A bipolar plate welding vision positioning system and method

Abstract

This application relates to a visual positioning system and method for bipolar plate welding, belonging to the field of welding technology in new energy production. The bipolar plate welding visual positioning system includes a welding machine, a receiving component, a detection component, and a positioning component. The receiving component is located below the welding machine and is equipped with a limiting component for positioning one side of the bipolar plate. The detection component includes a mounting frame, an image sensor, and a driving component. The mounting frame is mounted on one side of the receiving component, the image sensor is slidably connected to the mounting frame, and the driving component is connected to the image sensor. The positioning component includes a positioning cylinder and a first drive. The positioning cylinder is rotatably connected above the receiving component, and the first drive is connected to the positioning cylinder. Multiple flexible paddles are spaced apart on the positioning cylinder, and the ends of the flexible paddles away from the positioning cylinder have a smooth arc. This application has the effect of reducing the possibility of damage to the bipolar plate during positioning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of welding technology in new energy production, and in particular to a visual positioning system and method for bipolar plate welding. Background Technology

[0002] Bipolar plates are the main components of fuel cell stacks. Their functions include separating reactant gases, collecting current, connecting individual cells in series, and providing channels for reactant gases to enter the electrodes and for the discharge of water generated after the reaction through the flow field.

[0003] In related technologies, bipolar plates are generally formed by stacking and welding fuel plates and oxidizer plates. A laser welding machine emits a laser to heat and melt the brazing filler metal at the connection point, causing the fuel and oxidizer plates to adhere together, thus achieving the welded connection. The fuel plate has protrusions for positioning, and the oxidizer plate has recesses that mate with the protrusions. Before welding, the fuel and oxidizer plates are typically stacked on a worktable. When stacking the fuel and oxidizer plates, their edges must be aligned before placing them on the welding machine. A pusher, located on one side of the worktable, aligns the edges of the fuel and oxidizer plates. The pusher includes a push plate and a cylinder. When alignment is needed, the cylinder is activated to push the push plate until it is flush with the edges of the fuel and oxidizer plates, completing the alignment and allowing for subsequent welding of the bipolar plate.

[0004] Regarding the aforementioned technologies, since the bipolar plate is thin and easily deformed, traditional positioning systems are prone to causing deformation or damage to the bipolar plate during positioning. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To reduce the possibility of damage to bipolar plates during positioning, this application provides a visual positioning system and method for bipolar plate welding.

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a bipolar plate welding visual positioning system, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A bipolar plate welding visual positioning system includes a welding machine, a receiving component, a detection component, and a positioning component. The receiving component is located below the welding machine and has a limiting component for positioning one side of the bipolar plate. The detection component includes a mounting frame, an image sensor, and a driving component. The mounting frame is mounted on one side of the receiving component, and the image sensor is slidably connected to the mounting frame and located above the receiving component. The image sensor is used to monitor the gap between the bipolar plate and the limiting component. The driving component is connected to the image sensor and is used to drive the image sensor to slide laterally along the mounting frame. The positioning component includes a positioning cylinder and a first drive. The positioning cylinder is rotatably connected above the receiving component, and the first drive is connected to the positioning cylinder. The first drive is used to rotate the positioning cylinder and can receive monitoring information from the image sensor. The positioning cylinder has multiple flexible paddles spaced apart, and the ends of the multiple flexible paddles away from the positioning cylinder have a smooth arc.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, when welding bipolar plates, the bipolar plates are placed on the receiving assembly, and one side of the bipolar plates is close to the limiting component. The image sensor monitors the gap and position between the bipolar plates and the limiting component, and the driving component can drive the image sensor to monitor the sides of the bipolar plates. The monitored data can be transmitted to the first drive, which drives the positioning cylinder to rotate, so that multiple flexible paddles can move the bipolar plates. Using flexible paddles reduces the possibility of damage to the bipolar plates during positioning.

