Battery cell inspection device, battery cell produced using same, and battery pack and vehicle comprising battery cell

Abstract

A battery cell inspection device, a battery cell produced using same, and a battery pack and a vehicle comprising the battery cell are disclosed. The battery cell inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a photographing member for photographing a welded portion of a battery cell; a reflective member which reflects light and is coupled to the photographing member or detached and removed from the photographing member on the basis of a welding position of the battery cell; and a lighting member for providing light to the battery cell.

Description

Battery cell inspection device and battery cells produced using the same, battery packs including battery cells and automobiles

[0001] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0006288 filed on January 15, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery cell inspection device, a battery cell produced using the same, a battery pack including the battery cell, and an automobile. More specifically, the invention relates to a battery cell inspection device formed as an integrated unit capable of inspecting all weld beads formed at different locations with a single device, a battery cell produced using the same, a battery pack including the battery cell, and an automobile.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density and high applicability across product categories, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by electric power sources.

[0004] These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, as they not only have the primary advantage of being able to drastically reduce the use of fossil fuels but also the advantage of not generating any by-products from the use of energy.

[0005] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V.

[0006] Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, a battery module or battery pack is configured by connecting multiple battery cells in series. Additionally, a battery module or battery pack is configured by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel depending on the required charge / discharge capacity. Accordingly, the number of battery cells included in the battery module or battery pack and the electrical connection type can be varied according to at least one of the required output voltage and charge / discharge capacity.

[0007] Cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch-type battery cells are known as types of secondary battery cells. In the case of a battery cell, a separator acting as an insulator is interposed between a positive plate and a negative plate, and this is wound to form a jellyroll-shaped electrode assembly. This assembly is then inserted into a battery can along with an electrolyte, and a cap is attached to constitute the battery. Additionally, a current collector may be used to electrically connect the positive plate and the negative plate, respectively, in the battery cell.

[0008] When joining the cap and the battery can in a battery cell by welding, a weld bead may be formed on the side of the cap and the battery can, or a weld bead may be formed on the upper surface of the cap and the battery can.

[0009] Here, weld beads can be inspected to determine the quality of the welding of the cap and battery can. However, conventionally, a side inspection device for inspecting weld beads formed on the sides of the cap and battery can and a top inspection device for inspecting weld beads formed on the top surface of the cap and battery can are separately provided, which results in inefficiency, increased process time, occupancy of a large amount of workspace, and increased costs.

[0010] Accordingly, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery cell inspection device that is formed as an integrated unit to inspect both the weld beads formed on the sides of the cap and the battery can and the weld beads formed on the upper surfaces of the cap and the battery can with a single device, thereby increasing work efficiency, a battery cell produced using the same, a battery pack including the battery cell, and an automobile.

[0011] In addition, the invention provides a battery cell inspection device capable of reducing process time, a battery cell produced using the same, a battery pack including the battery cell, and an automobile.

[0012] In addition, the invention provides a battery cell inspection device that can increase workspace efficiency, is advantageous in terms of management, and improve cost competitiveness by reducing process costs, as well as a battery cell produced using the same, a battery pack including the battery cell, and an automobile.

[0013] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery cell inspection device may be provided, comprising: a photographing member for photographing a welded portion of a battery cell; a reflecting member that reflects light and is coupled to the photographing member or separated from and removed from the photographing member depending on the welded position of the battery cell; and a lighting member that provides light to the battery cell.

[0015] In one embodiment, the battery cell includes a battery can in which an electrode assembly is housed and a cap coupled to the battery can, and when a weld bead is formed on the side of the cap and the battery can after the cap is welded to the battery can, the reflective member can be coupled to the imaging member.

[0016] In one embodiment, the reflective member may include: a main body portion coupled to the imaging member and having a through hole formed therein through which light can pass; and a mirror portion disposed inside the main body portion and reflecting the light so that light reflected from the battery cell and introduced through the through hole enters the imaging member.

[0017] In one embodiment, the main body may include a side portion that defines a side and is coupled to the imaging member; and a bottom portion that extends from the side portion, defines a bottom surface, and has the through hole formed therein.

