Visualizing automated detection and catalyst spraying apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a visual automatic detection and catalyst spraying device. Wherein the visual automatic detection and catalyst spraying device comprises a detection module, a control module, a conduction module and a spraying module. In the catalyst spraying process, the present disclosure can achieve visual detection of the film surface, rapid detection of the uniformity of the catalyst loaded on the surface of the thin film material, visual processing of the uniformity of the catalyst loaded area on the surface of the thin film material, automatic positioning and repair of the coating, reduction of catalyst slurry waste and improvement of work efficiency. The device of the present disclosure is suitable for large-area industrialization process, especially after the spraying process fails, which is helpful to solve the problems of rapid detection, screening and repair of the surface of the sprayed film.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of processing multifunctional layers loaded on the surface of membrane materials, and more specifically, to a visual automatic detection and catalyst spraying device. Background Technology

[0002] In the preparation of fuel cell MEAs, catalyst loading is a crucial step in improving battery performance. Reducing the loading of precious metal catalysts such as Pt-C while maintaining high fuel cell performance has become a significant research direction in the field of catalysis. Furthermore, ultrasonic spraying not only saves on catalyst usage but is also suitable for large-scale industrial application, making it a promising method. Currently, most catalyst spraying equipment only offers the advantage of loading new coatings. However, in practical applications, equipment malfunctions can lead to a series of uncontrollable critical factors: for example, uneven areas are difficult to accurately identify and correct manually; repeated spraying can result in uneven catalyst application and catalyst waste; and re-spraying after membrane replacement also leads to membrane waste, hindering cost reduction, efficient positioning, and quantitative spraying.

[0003] Therefore, one or more methods are needed to solve the above problems.

[0004] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a visual automatic detection and catalyst spraying device, thereby overcoming, at least to some extent, one or more problems caused by the limitations and defects of related technologies.

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a visual automatic detection and catalyst spraying device is provided, comprising a detection module, a control module, a conduction module, and a spraying module, wherein:

[0007] The detection module includes an upper viewing mirror and an upper light source. The detection module is used to acquire images of the thin film to be processed and send the images to the control module.

[0008] The control module is used to receive and detect the image, generate detection parameters for the image, and generate a conduction signal and a spraying signal if the detection parameters meet the first preset condition but do not meet the second preset condition.

[0009] The transmission module is connected to the spraying module and includes an x-axis linear motion module, a y-axis linear motion module, and a z-axis linear motion module. It is used to receive the transmission signals sent by the control module and to make the spraying module move according to the motion trajectory in the transmission signals based on the transmission signals.

[0010] The spraying module includes a nozzle for receiving a spraying signal sent by the control module and for spraying the catalyst onto the thin film surface through the nozzle based on the spraying signal.

[0011] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the control module of the device is further configured to generate an initial conduction signal and an initial spraying signal when the device is initialized and started, so as to complete the initial spraying of catalyst on the thin film surface of the film to be treated.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, after receiving an image sent by the detection module, the control module of the device detects the image and generates detection parameters for the image. If the detection parameters do not meet a first preset condition, an alarm signal is generated.

[0013] The first preset condition is the defect threshold of the thin film to be processed.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, after receiving an image sent by the detection module, the control module of the device detects the image and generates detection parameters of the image. If the detection parameters meet a first preset condition and a second preset condition, it is determined that the film to be processed has been sprayed.

[0015] The second preset condition is the uniformity of the catalyst on the surface of the thin film.

[0016] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the apparatus further includes:

[0017] A workbench is used to place the film to be processed.

[0018] The worktable also includes a positioning module for positioning the film to be processed.

[0019] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the conduction module of the device further includes:

[0020] A mounting bracket for a y-axis linear motion module is fixedly connected to the x-axis linear motion module and is used to fix the y-axis linear motion module.

[0021] The z-axis linear motion module mounting bracket is fixedly connected to the y-axis linear motion module and is used to fix the z-axis linear motion module.

[0022] The x-axis linear motion module is fixedly connected to the worktable.

[0023] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the spraying module of the device further includes a lower light source and a lower viewing mirror. The lower viewing mirror is used to acquire images of the working state of the nozzle and send the images of the working state of the nozzle to the control module to complete the detection of the working state of the nozzle.

[0024] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the downward viewing mirror of the spraying module of the device is further used for:

[0025] A partial spraying image of the film to be processed in the nozzle spraying area is acquired and sent to the control module to complete the detection of the nozzle spraying status.