[0009] Optionally, the positioning assembly further includes a positioning frame and a positioning column. The positioning frame is positioned across the top of the receiving assembly. The positioning cylinder is rotatably connected to the positioning frame, and the positioning column is rotatably connected inside the positioning cylinder. A placement gap is left between the outer side wall of the positioning column and the inner side wall of the positioning cylinder. The positioning column is provided with a second drive, which is used to drive the positioning column to rotate inside the positioning cylinder. Multiple flexible paddles are connected to the positioning column, and the ends of the multiple flexible paddles away from the positioning column extend out of the positioning cylinder and are slidably connected to the positioning cylinder.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the second drive is activated, which drives the positioning column to rotate inside the positioning cylinder, thereby rotating the flexible lever into the placement gap. This adjusts the length of the flexible lever outside the positioning cylinder. By adjusting the length of the flexible lever, the frequency of contact between the flexible lever and the surface of the bipolar plate is adjusted, reducing the possibility of excessive prying of the bipolar plate, which could cause the side of the bipolar plate near the limiting plate to be squeezed and damaged. After the bipolar plate is aligned with the limiting component, it is welded to improve the welding quality. After the flexible lever is used up, it is reset to its initial length for the next adjustment.

[0011] Optionally, the positioning post includes multiple splicing posts, which are connected end to end and detachably connected. One end of the flexible lever is snapped into the splicing post. Placement grooves are provided at the points where the ends of the multiple splicing posts are in contact. A snap-fit ​​strip is provided at the end of the flexible lever located inside the splicing post. The snap-fit ​​strip is located in the placement groove and is used to install the flexible lever inside the splicing post.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the setting method of multiple splicing columns snapping together flexible levers facilitates the replacement of worn flexible levers, and also facilitates the replacement of flexible levers adapted to bipolar plates of different strengths.

[0013] Optionally, the first drive includes a connecting column and a rotary drive. One end of the connecting column is inserted and fixed to the positioning column, and the other end is connected to the rotary drive. The rotary drive is used to rotate the connecting column. A damping layer is provided between the end of the connecting column near the rotary drive and the positioning cylinder. The second drive includes a gear, an internal gear ring, and a linear drive. The gear is mounted on the connecting column. A receiving groove is provided on the side of the positioning cylinder near the gear. The internal gear ring is connected to the end of the positioning cylinder near the rotary drive. The internal gear ring and the gear are coaxially arranged and can mesh. The linear drive is connected to the rotary drive. The linear drive is used to drive the rotary drive to slide back and forth along the central axis of the positioning column. When the connecting column and the positioning column are inserted and fixed, the gear is located in the receiving groove and disengages from the internal gear ring. When the gear and the internal gear ring mesh, the connecting column disengages from the positioning column.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, when the connecting post and the positioning post are inserted, the rotary drive can drive the connecting post to rotate, thereby driving the positioning post to rotate. While the positioning post rotates, the length of the flexible lever is adjusted. After the adjustment is completed, the linear drive is started. The linear drive drives the connecting post away from the positioning post, moves the gear out of the receiving groove, until the gear meshes with the internal gear ring. When the gear meshes with the internal gear ring, the connecting post disengages from the positioning post. When the connecting post disengages from the positioning post, the damping layer positions the positioning post. The rotary drive drives the connecting post to rotate, the connecting post drives the gear to rotate, and the gear rotates while driving the internal gear ring to rotate. The internal gear ring drives the positioning cylinder to rotate, thereby achieving the effect of the flexible lever moving the bipolar plate.

[0015] Optionally, a lifting component is provided below the positioning frame, which is used to drive the positioning frame to rise or fall.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the lifting component is used to adjust the height of the positioning frame, thereby adjusting the distance between the flexible lever and the bipolar plate.

[0017] Optionally, the lifting component is provided with a moving drive, which is used to drive the lifting component and the positioning frame to slide along the receiving surface of the receiving component, and the sliding direction is to move closer to or away from the limiting component.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, after using the positioning component, the lifting component is used to raise the positioning component away from the bipolar plate. Then, the moving drive is used to move the lifting component and the positioning frame away from the bipolar plate, which facilitates the movement of the positioning component to adapt to bipolar plates of different sizes.

[0019] Optionally, the receiving component includes a mounting frame and a receiving element, with the mounting frame placed flat below the welding machine and the receiving element detachably connected to the mounting frame.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, after the bipolar plate is continuously supported for laser welding, the laser machine is prone to damaging the receiving component. The receiving component can be detachably connected to the mounting frame to facilitate the replacement of the receiving component.