[0018] In one embodiment, the lower portion is formed with a slope that becomes higher toward the central region, and the mirror portion may include a plurality of central mirror portions arranged along the perimeter of the central region of the lower portion; and a plurality of side mirror portions provided in the same number as the central mirror portions and coupled to the side portions so as to face the central mirror portions.

[0019] In one embodiment, light reflected from the central mirror portion can enter the imaging member.

[0020] In one embodiment, the through hole may be formed in the lower portion at a position corresponding to the side mirror portion so that light reflected from the lighting member to the battery cell can pass through the through hole in the lower portion and reach the side mirror portion.

[0021] In one embodiment, the through holes are plurality, and at least one of the plurality of through holes may be located at a different distance from the center region with respect to the radial direction of the lower surface portion when compared with other through holes.

[0022] In one embodiment, the through holes are eight, and when four of the eight through holes are formed one each in the east, west, south, and north directions, the remaining four can be formed one each in the southeast, northeast, southwest, and northwest directions, located at a distance from the center area further than the four through holes.

[0023] In one embodiment, the lighting member may be coupled to the reflecting member.

[0024] In one embodiment, the battery cell includes a battery can in which an electrode assembly is housed and a cap coupled to the battery can, and when a weld bead is formed on the upper surface of the cap and the battery can after the cap is welded to the battery can, the mirror member can be separated from and removed from the imaging member.

[0025] In one embodiment, the lighting member may be spaced apart from the imaging member.

[0026] In one embodiment, the lighting member is configured in a circular shape to form a central hole, and the battery cell may be located inside the central hole on the lower side of the lighting member.

[0027] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, a battery cell produced using the aforementioned battery cell inspection device may be provided, and a battery pack comprising at least one of the aforementioned battery cells may be provided, and a vehicle comprising at least one of the aforementioned battery cells may be provided.

[0028] The embodiments of the present invention are formed as an integrated type so that both the weld bead formed on the side of the cap and the battery can and the weld bead formed on the upper surface of the cap and the battery can can be inspected with a single device, thereby increasing work efficiency.

[0029] In addition, it has the effect of reducing process time.

[0030] In addition, it can increase workspace efficiency, is advantageous in terms of management, and has the effect of improving cost competitiveness by reducing process costs.

[0031] However, the effects obtainable through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned technical effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0032] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which a reflective member is coupled to an imaging member.

[0034] Figure 2 is a front view of Figure 1.

[0035] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 2, showing a battery cell with weld beads formed on the sides of the cap and the battery can.

[0036] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along X-X' in Figure 1.

[0037] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along Y-Y' in Figure 1.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a view taken along arrow Z of FIG. 2, showing the bottom surface of the reflective member.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of a reflective member in a battery cell inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating the inspection of a weld bead of a battery cell formed on the side of a cap and a battery can by a battery cell inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating the inspection of a weld bead of a battery cell formed on the upper surface of a cap and a battery can by a battery cell inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 9, showing a battery cell with a weld bead formed on the upper surface of the cap and the battery can.

[0043] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a battery cell located inside the central hole of a lighting member in a battery cell inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack including battery cells produced using a battery cell inspection device according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 12.

[0046] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention. Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely one preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all aspects of the technical spirit of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0047] In the drawings, the size of each component or specific part constituting the component is exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for convenience and clarity of explanation. Accordingly, the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual size. If it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention, such description shall be omitted.

[0048] As used in this specification, the terms "combination" or "connection" include not only cases where one member and another member are directly joined or directly connected, but also cases where one member is indirectly joined or indirectly connected to another member through a connecting member.

[0049] FIGS. 1 to 8 illustrate a case in which a battery cell having a weld bead formed on the side of a cap and a battery can is inspected by a battery cell inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9 to 11 illustrate a case in which a battery cell having a weld bead formed on the upper surface of a cap and a battery can is inspected by a battery cell inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a reflective member is coupled to an imaging member; FIG. 2 is a front view of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 2, showing a battery cell with a weld bead formed on the side of a cap and a battery can; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along X-X' in FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along Y-Y' in FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is a view taken along arrow Z in FIG. 2, showing the bottom surface of the reflective member; FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of the reflective member in a battery cell inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the inspection of a weld bead of a battery cell with a weld bead formed on the side of a cap and a battery can by a battery cell inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] A battery cell inspection device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be applied to various types of battery cells (20), but for convenience of explanation, the following description focuses on the case where the welding quality is determined by inspecting the welding bead (23) of a cylindrical battery cell.