[0026] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides a visual automatic detection and catalyst spraying device, comprising a detection module, a control module, a conduction module, and a spraying module. This disclosure enables visual detection of the film surface and rapid assessment of the uniformity of catalyst loading on the film material surface during catalyst spraying. It plays a crucial role in visualizing the uniformity of the catalyst loading area on the film material surface, automatically locating and repairing the coating, reducing catalyst slurry waste, and improving work efficiency. This device is suitable for large-scale industrial applications, especially in resolving complex process issues such as rapid detection, screening, and repair of the sprayed film surface after problems arise during the spraying process.

[0027] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The above and other features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 An axial view of a visual automatic detection and catalyst spraying apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0030] Among them, 01-upper light source, 02-upper viewing mirror, 03-y-axis linear motion device, 0301-z-axis linear motion device mounting bracket, 04-z-axis linear motion device, 05-x-axis linear motion device, 07-worktable, 08-conductive thin film;

[0031] Figure 2 A front view of a visual automatic detection and catalyst spraying apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0032] Among them, 0501-y-axis linear motion device mounting bracket, 06-spraying module, 0601-lower light source, 0602-lower viewing mirror, 0603-nozzle;

[0033] Figure 3 A top view of a visual automatic detection and catalyst spraying apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0034] Figure 4 An axial view of the removal of the upper light source 01 and the upper viewing mirror 02 is shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 5 This illustration shows a front view of a visual automatic detection and catalyst spraying apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the removal of the upper light source 01 and the upper viewing mirror 02.

[0036] Figure 6 A top view of a visual automatic detection and catalyst spraying apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, showing the removal of the upper light source 01 and the upper viewing mirror 02. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0038] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details are provided in the following description to give a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the technical solutions of this disclosure can be practiced without one or more of the specific details described, or other methods, components, materials, apparatuses, steps, etc., can be employed. In other instances, well-known structures, methods, apparatuses, implementations, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of this disclosure.

[0039] The block diagrams shown in the accompanying drawings are merely functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically independent entities. That is, these functional entities can be implemented in software, or in one or more software-hardened modules, or in different network and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0040] In this example embodiment, a visual automatic detection and catalyst spraying device is first provided; Reference Figure 1 As shown, the visualized automatic detection and catalyst spraying device includes a detection module, a control module, a conduction module, and a spraying module, wherein:

[0041] The detection module includes an upper viewing mirror and an upper light source. The detection module is used to acquire images of the thin film to be processed and send the images to the control module.

[0042] The control module is used to receive and detect the image, generate detection parameters for the image, and generate a conduction signal and a spraying signal if the detection parameters meet the first preset condition but do not meet the second preset condition.

[0043] The transmission module is connected to the spraying module and includes an x-axis linear motion module, a y-axis linear motion module, and a z-axis linear motion module. It is used to receive the transmission signals sent by the control module and to make the spraying module move according to the motion trajectory in the transmission signals based on the transmission signals.

[0044] The spraying module includes a nozzle for receiving a spraying signal sent by the control module and for spraying the catalyst onto the thin film surface through the nozzle based on the spraying signal.

[0045] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides a visual automatic detection and catalyst spraying device, comprising a detection module, a control module, a conduction module, and a spraying module. This disclosure enables visual detection of the film surface and rapid assessment of the uniformity of catalyst loading on the film material surface during catalyst spraying. It plays a crucial role in visualizing the uniformity of the catalyst loading area on the film material surface, automatically locating and repairing the coating, reducing catalyst slurry waste, and improving work efficiency. This device is suitable for large-scale industrial applications, especially in resolving complex process issues such as rapid detection, screening, and repair of the sprayed film surface after problems arise during the spraying process.

[0046] The following will provide a further description of a visual automatic detection and catalyst spraying device in this example embodiment.

[0047] Example 1:

[0048] The device includes a detection module, a control module, a transmission module, and a spraying module, wherein:

[0049] The detection module includes an upper viewing mirror and an upper light source. The detection module is used to acquire images of the thin film to be processed and send the images to the control module.

[0050] The control module is used to receive and detect the image, generate detection parameters for the image, and generate a conduction signal and a spraying signal if the detection parameters meet the first preset condition but do not meet the second preset condition.

[0051] The transmission module is connected to the spraying module and includes an x-axis linear motion module, a y-axis linear motion module, and a z-axis linear motion module. It is used to receive the transmission signals sent by the control module and to make the spraying module move according to the motion trajectory in the transmission signals based on the transmission signals.

[0052] The spraying module includes a nozzle for receiving a spraying signal sent by the control module and for spraying the catalyst onto the thin film surface through the nozzle based on the spraying signal.