[0021] Optionally, the receiving component includes two connecting rods symmetrically arranged within the mounting frame and multiple connecting plates arranged between the two connecting rods. The multiple connecting plates are spaced apart, and each connecting plate has multiple receiving columns spaced apart at its top. The apex of the receiving column is higher than the top surface of the connecting plate, and the top of the receiving column has a spherical surface. The connecting rods are detachably connected to the mounting frame.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, when disassembling and assembling the receiving component, the connecting rod can be disassembled and assembled from the mounting frame. The surface of the receiving column is set as a spherical surface, which facilitates the support of the bipolar plate and reduces the possibility of the receiving column scratching the bipolar plate.

[0023] On the other hand, this application also provides a method of use applicable to one of the above-mentioned bipolar plate welding visual positioning systems.

[0024] A method for using a bipolar plate welding vision positioning system, the operation method of which is as follows:

[0025] S1. Place the bipolar plate to be welded on the receiving assembly. When placing it, one side of the bipolar plate should be close to the limiting component.

[0026] S2. The driving component drives the image sensor to slide laterally along the mounting bracket, monitors the placement gap between the bipolar plate and the limiting component, and checks the alignment.

[0027] S3. Use the positioning component to move the bipolar plate according to the monitoring data of the image sensor;

[0028] S31. When the bipolar plate is moved, the second drive is driven to rotate according to the monitoring of the image sensor, and the extension length of the flexible paddle is adjusted. The extension length of the flexible paddle can increase or decrease the intensity and time of the flexible paddle moving the bipolar plate.

[0029] S32. After adjusting the flexible paddle, the linear drive engages the gear with the internal gear ring, rotating the positioning post. When the positioning post rotates, it drives the flexible paddle to move the bipolar plate, correcting the gap between the bipolar plate and the limiting component, and adjusting the alignment of the flexible paddle.

[0030] S4. After the toggle is completed, the lifting component rises to the mounting bracket, and the moving drive moves the positioning component out of the bipolar plate.

[0031] S5. Use a welding machine to weld the bipolar plates;

[0032] S6. The image sensor continuously monitors the alignment of the bipolar plates during the welding process.

[0033] By adopting the above technical solution, the distance between the bipolar plate and the limiting component is monitored by an image sensor, and the positional information of the distance between the bipolar plate and the limiting component is monitored. The collected information is transmitted to the positioning component. The positioning component adjusts the length of the flexible lever according to the received information. After adjustment, the positioning cylinder drives the flexible lever to move the bipolar plate, thereby reducing the distance between the bipolar plate and the limiting component. This aligns the side of the bipolar plate close to the limiting component, which facilitates the positioning of the bipolar plate and the welding of the bipolar plate.

[0034] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0035] 1. By setting an image sensor, the image sensor performs initial positioning of the bipolar plate placed in the receiving component. Subsequently, the image sensor transmits the received distance difference and position information between the bipolar plate and the limiting component. The positioning component moves the bipolar plate according to the received information. During the movement, the length of the flexible lever extending out of the positioning cylinder can be adjusted according to the received information and the strength of the bipolar plate to be welded. When the flexible lever extends out of the positioning cylinder for a longer period, the frequency and duration of the flexible lever moving the bipolar plate increase, enabling continuous movement of the bipolar plate for a longer period. Conversely, when the flexible lever is shorter, the movement of the bipolar plate is targeted, thereby reducing the possibility of damage caused by continuous impact or compression of the end of the bipolar plate near the limiting component due to prolonged movement.