[0052] The battery cell (20) may include an electrode assembly, a battery can (21), and a cap (22).

[0053] The electrode assembly has a structure in which an anode plate, a cathode plate, and a separator interposed between the anode plate and the cathode plate are wound in one direction. Additionally, a center hole is formed in the center of the electrode assembly, and it can be formed as a jelly roll type.

[0054] For example, an electrode assembly can be manufactured by winding a laminate formed by sequentially stacking a cathode plate, a separator, an anode plate, and a separator at least once. Here, the anode plate and the cathode plate may be formed in a sheet shape.

[0055] That is, the electrode assembly applied to this embodiment may be a wound-type electrode assembly. In this case, an additional separator may be provided on the outer surface of the electrode assembly to insulate it from the battery can (21). That is, the electrode assembly may have a wound structure well known in the relevant technical field without limitation.

[0056] A positive active material is coated on one or both sides of the positive plate, and a first uncoated portion, on which the positive active material is not coated, may be formed at the end of the positive plate. The first uncoated portion may be exposed to the outside of the separator while forming a plurality of wound turns with respect to the center of the electrode assembly, and may be used as an electrode tab itself. However, the first uncoated portion may not be formed on the positive plate.

[0057] A negative electrode active material is coated on one or both sides of the negative electrode plate, and a second uncoated portion, on which the negative electrode active material is not coated, may be formed at the end of the negative electrode plate. The second uncoated portion may be exposed to the outside of the separator while forming a plurality of wound turns with respect to the center of the electrode assembly, and may be used as an electrode tab itself. However, the second uncoated portion may not be formed on the negative electrode plate.

[0058] Here, when the positive plate and the negative plate each include a non-existent portion, the first non-existent portion and the second non-existent portion may be configured to face in opposite directions.

[0059] In addition, the positive active material coated on the positive plate and the negative active material coated on the negative plate may be used without limitation as long as they are active materials known in the art.

[0060] The separator can be a porous polymer film made of a polyolefin-based polymer, such as an ethylene homopolymer, a propylene homopolymer, an ethylene / butene copolymer, an ethylene / hexene copolymer, an ethylene / methacrylate copolymer, etc., used alone or by laminating them.

[0061] As another example, the separation membrane may use a conventional porous nonwoven fabric, for example, a nonwoven fabric made of high-melting-point glass fibers, polyethylene terephthalate fibers, etc.

[0062] At least one surface of the separation membrane may include a coating layer of inorganic particles. It is also possible for the separation membrane itself to consist of a coating layer of inorganic particles. The particles constituting the coating layer may have a structure bonded with a binder such that interstitial volume exists between adjacent particles.

[0063] In addition, the center hole of the electrode assembly is also used for welding the cell terminal (positive terminal) and the positive collector plate. That is, it can be configured to weld the cell terminal and the positive collector plate by irradiating a laser through the center hole of the electrode assembly.

[0064] An electrode assembly is housed in the battery can (21). Additionally, a through hole may be formed in the battery can (21). Here, the battery can (21) is formed in a cylindrical shape so that the electrode assembly is housed inside the battery can (21) and can be electrically connected to the negative plate of the electrode assembly. Accordingly, the battery can (21) may have the same polarity as the negative plate, that is, a negative electrode.

[0065] The diameter of the battery can (21) is formed to be larger than the diameter of the electrode assembly. A gap of a predetermined size is formed between the battery can (21) and the positive current collector plate, and an insulator may be interposed between the gaps.

[0066] If the size of the electrode assembly is increased while the size of the battery can (21) is determined according to the specifications, the total capacity of the battery cell (20) increases, but the gap between the battery can (21) and the electrode assembly decreases.

[0067] That is, to increase the total capacity of the battery cell (20), the size of the electrode assembly is increased, and thus the gap between the battery can (21) and the electrode assembly is reduced. Therefore, to increase the capacity of the battery cell (20), an insulator must be interposed in the reduced gap between the battery can (21) and the electrode assembly, and for this purpose, it is desirable that the thickness of the insulator be as thin as possible.