[0053] In this example embodiment, the control module of the device is also used to generate an initial conduction signal and an initial spraying signal when the device is initialized and started, so as to complete the initial spraying of catalyst on the thin film surface of the film to be treated.

[0054] In this example embodiment, after receiving the image sent by the detection module, the control module of the device detects the image and generates detection parameters for the image. If the detection parameters do not meet the first preset condition, an alarm signal is generated.

[0055] The first preset condition is the defect threshold of the thin film to be processed.

[0056] In this example embodiment, after receiving the image sent by the detection module, the control module of the device detects the image and generates detection parameters of the image. If the detection parameters meet the first preset condition and the second preset condition, it is determined that the film to be processed has been sprayed.

[0057] The second preset condition is the uniformity of the catalyst on the surface of the thin film.

[0058] In this example embodiment, the device further includes:

[0059] A workbench is used to place the film to be processed.

[0060] The worktable also includes a positioning module for positioning the film to be processed.

[0061] In this example embodiment, the conductive module of the device further includes:

[0062] A mounting bracket for a y-axis linear motion module is fixedly connected to the x-axis linear motion module and is used to fix the y-axis linear motion module.

[0063] The z-axis linear motion module mounting bracket is fixedly connected to the y-axis linear motion module and is used to fix the z-axis linear motion module.

[0064] The x-axis linear motion module is fixedly connected to the worktable.

[0065] In this example embodiment, the spraying module of the device further includes a lower light source and a lower viewing mirror. The lower viewing mirror is used to acquire images of the working state of the nozzle and send the images of the working state of the nozzle to the control module to complete the detection of the working state of the nozzle.

[0066] In this example embodiment, the downward-facing mirror of the spraying module of the device is also used for:

[0067] A partial spraying image of the film to be processed in the nozzle spraying area is acquired and sent to the control module to complete the detection of the nozzle spraying status.

[0068] In this example embodiment, the axial view of the device is shown as follows: Figure 1-4 As shown, the device is equipped with a worktable, with an upper viewing mirror at the center of the upper part of the worktable. Upper light sources are located on the upper part of the worktable and on both sides of the upper viewing mirror. The position and angle of the upper light sources are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this patent.

[0069] In this example embodiment, a three-coordinate motion mechanism consisting of a y-axis linear motion device, a z-axis linear motion device, and an x-axis linear motion device is provided above the worktable and below the upper viewing mirror and the upper light source. The nozzle and visualization device are mounted on the z-axis linear motion device. The nozzle and visualization device consists of a lower light source, a lower viewing mirror, and the nozzle. The lower viewing mirror is mounted on one side of the nozzle, and the lower light source is mounted around the lower viewing mirror. A positioning device is provided on the worktable for positioning the conductive film.

[0070] In this example embodiment, the film is placed on the workbench and positioned by a positioning device. A viewing mirror takes a picture of the film surface, and a computer-built-in program identifies and analyzes the picture. If the film surface is free of defects, it is considered qualified, and spraying is started. If the surface has defects, it is judged to be a defective film, and an alarm signal is issued. Work resumes after the defective film is removed.

[0071] In this example embodiment, during the spraying process, a downward-facing mirror takes a picture of the surface sprayed by the nozzle and uploads the picture to a computer. The computer's built-in program identifies the picture and determines whether the coating is uniform.

[0072] In the embodiment of this example, after spraying, the upper-view mirror takes a photo of the surface of the film after spraying and uploads the photo to the computer. The built-in program of the computer identifies and analyzes the photo. If the coating on the film surface is overall uniform, it is qualified; if the surface is overall uneven, the output information is unqualified, and the coordinate information of the uneven area is output. At the same time, an alarm signal is sent.

[0073] In the embodiment of this example, the defect / uneven area is automatically repaired. For the coordinate information of the uneven area identified by the computer, the spraying load is calculated to implement automatic remedial spraying. Wait for the upper-view mirror to take a photo of the surface of the film after spraying and upload the photo to the computer. Then, execute the built-in program of the computer to identify and analyze the photo again until the coating on the film surface is overall uniform, which is qualified, and then stop running.

[0074] In the embodiment of this example, visual inspection and accurate positioning to repair uneven defect sites can replace manual labor to achieve automated spraying, reducing the working intensity of workers. At the same time, it has very high application value in saving catalyst usage and reducing fuel cell costs in large-scale automated industries.

[0075] Embodiment 2:

[0076] In the embodiment of this example, pre-spraying inspection: Place the film on the workbench and position it by the positioning device. The upper-view mirror takes a photo of the surface of the conductive film, and the built-in program of the computer identifies and analyzes the photo. If there are no defects on the film surface, it is qualified, and spraying is started; if there are defects on the surface, it is determined that the spraying area is unqualified, and an alarm signal is sent. After the unqualified film is removed, work resumes.