[0036] 2. By setting a first drive and a second drive, the first drive can rotate the positioning cylinder, and the second drive can make the positioning column rotate independently inside the positioning cylinder. Furthermore, the positioning cylinder and the positioning column can rotate independently through the connecting column, which increases the frequency of use of the rotation drive and facilitates the driving of the positioning column and the positioning cylinder. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a bipolar plate welding visual positioning system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of a bipolar plate welding visual positioning system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a bipolar plate welding visual positioning system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional sectional view of a bipolar plate welding visual positioning system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of section A.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view from another perspective of a bipolar plate welding visual positioning system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a partial exploded view of a bipolar plate welding visual positioning system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0044] Reference numerals: 1. Welding machine; 11. Workbench; 12. Second sliding groove; 2. Receiving component; 21. Mounting frame; 211. First sliding groove; 212. Limiting rod; 213. Stop block; 214. Fixing bolt; 22. Receiving part; 221. Connecting rod; 222. Connecting plate; 223. Receiving column; 23. Limiting part; 24. Limiting block; 3. Detection component; 31. Mounting frame; 32. Image sensor; 33. Drive component; 4. Positioning component; 41. Positioning frame ; 42. Lifting component; 43. Moving drive; 431. Threaded rod; 432. Fixing block; 433. Sliding block; 434. Drive motor; 44. Positioning cylinder; 45. Receiving groove; 46. First drive; 461. Connecting column; 462. Rotation drive; 47. Positioning column; 471. Splicing column; 472. Placement groove; 48. Placement gap; 49. Second drive; 491. Gear; 492. Internal gear ring; 493. Linear drive; 5. Flexible lever; 51. Snap-fit ​​strip. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The following will refer to the appendices in the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1-7 The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0046] This application discloses a visual positioning system for bipolar plate welding.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 A bipolar plate welding visual positioning system includes a welding machine 1, a receiving component 2, a detection component 3, and a positioning component 4. The welding machine 1 is a laser welding machine for brazing. The receiving component 2 is located below the welding machine 1 via a worktable 11. The receiving component 2 includes a mounting frame 21 and a receiving part 22. The mounting frame 21 is placed flat below the welding machine 1, and the receiving part 22 is detachably connected to the mounting frame 21.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 The receiving component 2 is provided with a limiting member 23, which is used to position one side of the bipolar plate. The limiting member 23 is a limiting plate with a rubber plate glued to it. A limiting block 24 is also glued to one end of the limiting member 23. The limiting block 24 and the limiting member 23 form a right angle to position the bipolar plate to be welded.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 The detection component 3 includes a mounting frame 31, an image sensor 32, and a driving component 33. The mounting frame 31 is mounted in a U-shape on the side wall of the mounting frame 21 near the limiting member 23. The mounting frame 31 and the mounting frame 21 can be fixedly connected by bolts or by welding. In this embodiment, welding is used. The image sensor 32 is slidably connected to the mounting frame 31 through a slider and groove connection. The image sensor 32 is located above the receiving component 2. The image sensor 32 is a camera. The image sensor 32 is used to monitor the gap between the bipolar plate and the limiting member 23 and the position where the bipolar plate generates the gap. The driving component 33 is connected to the image sensor 32. The driving component 33 is used to drive the image sensor 32 to slide laterally along the mounting frame 31. The driving component 33 is a screw linear transmission structure.

[0050] Reference Figure 3The receiving component 22 includes two connecting rods 221 symmetrically arranged within the mounting frame 21 and multiple connecting plates 222 disposed between the two connecting rods 221. One end of the mounting frame 21 has an opening, and a limiting rod 212 is provided at the opening. Stops 213 are welded to both ends of the limiting rod 212. Fixing bolts 214 are threaded to both ends of the limiting rod 212, and the fixing bolts 214 transversely penetrate the side wall of the mounting frame 21 near the limiting rod 212, fixing both ends of the limiting rod 212. The connecting rods 221 are slidably connected to two symmetrical side walls of the mounting frame 21. A first sliding groove 211 is provided on each side wall of the mounting frame 21 near the connecting rod 221. 11 is a dovetail groove. The vertical cross-section of the connecting rod 221 is dovetail-shaped. The connecting rod 221 is located in the first sliding groove 211 and slides horizontally along the mounting frame 21. Two stops 213 are located at the end of the connecting rod 221 near the opening of the mounting frame 21. Both stops 213 are embedded in the mounting frame 21. Multiple connecting plates 222 are spaced apart on the connecting rod 221. The connecting plates 222 are all welded to the connecting rod 221. Multiple support columns 223 are welded at equal intervals on the upper surface of each connecting plate 222. The apex of the support column 223 is higher than the top surface of the connecting plate 222. The top of the support column 223 is spherical. The support column 223 as a whole is a cone shape that gradually expands from the top to the bottom.

