference line on the display screen (14a) of the imaging unit (14) and the boundary of the actual laminated body image to be captured, thereby enabling the alignment state and inspection of the laminated body to be performed. In this case, the position and shape of the reference line displayed on the display screen (14a) of the imaging unit (14) can be appropriately adjusted and controlled according to the distance or shooting range at which the imaging unit (14) photographs the laminated body, and thus displayed on the display screen (14a) of the imaging unit.

[0093]

[0094] Additionally, the present disclosure includes an analysis unit (15) that analyzes the alignment state of the stacked first electrode sheet (210), second electrode sheet (220), and separator sheet (230) based on an image obtained by a shooting unit (14).

[0095] The imaging unit (14) can be installed in the same direction, that is, in the stacking direction, with respect to the plane of the laser light sheet to obtain a reference line (R) as a linear image (indicated by a dashed line) as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 3a.

[0096] The analysis unit (15) can calculate the spacing (G) between each reference line (R1, R2, R3, R4) parallel to each side of the first electrode sheet (210), second electrode sheet (220), or separator sheet (230) constituting the stacked member, through an image captured by means of the imaging unit (15) of the arrangement shape of the side boundary of the stacked member and the virtual line (R; R1, R2, R3, R4) located in the first and second holders (12, 13).

[0097]

[0098] Additionally, the analysis unit (15) can verify the alignment of the first electrode sheet, the second electrode sheet, or the separator sheet by comparing the gap between the reference line and the aforementioned first electrode sheet, the second electrode sheet, or the separator sheet with a preset gap range.

[0099]

[0100] The present disclosure may additionally include a lighting unit (not shown) that irradiates light onto a stack table (11) so as to obtain a clear image through a shooting unit (14).

[0101]

[0102] A stacking inspection device (1) for a secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be employed in a process of stacking different types of electrode assemblies (2) as shown in FIG. 4, and is an extended embodiment including the stacking inspection device shown in FIG. 1. Since it is similar to the above-described embodiment except for the method of supplying the separator, descriptions of similar or identical configurations will be excluded here to facilitate a clear understanding of the present disclosure.

[0103]

[0104] FIG. 4 is a front view schematically illustrating an electrode stacking inspection device for a secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 4, the laminate (200) forming the Z-folding type electrode assembly (2) is stacked on a stack table (11) with a separator sheet (230) folded in a zigzag shape in the stacking direction (Z) in between, and a first electrode sheet (210) or a second electrode sheet (220) inserted therein.

[0106] A stacking inspection device (1) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can stack a first electrode sheet (210) and a second electrode sheet (220) by sequentially supplying them from both sides, respectively, around a separator sheet (230) that is folded in a zigzag shape by the reciprocating motion of a stacking roll (17).

[0107] The lamination roll (17) may be composed of a pair of reciprocating rolls, and the separator sheet (230) supplied from the upper side may be folded in a zigzag shape while the lamination roll (17) reciprocates.

[0108] Furthermore, since the present disclosure is designed to move downward as the stacking of the stack (200) proceeds on the upper surface of the stack table (11), the position where the first electrode sheet (210), the second electrode sheet (220), or the separator sheet (230) to be placed on the top layer of the stack (200) is stacked can be maintained at the same height.

[0109]

[0110] In particular, as can be seen through FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 4, the present disclosure has the advantage of being applicable to various types of electrode assemblies that can provide a predetermined thickness in the stacking direction by alternately stacking electrode sheets and separator sheets.

[0111] In addition, the present disclosure may provide a reference line (R) at the same height (or level) as the stacked member placed at the top, rather than based on the edge of the stack table or a reference line pre-formed on the stack table. This may provide the advantage of being able to measure a more precise gap because the reference line position is not varied due to the extension of the length of the separator sheet or the increase in the thickness of the stack.