[0068] The battery can (21) is a roughly cylindrical receptacle and may be made of a conductive material, such as metal. The material of the battery can (21) may be made of a conductive metal, such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0069] The cap (22) is attached to the battery can (21) to seal the opening formed in the battery can (21). The cap (22) may be made of, for example, a metal material to ensure rigidity.

[0070] The cap (22) can be separated from the electrode assembly and provided as non-polar. That is, the cap (22) may not have polarity even if it is made of a conductive metal material.

[0071] The fact that the cap (22) does not have polarity means that the cap (22) is electrically insulated from the battery can (21) and the cell terminals. As such, the cap (22) does not need to have polarity, and its material does not necessarily have to be a conductive metal.

[0072] The battery cell (20) may include a type in which a clamping portion and a beading portion are formed on the battery can (21), and a type in which a clamping portion and a beading portion are not formed on the battery can (21). In the type in which a clamping portion and a beading portion are not formed on the battery can (21), the cap (22) is directly coupled to the battery can (21).

[0073] Here, the clamping portion of the battery can (21) is formed to secure the cap (22) to the battery can (21), and the beading portion of the battery can (21) is formed by pressing the outer circumference of the battery can (21) inward to support the electrode assembly so that the electrode assembly does not come out of the battery can (21).

[0074] And, if the beading portion and the clamping portion are not formed on the battery can (21), the cap (22) can be directly welded to the battery can (21) through seam welding.

[0075] In this way, in the case of a seam welding method in which the cap (22) is directly welded to the battery can (21), the fixed structure is simple, so the volume of the electrode assembly that can be accommodated inside the battery can (21) can be secured more, and accordingly, it is more advantageous to secure electrical capacity relative to the same volume of the battery can (21), thereby having the effect of improving energy density.

[0076] For convenience of explanation, the following description focuses on the case where a battery cell inspection device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention inspects a weld bead (23) in which a cap (22) is directly welded to a battery can (21) by a seam welding method, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0077] Meanwhile, when welding the battery can (21) and cap (22) of the battery cell (20) by a seam welding method, a welding bead (23) may be formed on the side of the cap (22) and the battery can (21) (e.g., horizontal welding) as in FIG. 3, or a welding bead (23) may be formed on the upper surface of the cap (22) and the battery can (21) (e.g., vertical welding) as in FIG. 10.

[0078] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, the inspection of the weld bead (23, see FIG. 3) when the weld bead (23) is formed on the side of the cap (22) and the battery can (21) is described, and then with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, the inspection of the weld bead (23, see FIG. 10) when the weld bead (23) is formed on the upper surface of the cap (22) and the battery can (21) is described.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery cell inspection device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a shooting member (100), a reflecting member (200), and a lighting member (300).

[0080] The camera (100) photographs the welded portion of the battery cell (20).

[0081] The imaging member (100) images the weld bead (23) of the battery cell (20) by light reflected from the reflecting member (200). The imaging member (100) can be provided in various ways, and, for example, may include various cameras, but is not limited thereto.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 8, the imaging member (100) can photograph the weld bead (23) formed on the side of the cap (22) and the battery can (21). And, referring to FIG. 9 described later, the imaging member (100) can photograph the weld bead (23) formed on the upper surface of the cap (22) and the battery can (21).

[0083] That is, the battery cell inspection device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention can inspect not only the weld bead (23, see FIG. 3) formed on the side of the cap (22) and battery can (21) as well as the weld bead (23, see FIG. 10) formed on the upper surface of the cap (22) and battery can (21) through a single device, depending on the coupling (when the reflective member (200) is coupled to the imaging member (100)) or separation (when the reflective member (200) is separated from the imaging member (100) and removed).

[0084] The reflective member (200) reflects light provided from the lighting member (300). For example, when light irradiated from the lighting member (300) is reflected by the weld bead (23) of the battery cell (20) and enters the reflective member (200), the reflective member (200) reflects the light reflected by the weld bead (23) again and sends it to the photographing member (100). By doing so, the photographing member (100) can photograph the weld bead (23) of the battery cell (20).