[0051] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 The positioning component 4 includes a positioning frame 41, a positioning cylinder 44, and a first drive 46. The positioning frame 41 is horizontally positioned above the mounting frame 21. The positioning frame 41 consists of two support rods symmetrically arranged at both ends of the positioning cylinder 44. A lifting component 42 is provided below the positioning frame 41. The output end of the lifting component 42 is fixedly connected to the positioning frame 41 by bolts. The lifting component 42 is used to drive the positioning frame 41 to rise or fall. The lifting component 42 can be a cylinder or a jack. In this embodiment, it is a cylinder. The lifting component 42 is also provided with a moving drive 43. The moving drive 43 is used to drive the lifting component 42 and the positioning frame 41 to slide along the receiving surface of the receiving component 2. The sliding direction is to move closer to or away from the limiting component 23. The moving drive 43 includes a threaded rod 431, a fixed block 432, a sliding block 433 and a drive motor 434. The fixed block 432 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the lifting component 42 by bolts. The threaded rod 431 passes through the fixed block 432 and is threadedly connected to the fixed block 432. The drive motor 434 is fixedly connected to the threaded rod 431 by a coupling. The drive motor 434 is a servo motor. The worktable 11 is provided with a second sliding groove 12 near the sliding block 433. The second sliding groove 12 is a dovetail groove. The sliding block 433 is a dovetail block. The sliding block 433 is located in the second sliding groove 12 and can slide along the second sliding groove 12.

[0052] The drive motor 434 drives the threaded rod 431 to rotate, and the threaded rod 431 drives the fixed block 432 and the sliding block 433 to move. The sliding block 433 slides in the second sliding groove 12, moving the lifting component 42 and the positioning component 4, changing the position of the positioning component 4 on the receiving component 2, thereby facilitating the movement of the bipolar plates at different positions on the receiving component 2.

[0053] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 The positioning cylinder 44 is rotatably connected to the top of the positioning frame 41 via a rotating shaft. The first drive 46 is connected to the positioning cylinder 44. The first drive 46 is used to rotate the positioning cylinder 44 and can receive monitoring information from the image sensor 32. Multiple flexible paddles 5 are spaced apart on the positioning cylinder 44. The ends of the multiple flexible paddles 5 away from the positioning cylinder 44 are provided with a smooth arc. The flexible paddles 5 are rubber paddles.

[0054] Specifically, refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 The first drive 46 includes a connecting post 461 and a rotation drive 462. One end of the connecting post 461 is inserted and fixed to the positioning post 47, and the other end is fixedly connected to the output end of the rotation drive 462 by bolts. The rotation drive 462 is used to rotate the connecting post 461. A damping layer is provided between the end of the connecting post 461 near the rotation drive 462 and the positioning cylinder 44. The damping layer is not shown in the figure. The rotation drive 462 is a servo motor.

[0055] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 The positioning component 4 also includes a positioning post 47, which is rotatably connected to the positioning cylinder 44 via a rotating shaft. A placement gap 48 is left between the outer side wall of the positioning post 47 and the inner side wall of the positioning cylinder 44. A second drive 49 is provided on the positioning post 47, which is used to drive the positioning post 47 to rotate inside the positioning cylinder 44. Multiple flexible paddles 5 are connected to the positioning post 47, and one end of the multiple flexible paddles 5 away from the positioning post 47 extends out of the positioning cylinder 44 and is slidably connected to the positioning cylinder 44.

[0056] Multiple flexible paddles 5 can also be arranged separately along the circumferential and transverse directions of the positioning post 47. Different flexible auxiliary paddles can be glued to the outer convex surface of the circumferentially arranged flexible paddles 5. The auxiliary paddles can be sponges, soft clay, cotton or flexible rubber pads, etc., to facilitate the paddles of bipolar plates of different strengths and further reduce the possibility of scratching the surface of the bipolar plates when paddles them.

[0057] After the image sensor 32 detects the gap between the bipolar plate and the limiting member 23, it feeds back the position information of the bipolar plate and the gap difference information between the bipolar plate and the limiting member 23 to the movement drive 43, the lifting drive, the first drive 46 and the second drive 49. The second drive 49 drives the positioning column 47 to rotate, and the positioning column 47 drives multiple flexible paddles 5 to rotate. The flexible paddles 5 deform within the placement gap 48 and are placed within the placement gap 48, thereby changing the length of the flexible paddles 5 outside the positioning cylinder 44 accordingly. The greater the gap difference between the electrode plate and the limiting member 23, the longer the length of the flexible lever 5 outside the positioning cylinder 44. After adjusting the length of the flexible lever 5, the lifting component and the moving drive 43 move the positioning component 4 to one end of the limiting member 23 of the bipolar plate and start the first drive 46. The first drive 46 drives the positioning cylinder 44 to rotate and the positioning column 47 to rotate together, thereby flexibly moving the bipolar plate until the side of the bipolar plate close to the limiting member 23 is in contact with the limiting member 23, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the bipolar plate during positioning.