[0112]

[0113] The following describes a method for inspecting the stacking of a secondary battery using a reference line with reference to FIGS. 5a to 5d. Here, the present disclosure describes a method for inspecting the alignment state of a stacked member during the stacking process based on the Z-folding type electrode assembly shown in FIG. 4.

[0114]

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5d, the present disclosure can inspect the alignment state of each electrode sheet or separator sheet constituting the laminate whenever a sheet-type laminate member is laminated during the process of forming a laminate (200) that is laminated by interposing a separator sheet (230) between one or more first electrode sheets (210) and one or more second electrode sheets (220).

[0116] First, the present disclosure includes the step (S100) of setting a reference line (S100) that serves as an alignment reference for a sheet-type laminated member, which is one of a first electrode sheet (210), a second electrode sheet (220), and a separator sheet (230) constituting a laminate (200).

[0117] The step of setting a reference line (S100) (S100) includes setting a reference line (R; R1, R2, R3, R4) on a stack table (11) on which a laminate (200) forming an electrode assembly is placed.

[0118] A reference line (R) is formed in a shape corresponding to a laminate (200) and may include a first reference line (R1) spaced outward from a first side located on one side of the longitudinal direction (Y) of each laminate member, a second reference line (R2) spaced outward from a second side located on the other side of the longitudinal direction (Y) of each laminate member, a third reference line (R3) spaced outward from a third side located on one side of the width direction (X) of each laminate member, and a fourth reference line (R4) spaced outward from a fourth side located on the other side of the width direction (X) of each laminate member.

[0119] Optionally, the present disclosure can visualize a reference line (R) by a laser light sheet emitted in a stacking direction (Z) from a laser generator (16) toward a stack table (11) as shown in FIG. 1.

[0120] In addition, the setting of the above baseline can be provided through a reference point of a measuring jig fixed at a distance from the stack table.

[0121] That is, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a measuring jig capable of determining a reference line can be placed on each corner area of ​​the stack table. Since the measuring jig is physically separated from and fixedly coupled to the stack table, it can indicate the reference point of the reference line at a fixed position regardless of the movement of the stack table.

[0122] The alignment status of the laminate can be inspected and verified based on the distance and positional relationship with the boundary of the laminate relative to the intersection point in the center of the plane of the illustrated measuring jig.

[0123] In addition, the baseline setting can be formed to be displayed in advance on a display during the step of capturing images of the side boundary of the laminated member exposed through the exposure groove and exposure hole described later and the baseline.

[0124] That is, as illustrated in FIG. 3b, by considering the position and range at which the imaging unit photographs the laminated body and displaying a reference line on the display of the imaging unit, the alignment state and inspection of the laminated body can be performed by capturing the gap between the reference line displayed on the image screen of the imaging unit and the boundary of the actual laminated body image being photographed. In this case, the position and shape of the reference line displayed on the display of the imaging unit can be appropriately adjusted and controlled according to the distance or shooting range at which the imaging unit photographs the laminated body.

[0125]

[0126] Then, the present disclosure includes the step (S200) of stacking a stacking member on a stack table (11).

[0127] The laminate (200) may sequentially stack sheet-type laminated members through a stacking step (S200) to be described later, but is not limited thereto. For example, the laminate (200) may stack a separator sheet (230) on a stack table (11) extending from one side in the longitudinal direction (Y) to the other (see FIG. 5a), stack a first electrode sheet (210) on the separator sheet (230) (see FIG. 5b), stack the separator sheet (230) extending from the other side in the longitudinal direction (Y) to one side so as to be folded in the opposite direction (see FIG. 5c), stack a second electrode sheet (220) on the separator sheet (230) (see FIG. 5d), and then stack the separator sheet (230) so as to be covered with the second electrode sheet (220) (see FIG. 5a). The laminate (200) repeatedly performs the aforementioned lamination process to form an electrode assembly (2) having a predetermined thickness in the lamination direction.

[0128]

[0129] As previously described, the present disclosure includes the step (S300) of pressurizing and supporting the side area of ​​the laminated member placed on the top layer whenever the laminated members are laminated.