[0085] The reflective member (200) may be attached to the imaging member (100) or separated and removed depending on the welding position of the battery cell (20). As described above, when photographing the weld bead (23, see FIG. 3) formed on the side of the cap (22) and the battery can (21), the reflective member (200) is attached to the imaging member (100), and when photographing the weld bead (23, see FIG. 10) formed on the upper surface of the cap (22) and the battery can (21), the reflective member (200) is separated and removed from the imaging member (100).

[0086] In FIGS. 1 to 8, a reflective member (200) is coupled to a photographing member (100), and in this case, a weld bead (23) formed on the side of the cap (22) and the battery can (21) can be photographed.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, when a cap (22) is welded to a battery can (21) and a weld bead (23) is formed on the side of the cap (22) and the battery can (21) (see FIG. 3), a reflective member (200) can be attached to the lower part of the imaging member (100).

[0088] Referring to FIG. 4, the reflective member (200) may include a main body part (210) and a mirror part (220).

[0089] The main body (210) is coupled to the imaging member (100). In addition, a through hole (217) through which light can pass is formed in the main body (210). For example, the main body (210) may be configured to include a side portion (211) and a bottom portion (212).

[0090] The side portion (211) defines the side of the main body portion (210). And, as shown in FIG. 4, the side portion (211) is coupled to the imaging member (100). Here, the side portion (211) of the main body portion (210) is detachably coupled to the imaging member (100) in various ways. For example, it may be coupled by a fastening member (500), such as a screw or a bolt and nut, and may also be separated and removed. Although the method of coupling the side portion (211) of the main body portion (210) to the imaging member (100) is not limited to this, for the convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the case where the side portion (211) of the main body portion (210) is coupled to the imaging member (100) by a fastening member (500).

[0091] As shown in FIG. 4, when inspecting the weld bead (23) formed on the side of the cap (22) and the battery can (21), the side portion (211) of the main body (210) can be connected to the imaging member (100) by a fastening member (500).

[0092] The lower portion (212) defines the lower surface of the main body portion (210). The lower portion (212) extends from the side portion (211). A through hole (217) may be formed in the lower portion (212). A detailed description of the through hole (217) of the lower portion (212) will be provided later.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 7, the lower portion (212) can be formed with a slope that becomes higher as it moves from the periphery toward the center. In this way, when the lower portion (212) is formed with a slope that becomes higher as it moves toward the center, the light reflection path can be set appropriately and easily.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 together, the mirror portion (220) is positioned inside the main body portion (210). The mirror portion (220) reflects light so that light reflected from the battery cell (20) and entering through the through hole (217) formed in the lower surface portion (212) of the main body portion (210) enters the imaging member (100).

[0095] That is, light irradiated from the lighting member (300) travels to the battery cell (20) and is reflected from the weld bead (23) of the battery cell (20). The light reflected from the weld bead (23) travels to the mirror part (220) through the through hole (217) formed in the lower part (212) of the main body part (210). Then, the light reflected from the mirror part (220) enters the imaging member (100).

[0096] The mirror section (220) can be configured in various ways and, for example, may include a plurality of central mirror sections (221) and a plurality of side mirror sections (222).

[0097] Referring to FIG. 5, a plurality of center mirror portions (221) may be arranged along the perimeter of the center area of ​​the lower portion (212). Here, as in FIG. 5, the plurality of center mirror portions (221) may be eight, but the number of the plurality of center mirror portions (221) is not limited to this and may be more diverse.

[0098] And, a plurality of side mirror sections (222) are provided in the same number as the center mirror sections (221). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, if there are 8 center mirror sections (221), a plurality of side mirror sections (222) are also provided in the same number of 8. And, each of the plurality of side mirror sections (222) can be coupled to the side section (211) so as to face each of the plurality of center mirror sections (221).

[0099] Light reflected from the weld bead (23) portion of the battery cell (20), passing through the through hole (217) of the lower portion (212) of the main body (210), and reflected from the side mirror portion (222) toward the center mirror portion (221) is reflected again from the center mirror portion (221) and enters the imaging member (100).

[0100] Here, various mirrors may be placed inside the shooting member (100), and light reflected by the mirrors may be introduced into the camera.