[0077] In the embodiment of this example, spraying and spraying process control: The nozzle and the visualization device are installed on the z-axis linear motion device. The z-axis linear motion device is installed on the y-axis linear motion device through the z-axis linear motion device mounting bracket, and the y-axis linear motion device is installed on the x-axis linear motion device through the y-axis linear motion device mounting bracket. The nozzle and the visualization device can move up and down in the z-axis direction; the y-axis linear motion device can move left and right in the x-direction on the x-axis linear motion device, as Figure 5 、 Figure 6 shown; the z-axis linear motion device can move up and down in the y-direction on the y-axis linear motion device, as Figure 6As shown; the nozzle and visualization device achieve three-axis motion on three linear motion devices (the up / down and left / right positions described here are relative to the attached drawings and are for illustrative purposes). The nozzle and visualization device spray catalyst onto the conductive film surface according to the path given by the computer software. The nozzle sprays the catalyst, and the lower viewing mirror takes a picture of the surface after spraying. The lower light source provides sufficient light intensity for the lower viewing mirror to take the picture, and the picture is uploaded to the computer. The computer's built-in program identifies the picture and determines: whether the nozzle is working properly; whether the coating is uniform.

[0078] In this example embodiment, post-coating inspection involves: taking a photograph of the film surface after coating using a top-viewing mirror and uploading the photograph to a computer. The computer's built-in program analyzes and recognizes the photograph. The built-in software divides the film surface into several rows (each row has a corresponding number) and several columns (each column also has a corresponding number). The recognition software identifies the photograph to determine whether the catalyst coating on the film surface is uniform. If the catalyst coating on the film surface is uniform, the output information is "qualified," and the film is released. If the catalyst coating on the film surface is uneven, the output information is "unqualified," and the coordinate information of the uneven area is output, along with an alarm signal.

[0079] It should be noted that although several modules or units of a visual automatic detection and catalyst spraying device have been mentioned in the detailed description above, this division is not mandatory. In fact, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the features and functions of two or more modules or units described above can be embodied in one module or unit. Conversely, the features and functions of one module or unit described above can be further divided and embodied by multiple modules or units.

[0080] Furthermore, the above figures are merely illustrative of the processes included in the apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to be limiting. It is readily understood that the processes shown in the above figures do not indicate or limit the temporal order of these processes. Additionally, it is readily understood that these processes may be executed synchronously or asynchronously, for example, in multiple modules.

[0081] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the claims.

[0082] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A visualizing automatic detection and catalyst spraying device, characterized in that, The device comprises a detection module, a control module, a conduction module, and a spraying module. The detection module comprises an upper mirror and an upper light source, and is configured to collect an image of the film to be processed and send the image to the control module. The control module is configured to receive and detect the image, generate detection parameters of the image, and generate a conduction signal and a spraying signal if the detection parameters meet a first preset condition but do not meet a second preset condition. The conduction module is connected to the spraying module and comprises an x-axis linear motion module, a y-axis linear motion module, and a z-axis linear motion module, which are configured to receive the conduction signal sent by the control module and make the spraying module move according to the movement track in the conduction signal based on the conduction signal. The spraying module comprises a nozzle, which is configured to receive the spraying signal sent by the control module and complete the spraying of the catalyst on the surface of the film through the nozzle based on the spraying signal. The spraying module of the device further comprises a lower light source and a lower mirror, which are configured to collect an image of the working state of the nozzle, send the image of the working state of the nozzle to the control module, and detect the working state of the nozzle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The control module of the device is configured to detect the image sent by the detection module and generate detection parameters of the image, generate an alarm signal if the detection parameters do not meet the first preset condition, and determine that the film to be processed has been sprayed if the detection parameters meet the first preset condition and a second preset condition.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The control module of the device is further configured to generate an initial conduction signal and an initial spraying signal to complete the initial spraying of the catalyst on the surface of the film to be processed when the device is initialized and started. The device further comprises: a workbench configured to place the film to be processed; 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, the workbench further comprises a positioning module configured to position the film to be processed. The conduction module of the device further comprises: a y-axis linear motion module mounting bracket fixedly connected to the x-axis linear motion module and configured to fix the y-axis linear motion module; a z-axis linear motion module mounting bracket fixedly connected to the y-axis linear motion module and configured to fix the z-axis linear motion module; the x-axis linear motion module is fixedly connected to the workbench.

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