[0130] The side area of ​​the stacked member placed on the top layer is supported by the first holder (12) and / or the second holder (13) to minimize lifting of each stacked member, thereby preventing the phenomenon where the photographed part appears blurry, while ensuring the alignment of each stacked member.

[0131] Furthermore, the present disclosure places a first holder (12) and a second holder (13) at both ends in the longitudinal direction of a stacked member placed on the top layer in alignment with a first reference line (R1) and a second reference line (R2).

[0132] Each holder (12, 13) may form a first exposed groove (121) and a second exposed groove (131) extending in the longitudinal direction (Y), while also forming a first exposed hole (122) and a second exposed hole (132) extending in the width direction (X). The boundary (edge) of the laminated member may be exposed through the exposed groove and the exposed hole.

[0133] In other words, the first and second exposed grooves (121, 131) are formed at the boundary portion of the holder, and can be formed in a shape that is open in the longitudinal direction (Y) toward the inner region at the boundary portion of the holder (12, 13). Accordingly, the first holder (12) may be positioned so that the opening of the first exposed groove (121) aligns with the first side boundary of the stacked member, whereas the second holder (13) may be positioned so that the opening of the second exposed groove (131) aligns with the second side boundary of the stacked member.

[0134] Additionally, as previously described, the first holder (12) is symmetrically arranged in pairs along the width direction (X) to expose the third side boundary and the fourth side boundary of the laminated member through the inside of the first exposure hole (122).

[0135] Correspondingly, the second holder (13) is symmetrically arranged in pairs along the width direction (X) to expose the third side boundary and the fourth side boundary of the laminated member through the second exposure groove (132).

[0136] In the present disclosure, each stacking member is pressed and supported by means of holders (12, 13) for the first side area and the second side area of ​​the stacking member. In order to reliably support the new stacking member to be stacked on the upper layer of the stack and the stacked member, the first holder (12) and the second holder (13) may be positioned at different heights as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. For example, the first holder (12) may be positioned on the first side area of ​​the first electrode sheet (210), whereas the second holder (13) may be interposed between the second side area of ​​the separator sheet (230) and the second side area of ​​the first electrode sheet (210) (see FIG. 5b). In contrast, the second holder (13) is disposed on the second side region of the second electrode sheet (220), while the first holder (12) may be interposed between the first side region of the separator sheet (230) and the first side region of the second electrode sheet (220) (see FIG. 5d).

[0137]

[0138] The present disclosure includes the step (S400) of photographing a reference line together with the side boundary of a stacked member stacked on a stack table (11).

[0139] Preferably, the shooting step (S400) can obtain an image by simultaneously shooting the side boundary of the stacked member placed on the top layer exposed through each exposure groove and each exposure hole, and the reference line placed adjacent to the side boundary, using the shooting unit (14).

[0140] The shooting step (S400) is performed by means of a shooting unit (14) spaced apart in the stacking direction on a stack table (11), and the shooting step is performed while the stack is supported by the first and / or second holders (12, 13).

[0141] In this shooting step (S400), the longitudinal sides and width sides of the laminated member placed on the top layer exposed through each exposure groove (121, 131) and each exposure hole (122, 132) can be photographed, and in the photographed image, the gap (G;G) between the reference line (R; R1, R2, R3, R4) and the side boundary of each laminated member X11 ,G X12 ,G X21 ,G X22 ,G Y11 ,G Y12 ,G Y21 ,G Y22 ) can be verified. Optionally, the present disclosure can also verify the spacing between stacked members according to the size of one or more stacked members stacked in the stacking direction.

[0142] Here, the indication and setting of the baseline have been described above, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0143]

[0144] The present disclosure includes a step (S500) of determining the alignment state of a stacked member constituting a stacked body (200) based on a captured image.

[0145] As previously described, the judgment step (S500) measures the gap (G) between the edge of each laminated member photographed in the shooting step (S400) and a reference line spaced outwardly opposite to this edge, and can determine whether there is a lamination defect in the laminated member through the gap.