[0101] In this way, the imaging member (100) can photograph the weld bead (23) of the battery cell (20).

[0102] And, when the imaging member (100) photographs the welding bead (23) of the battery cell (20), the welding bead (23) can be inspected by inspection software and the welding quality can be determined.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 7 together, a through hole (217) may be formed in the lower portion (212) at a position corresponding to the side mirror portion (222). In this way, when a through hole (217) is formed in the lower portion (212) at a position corresponding to the side mirror portion (222), light reflected from the light source (300) to the battery cell (20) may pass through the through hole (217) of the lower portion (212) and reach the side mirror portion (222).

[0104] The through holes (217) may be configured in multiple numbers. Here, at least one of the multiple through holes (217) may be located at a different distance from the center area with respect to the radial direction of the lower portion (212) when compared to other through holes (217).

[0105] Referring to FIG. 6, for example, the through holes (217) may be eight. However, the number of through holes (217) is merely an example, and the number of through holes (217) is not limited to eight.

[0106] Here, based on FIG. 6, four of the eight through holes (217) are formed one each in the east, west, south, and north directions, and the remaining four can be formed one each in the southeast, northeast, southwest, and northwest directions.

[0107] In this case, the four through holes (217), each formed in the southeast, northeast, southwest, and northwest directions relative to the center area based on the radial direction of the lower portion (212), are located at a greater distance from the center area than the four through holes (217), each formed in the east, west, south, and north directions. The arrangement of the through holes (217) in this way has the effect of preventing light interference.

[0108] The lighting member (300) is configured to provide light to the battery cell (20). The lighting member (300) can be configured in various ways and can be coupled to the reflective member (200). For example, the lighting member (300) can be coupled to the lower part of the reflective member (200), but is not limited thereto.

[0109] However, the lighting member (300) does not necessarily have to be coupled to the reflecting member (200) and may be separated from the reflecting member (200). In this case, the lighting member (300) may be coupled to and supported by a supporting member not shown in the drawing.

[0110] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, a case was described in which a reflective member (200) is coupled to a photographing member (100) to photograph a battery cell (20) in which a weld bead (23) is formed on the side of a cap (22) and a battery can (21) and to inspect the weld bead (23).

[0111] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, a case in which a battery cell (20) having a weld bead (23) formed on the upper surface of a cap (22) and a battery can (21) is photographed and the weld bead (23) is inspected is described.

[0112] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the inspection of a weld bead of a battery cell formed on the upper surface of a cap and a battery can by a battery cell inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 9 showing a battery cell with a weld bead formed on the upper surface of a cap and a battery can, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a battery cell located inside the central hole of a lighting member in a battery cell inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 9, when a weld bead (23) is formed on the upper surface of the cap (22) and the battery can (21) after the cap (22) is welded to the battery can (21) (see FIG. 10), the reflective member (200) is separated and removed from the imaging member (100). In this case, light irradiated from the lighting member (300) to the battery cell (20) is reflected from the weld bead (23) of the battery cell (20), moves straight upward, and enters the imaging member (100).

[0114] When the reflective member (200) is separated and removed from the photographing member (100), the lighting member (300) is spaced apart from the photographing member (100). At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the lighting member (300) can be connected to and supported by a separate support member (400).

[0115] And, referring to FIG. 11, the lighting member (300) may be configured in a circular shape so that a center hole (310) is formed. And, the battery cell (20) may be located inside the center hole (310) on the lower side of the lighting member (300).

[0116] As described above, the battery cell inspection device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention is formed as an integrated unit so that it can inspect both the weld bead (23, see FIG. 3) formed on the side of the cap (22) and the battery can (21) and the weld bead (23, see FIG. 10) formed on the upper surface of the cap (22) and the battery can (21) with a single device, thereby increasing the efficiency of the operation.

[0117] In addition, since the welding quality of various types of battery cells (20) can be inspected with a single device, the process time can be reduced.

[0118] In addition, since only one device is required, workspace efficiency can be increased, it is advantageous in terms of management, and cost competitiveness can be improved by reducing process costs.

[0119] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack including battery cells produced using a battery cell inspection device according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 12, a battery pack (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery cells (20). Here, the battery cells (20) are produced using a battery cell inspection device (10) according to each embodiment of the present invention as described above.