[0058] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The positioning post 47 includes multiple splicing posts 471, which are connected end-to-end and detachably connected. The detachable splicing posts 471 are connected by interlocking blocks and slots. One end of the flexible lever 5 is engaged within the splicing post 471. A placement groove 472 is provided at the point where the multiple splicing posts 471 meet end-to-end. The end of the flexible lever 5 located within the splicing post 471 has a retaining strip 51, which is located within the placement groove 472. The retaining strip 51 is used to install the flexible lever 5 within the splicing post 471. The flexible lever 5 and the retaining strip 51 are arranged in a "T" shape. Before positioning the bipolar plate, the flexible lever 5 is in an extended state, meaning the number of rotations between the positioning post 47 and the positioning cylinder 44 is zero.

[0059] Furthermore, referring to Figure 6 , Figure 7 In this embodiment, a cube is welded to one end of the positioning post 47 near the connecting post 461. A square slot is provided on the end face of the connecting post 461 away from the rotation drive 462. The cube is inserted into the square slot. When the rotation drive 462 drives the connecting post 461 to rotate, the connecting post 461 can drive the positioning post 47 to rotate. When the connecting post 461 and the positioning post 47 are disconnected, the rotation drive 462 releases the rotation of the positioning post 47.

[0060] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7The second drive 49 includes a gear 491, an internal gear ring 492, and a linear drive 493. The gear 491 is keyed to the connecting post 461. A receiving groove 45 is provided on the side of the positioning cylinder 44 near the gear 491 to hold the gear 491. When the connecting post 461 is connected to the positioning post 47, the gear 491 is located in the receiving groove 45 and disengaged from the internal gear ring 492. At this time, the rotary drive 462 is driven, which drives the connecting post 461 to rotate, thereby driving the positioning post 47 to rotate within the positioning cylinder 44, allowing the rotary drive 462 to drive the positioning post 47 to rotate independently. The internal gear ring 492 is connected to the end of the positioning cylinder 44 near the rotary drive 462. The internal gear ring 492 is welded to the positioning cylinder 44 and is coaxially arranged with the gear 491 and can mesh with it. The linear drive 493 is connected to the rotary drive 462 and is a cylinder. The linear drive 493 drives the rotary drive 462 to slide back and forth along the central axis of the positioning post 47. The linear drive 493 can release the insertion and engagement between the connecting post 461 and the positioning post 47. When the connecting post 461 and the positioning post 47 are inserted and fixed, the gear 491 is located in the receiving groove 45 and disengages from the internal gear ring 492. The positioning post 47 rotates in the positioning cylinder 44. When the connecting post 461 is released from the insertion and fixation with the positioning post 47, the linear drive 493 drives the rotary drive 462 to slide to the right, releasing the connection between the positioning post 47 and the positioning cylinder 44, and causing the gear 491 to mesh with the internal gear ring 492. At this time, the rotary drive 462 drives the gear 491 to rotate, and the gear 491 drives the internal gear ring 492 to rotate, thereby causing the positioning cylinder 44 to rotate. When the positioning cylinder 44 rotates, it can drive the flexible lever 5 to move the bipolar plate, thereby positioning the bipolar plate.

[0061] To facilitate the transmission of signals from the image sensor 32, the image sensor 32, the lifting component 42, the movement drive 43, the first drive 46, and the second drive 49 are all electrically connected through a controller, which is a PLC controller and is not shown in the controller diagram.

[0062] The implementation principle of the bipolar plate welding visual positioning system in this application embodiment is as follows: When welding bipolar plates, the bipolar plates are placed above the receiving component 2, and the two adjacent sidewalls of the bipolar plates are located between the limiting block 24 and the limiting member 23, forming a right angle. The monitoring component monitors the distance between the bipolar plates and the limiting member 23 along the long side of the bipolar plates. After monitoring, the distance difference between the bipolar plates and the position information of the distance difference are transmitted to the positioning component 4. The movement drive 43 and the lifting drive can also receive the monitoring information from the monitoring component. The movement drive 43 and the lifting drive can move and lift the positioning component 4, so that the positioning component 4 after adjusting the flexible lever 5 is located above the bipolar plates and flexibly moves the bipolar plates. After the movement, the monitoring component monitors the distance difference between the bipolar plates and the limiting member 23 again until the bipolar plates are aligned with the limiting member 23, and then the bipolar plates are welded. By welding the bipolar plates through multiple flexible movements, the possibility of damage to the bipolar plates during positioning is reduced.