[0146] Specifically, in the judgment step (S500), the gap (G) between the first side of the laminated member placed on the top layer of the laminated body (2) and the first reference line (R1) Y11 ,G Y12 ), the gap (G) between the second side and the second reference line (R2). Y21 ,G Y22) , the gap (G) between the third side and the third reference line (R3). X11 ,G X21 ), and the gap (G) between the fourth side and the fourth reference line (R4). X12 ,G X22It may include a step of measuring ).

[0147] The gap (G) calculated in this way is determined to be included in a preset gap range, and if each gap is not included in the preset gap range, the laminated member may be determined to be defective.

[0148]

[0149] In the judgment step (S500), the alignment state between the first side boundary of the separator sheet (230), which is one of the laminated members, and the opening of the first exposed groove (121) of the first holder (12) is recognized. Correspondingly, the alignment state between the second side boundary of the separator sheet (230), which is one of the laminated members, and the opening of the second exposed groove (131) of the second holder (13) is recognized.

[0150] Additionally, the present disclosure allows the third side boundary and the fourth side boundary of the laminated member to be exposed through the first exposure hole (122) of the first holder (12), and if the boundary of the laminated member is not recognized from the first exposure hole (122), the laminated member supported by the first holder can be determined to be defective.

[0151] Additionally, the present disclosure allows the third side boundary and the fourth side boundary of the laminated member to be exposed through the second exposure hole (132) of the second holder (13), and if the boundary of the laminated member is not recognized from the second exposure hole (132), the laminated member supported by the second holder can be determined to be defective.

[0152]

[0153] As is known to those skilled in the art, the present disclosure may stop the lamination process of the electrode assembly if, at the judgment stage, the laminated member is determined to be defective.

[0154]

[0155] The present disclosure may repeatedly perform steps (S200) to (S500) to form an electrode assembly having a predetermined thickness in the stacking direction (Z). In this way, the present disclosure can improve the alignment state between stacked members and the manufacturing precision during the process of manufacturing the electrode assembly because it is possible to inspect the alignment state of the stacked members every time each stacked member is stacked in the stacking direction.

[0156]

[0157] The present disclosure has been described in detail through specific embodiments. The embodiments are intended to specifically explain the present disclosure and are not limited thereto. It will be apparent that modifications or improvements can be made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0158] All simple variations or modifications of the present disclosure fall within the scope of the present disclosure, and the specific scope of protection of the present disclosure will be clarified by the appended claims.

[0159] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0160] 1 : Stack inspection device 11 : Stack table

[0161] 12: 1st holder 13: 2nd holder

[0162] 14 : Camera unit 14a: Display screen

[0163] 15 : Analysis Department

[0164] 16: Laser generator 17: Lamination roll

[0165] 20: Measuring jig 20a: Intersection point

[0166] R, R1, R2, R3, R4 : Reference line 2 : Electrode assembly

[0167] 200: Laminate 210: First electrode sheet

[0168] 220: Second electrode sheet 230: Separator sheet

Claims

1. A stack table for supporting a laminate including a sheet-type laminated member which is one of a first electrode sheet, a second electrode sheet, and a separator sheet; A first holder arranged in a row along the first side of the above-mentioned laminate; A second holder arranged in a line along a second side facing the first side of the above-mentioned laminate; A reference line provided along the outer perimeter of the above-mentioned laminate; and A stacking inspection device for a secondary battery comprising: a shooting unit that acquires an image of the side boundary of the stacked body exposed through the first holder and the second holder and the reference line.

2. In Claim 1, The stack table above is configured to be vertically movable in the stacking direction of the stacked body, forming a stacking inspection device for a secondary battery.

3. In Claim 1, A stacking inspection device for a secondary battery in which a stacking member disposed on the top layer of the above-mentioned stack maintains a constant distance from the imaging unit.