[0121] Additionally, the battery pack (30) may further include a pack case (31) for housing a battery cell (20), and various devices for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery cell (20), such as a BMS, a current sensor, a fuse, etc.

[0122] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 12.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 13, an automobile (40) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery cells (20) or battery packs (30). The battery cells (20) are produced using a battery cell inspection device (10) according to each embodiment of the present invention as described above. And, the battery pack (30) may include one or more battery cells (20) as described above.

[0124] Here, the above-mentioned automobile (40) includes various types of automobiles configured to use electricity, such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, for example.

[0125] In this specification, where terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, and right are used, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer.

[0126] Although the present invention has been described above by means of limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims set forth below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed above should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. That is, the scope of the true technical spirit of the present invention is indicated in the claims, and all variations within the equivalent scope thereof should be interpreted as being included in the present invention.

[0127] The present invention relates to a battery cell inspection device, a battery cell produced using the same, a battery pack including the battery cell, and an automobile, and is particularly applicable to industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. A photographing member for photographing the welded portion of a battery cell; A reflective member that reflects light and is coupled to the imaging member or separated from and removed from the imaging member depending on the welding position of the battery cell; and A battery cell inspection device comprising a lighting member that provides light to the battery cell.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above battery cell includes a battery can in which an electrode assembly is housed, and a cap coupled to the battery can. A battery cell inspection device characterized by the fact that when a weld bead is formed on the side of the cap and the battery can after the cap is welded to the battery can, the reflective member is coupled to the imaging member.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned reflective member is, A main body portion coupled to the above-mentioned imaging member and having a through hole formed therein through which light can pass; and A battery cell inspection device characterized by including a mirror part disposed inside the main body and reflecting light so that light reflected from the battery cell and introduced through the through hole enters the imaging member.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above main body part is, A side portion defining the side and coupled to the above-mentioned imaging member; and A battery cell inspection device characterized by extending from the above-mentioned side portion, defining a lower surface, and including a lower surface portion having the above-mentioned through hole formed therein.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above lower portion is sloped so that it becomes higher toward the central region, and The above mirror part is, A plurality of central mirror portions arranged along the perimeter of the central region of the lower portion; and A battery cell inspection device characterized by including a plurality of side mirror portions that are provided in the same number as the central mirror portion and are coupled to the side portions so as to face the central mirror portion.

6. In Paragraph 5, A battery cell inspection device characterized in that light reflected from the central mirror portion enters the imaging member.

7. In Paragraph 5, A battery cell inspection device characterized in that the through hole is formed in the lower portion at a position corresponding to the side mirror portion, so that light reflected from the above-mentioned lighting member can pass through the through hole in the lower portion and reach the side mirror portion.

8. In Paragraph 4, The above through holes are multiple, and A battery cell inspection device characterized in that at least one of the plurality of through holes is located at a different distance from the center area based on the radial direction of the lower surface when compared to other through holes.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above through holes are 8 in number, and In the case where four of the eight above-mentioned through holes are formed one each in the east, west, north, and south directions, A battery cell inspection device characterized by the remaining four being located at a distance from the center area greater than the four through holes mentioned above, with one formed in each of the southeast, northeast, southwest, and northwest directions.

10. In Paragraph 2, A battery cell inspection device characterized in that the above-mentioned lighting member is coupled to the above-mentioned reflective member.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above battery cell includes a battery can in which an electrode assembly is housed, and a cap coupled to the battery can. A battery cell inspection device characterized by the fact that when a weld bead is formed on the upper surface of the cap and the battery can after the cap is welded to the battery can, the reflective member is separated from and removed from the imaging member.

12. In Paragraph 11, A battery cell inspection device characterized in that the lighting member is positioned spaced apart from the imaging member.

13. In Paragraph 12, A battery cell inspection device characterized in that the lighting member is configured in a circular shape to form a central hole, and the battery cell is located inside the central hole on the lower side of the lighting member.

14. A battery cell produced using a battery cell inspection device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 13.

15. A battery pack comprising at least one battery cell according to paragraph 14.

16. An automobile comprising at least one battery cell according to paragraph 14.

Images