[0063] In addition, this application also discloses the operating steps of a method for using a bipolar plate welding visual positioning system:

[0064] S1. Place the bipolar plate to be welded on the receiving component 2. When placing it, one side of the bipolar plate should be close to the limiting component 23.

[0065] S2. The driving component 33 drives the image sensor 32 to slide laterally along the mounting bracket 31 to monitor the placement gap between the bipolar plate and the limiting component 23 and check the alignment.

[0066] S3. Based on the monitoring data of the image sensor 32, the positioning component 4 is used to move the bipolar plate.

[0067] S31. When the bipolar plate is moved, the second drive 49 is driven to rotate according to the monitoring of the image sensor 32, and the extension length of the flexible paddle 5 is adjusted. The extension length of the flexible paddle 5 can increase or decrease the paddle intensity and paddle time of the flexible paddle 5 moving the bipolar plate accordingly.

[0068] S32. After adjusting the flexible paddle 5, the linear drive 493 meshes the gear 491 with the internal gear ring 492, and rotates the positioning post 47. When the positioning post 47 rotates, it drives the flexible paddle 5 to move the bipolar plate, correct the gap between the bipolar plate and the limiting member 23, and adjust the alignment of the flexible paddle 5.

[0069] S4. After the toggle is completed, the lifting component 42 raises the mounting bracket 31, and the moving drive 43 moves the positioning component 4 out of the bipolar plate.

[0070] S5. Use welding machine 1 to weld the bipolar plates;

[0071] S6. During the welding process of the bipolar plate, the image sensor 32 continuously monitors the alignment of the bipolar plate. When there is still a gap between the bipolar plate and the limiting member 23, the positioning component 4 is used again to adjust the bipolar plate.

[0072] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bipolar plate welding vision positioning system, characterized by: It includes a welding machine (1), a receiving component (2), a testing component (3), and a positioning component (4); The receiving component (2) is located below the welding machine (1), and the receiving component (2) is provided with a limiting component (23), which is used to position one side of the bipolar plate; The detection component (3) includes a mounting bracket (31), an image sensor (32), and a driving component (33). The mounting bracket (31) is located on one side of the receiving component (2). The image sensor (32) is slidably connected to the mounting bracket (31) and is located above the receiving component (2). The image sensor (32) is used to monitor the gap between the bipolar plate and the limiting member (23). The driving component (33) is connected to the image sensor (32) and is used to drive the image sensor (32) to slide laterally along the mounting bracket (31). The positioning component (4) includes a positioning cylinder (44) and a first drive (46). The positioning cylinder (44) is rotatably connected above the receiving component (2). The first drive (46) is connected to the positioning cylinder (44). The first drive (46) is used to rotate the positioning cylinder (44) and can receive monitoring information from the image sensor (32). Multiple flexible paddles (5) are spaced apart on the positioning cylinder (44). The ends of the multiple flexible paddles (5) away from the positioning cylinder (44) are provided with a smooth arc. The positioning component (4) also includes a positioning frame (41) and a positioning column (47). The positioning frame (41) is positioned across the top of the receiving component (2). The positioning cylinder (44) is rotatably connected to the positioning frame (41). The positioning column (47) is rotatably connected inside the positioning cylinder (44). A placement gap (48) is left between the outer side wall of the positioning column (47) and the inner side wall of the positioning cylinder (44). A second drive (49) is provided on the positioning column (47). The second drive (49) is used to drive the positioning column (47) to rotate inside the positioning cylinder (44). Multiple flexible paddles (5) are connected to the positioning column (47). One end of the multiple flexible paddles (5) away from the positioning column (47) passes through the positioning cylinder (44) and is slidably connected to the positioning cylinder (44).