4. In Claim 1, The above reference line is a secondary battery stacking inspection device that visualizes a laser irradiated from a laser generator.

5. In Claim 1, A stacking inspection device for a secondary battery, wherein the above reference line is formed by a planar laser light sheet oriented in a stacking direction toward the stack table.

6. In Claim 1, A stacking inspection device for a secondary battery, wherein the above reference line is formed by the intersection of a measuring jig fixed at a distance from the stack table.

7. In Claim 1, The above reference line is a stacking inspection device for a secondary battery formed to be displayed on the display screen of the above-mentioned imaging unit.

8. In Claim 1, The first holder is symmetrically arranged in pairs along the width direction of the laminate and includes the first exposed groove formed extending in the longitudinal direction from the boundary of the first holder and the first exposed hole formed extending in the width direction inside the first holder. A stacking inspection device for a secondary battery, comprising a second holder symmetrically arranged in pairs along the width direction of the stack, and a second exposed groove formed extending in the longitudinal direction from the boundary of the second holder and a second exposed hole formed extending in the width direction inside the second holder.

9. In Claim 1, A stacking inspection device for a secondary battery in which the separator sheet of the above-mentioned stacked member is folded in a zigzag shape by the reciprocating motion of a stacking roll.

10. A step of setting a reference line that serves as an alignment standard for a sheet-type laminated member, which is one of a first electrode sheet, a second electrode sheet, and a separator sheet constituting the laminate; A step of stacking the stacked members on a stack table; A step of pressurizing and supporting the side boundary of the laminated member disposed on the uppermost layer of the laminate in the stacking direction using a holder comprising an exposed groove and an exposed hole that expose the side boundary of the laminated member; A step of taking a photograph to obtain an image of the side boundary of the laminated member exposed through the exposed groove and the exposed hole and the reference line; and A stacking inspection method for a secondary battery comprising the step of determining the alignment state of the stacked member based on the above-mentioned captured image.

11. In Claim 10, The stack table above is a stacking inspection method for a secondary battery that moves downward to the opposite side of the stacking direction whenever the stacking member is stacked.

12. In Claim 10, The above reference line is a stacking inspection method for a secondary battery provided along the outer perimeter of the above stack.

13. In Claim 10, The setting of the above reference line is a stacking inspection method for a secondary battery provided through a reference point of a measuring jig fixed spaced apart from the stack table.

14. In Claim 10, The setting of the above baseline is performed in the step of capturing images of the side boundary of the laminated member exposed through the exposure groove and the exposure hole and the baseline, A stacking inspection method for secondary batteries formed to be displayed in advance on a display screen during the above-mentioned shooting.

15. In Claim 10, In the above pressure support step, A method for inspecting stacking of a secondary battery, comprising a first holder arranged in a row along a first side of the stacked body and a second holder arranged in a row along a second side facing the first side of the stacked body.

16. In Claim 15, The first holder is symmetrically arranged in pairs along the width direction of the laminate and includes the first exposed groove formed extending in the longitudinal direction from the boundary of the first holder and the first exposed hole formed extending in the width direction inside the first holder. A method for inspecting a stack of secondary batteries, wherein the second holder is symmetrically arranged in pairs along the width direction of the stack, and the second exposed groove is formed extending in the longitudinal direction from the boundary of the second holder, and the second exposed hole is formed extending in the width direction inside the second holder.

17. In Claim 10, The above-mentioned photographing step is a method for inspecting the stacking of a secondary battery by photographing the side boundary of the stacked member placed on the top layer of the stack.

18. In Claim 10, In the above judgment step, A stacking inspection method for a secondary battery that determines whether there is a stacking defect in the stacked member through the gap between the side boundary of the stacked member exposed through the exposed groove and the exposed hole and the reference line.

19. In Claim 10, A method for inspecting the stacking of a secondary battery by sequentially repeating the stacking step of the stacked member, the pressure support step, the imaging step, and the judgment step.

Images