2. The bipolar plate welding visual positioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning post (47) includes multiple splicing posts (471), which are connected end to end and detachably connected. One end of the flexible lever (5) is snapped into the splicing post (471). Placement grooves (472) are provided at the joints of the multiple splicing posts (471). One end of the flexible lever (5) located in the splicing post (471) is provided with a snap-fit ​​strip (51). The snap-fit ​​strip (51) is located in the placement groove (472) and is used to install the flexible lever (5) in the splicing post (471).

3. The bipolar plate welding visual positioning system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first drive (46) includes a connecting post (461) and a rotary drive (462). One end of the connecting post (461) is inserted and fixed to the positioning post (47), and the other end is connected to the rotary drive (462). The rotary drive (462) is used to rotate the connecting post (461). A damping layer is provided between the end of the connecting post (461) near the rotary drive (462) and the positioning cylinder (44). The second drive (49) includes a gear (491), an internal gear ring (492), and a linear drive (493). The gear (491) is mounted on the connecting post (461), and a receiving groove (45) is provided on the side of the positioning cylinder (44) near the gear (491). The internal gear ring (492) is connected to the positioning cylinder (44) near the end of the rotary drive (462). The internal gear ring (492) and the gear (491) are coaxially arranged and can mesh. The linear drive (493) is connected to the rotary drive (462). The linear drive (493) is used to drive the rotary drive (462) to slide back and forth along the central axis of the positioning column (47). When the connecting column (461) and the positioning column (47) are inserted and fixed, the gear (491) is located in the receiving groove (45) and disengages from the internal gear ring (492). When the gear (491) and the internal gear ring (492) mesh, the connecting column (461) disengages from the positioning column (47).

4. The bipolar plate welding visual positioning system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The positioning frame (41) is provided with a lifting component (42) below it, which is used to drive the positioning frame (41) to rise or fall.

5. The bipolar plate welding visual positioning system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lifting component (42) is provided with a moving drive (43), which is used to drive the lifting component (42) and the positioning frame (41) to slide along the receiving surface of the receiving component (2), and the sliding direction is to move closer to or away from the limiting component (23).

6. The bipolar plate welding visual positioning system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The receiving component (2) includes a mounting frame (21) and a receiving part (22). The mounting frame (21) is placed flat under the welding machine (1), and the receiving part (22) is detachably connected to the mounting frame (21).

7. A bipolar plate welding visual positioning system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The receiving component (22) includes two connecting rods (221) symmetrically arranged in the mounting frame (21) and multiple connecting plates (222) arranged between the two connecting rods (221). The multiple connecting plates (222) are spaced apart. Each connecting plate (222) has multiple receiving columns (223) spaced apart at its top. The top of the receiving column (223) is higher than the top surface of the connecting plate (222). The top of the receiving column (223) is spherical. The connecting rods (221) are detachably connected to the mounting frame (21).

8. A method of using a bipolar plate welding visual positioning system, for using the bipolar plate welding visual positioning system described in claim 7, characterized in that, The usage steps are as follows: S1. Place the bipolar plate to be welded on the receiving component (2). When placing it, one side of the bipolar plate should be close to the limiting component (23). S2. The driving component (33) drives the image sensor (32) to slide laterally along the mounting bracket (31) to monitor the placement gap between the bipolar plate and the limiting component (23) and check the alignment. S3. Based on the monitoring data of the image sensor (32), the bipolar plate is moved using the positioning component (4); S31. When the bipolar plate is moved, the second drive (49) is driven to rotate according to the monitoring of the image sensor (32) to adjust the extension length of the flexible paddle (5). The extension length of the flexible paddle (5) can increase or decrease the intensity and time of the flexible paddle (5) moving the bipolar plate. S32. After adjusting the flexible paddle (5), the linear drive (493) meshes the gear (491) with the internal gear ring (492) to rotate the positioning post (47). When the positioning post (47) rotates, it drives the flexible paddle (5) to move the bipolar plate, correct the gap between the bipolar plate and the limiting member (23), and adjust the alignment of the flexible paddle (5). S4. After the toggle is completed, the lifting component (42) rises to the mounting bracket (31), and the moving drive (43) moves the positioning component (4) out of the bipolar plate. S5. Use a welding machine (1) to weld the bipolar plates; S6. The image sensor (32) continuously monitors the alignment of the bipolar plates during the welding process.

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