A tab detection system and a tab detection method

Abstract

This invention discloses a tab detection system and method, belonging to the field of tab detection technology. It includes a processing table and a conveying mechanism. The conveying mechanism includes a first conveyor frame and a second conveyor frame. Photoelectric sensors are installed on both sides at the other end of the first conveyor frame. A support frame mounted on the processing table is equipped with an adjustment mechanism. A CCD image sensor, used in conjunction with the photoelectric sensors, is installed on the adjustment mechanism. A calibration mechanism for adjusting the tab position is installed on the first conveyor frame near the photoelectric sensors. The calibration mechanism calibrates the tab position during transmission, facilitating the detection of tab folding by the photoelectric sensors. Simultaneously, the adjustment mechanism drives the sliding module and CCD image sensor to adjust their height, enabling image scanning and display of the folded tab. This not only detects tab folding but also measures the curvature of the folded tab.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrode detection technology, specifically to an electrode detection system and method. Background Technology

[0002] With the rise of the new energy market, in recent years, some power battery companies have been laying out energy storage business to open up new application markets for lithium iron phosphate batteries. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are widely used in the new energy vehicle industry. Since lithium iron phosphate batteries are lithium-ion batteries that use lithium iron phosphate as the positive electrode material and carbon as the negative electrode material, their electrochemical performance is very stable. As a raw material for lithium-ion polymer battery products, the tabs are very important in the manufacturing process, and therefore need to be tested by the testing system equipment.

[0003] In the battery production process, tabs are formed through die-cutting. Tabs are prone to folding during die-cutting, stacking and winding, and transportation. After the battery cell is formed, tab folding is not easy to detect and identify. Tab folding can lead to short circuits, lithium plating, and other serious safety hazards. Existing detection equipment only detects tab folding using photoelectric sensors. Although this detection method can detect tab folding, it cannot measure the degree of tab folding and bending.

[0004] According to announcement number CN115980069B, a battery tab CCD inspection system and method are proposed. The system includes a frame with a conveying mechanism for transporting batteries. A CCD camera is mounted on one side of the conveying mechanism, and a backlight is mounted on the opposite side. A light source is positioned between the CCD camera and the conveying mechanism. The CCD camera is connected to a controller, which is connected to an industrial computer. The industrial computer is connected to a correction mechanism. The CCD camera takes pictures of the battery tabs, and the acquired images are transmitted to the controller. The controller marks the deflection angle of the tabs based on the images and sends a correction command to the industrial computer. The industrial computer controls the correction mechanism to correct the deflection angle of the tabs. This allows for rapid adjustment and precise positioning of the tabs' direction and position. The CCD camera also detects the size and wrinkle areas of the tabs. Based on the inspection results, the system determines whether the tabs are qualified. Qualified products proceed to the next process, while unqualified products are rejected, thus ensuring the welding quality of the tabs.

[0005] The above description describes the inspection of the welding quality of the electrode tabs. However, the electrode tabs may fold after welding, making it inconvenient to inspect the degree of folding and bending. In order to solve the above problems, an electrode tab inspection system and electrode tab inspection method are proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a tab detection system and method. A calibration mechanism is used to calibrate and transmit the position of the tab, facilitating the detection of tab folding via a photoelectric sensor. Simultaneously, an adjustment mechanism drives the sliding module and CCD image sensor to adjust their height, enabling image scanning and display of the folded tab. This not only detects tab folding but also measures the curvature of the folded tab, while ensuring the tab's position is fixed during transmission, thus solving the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a tab detection system and a tab detection method, comprising a processing table and a conveying mechanism, wherein the conveying mechanism includes a first conveying frame and a second conveying frame, both the first and second conveying frames are mounted on the processing table, the second conveying frame is located on one side of one end of the first conveying frame, and photoelectric sensors are provided on both sides of the other end of the first conveying frame, a support frame mounted on the processing table is provided with an adjustment mechanism, a CCD image sensor used in conjunction with the photoelectric sensor is mounted on the adjustment mechanism, and a calibration mechanism for adjusting the tab position is mounted on the first conveying frame near the photoelectric sensor;

[0008] The support frame is fixedly connected to the bottom of the support frame around the perimeter. The reinforcement seats are located outside the first conveyor frame and fixed to the processing table. A display is installed on one side of the top of the support frame through a connecting frame. The display is electrically connected to the CCD image sensor. A controller is installed directly below the CCD image sensor. The CCD image sensor, the display, and the controller are electrically connected.

[0009] Preferably, the adjustment mechanism includes a push rod cylinder, which is installed at the center of the top of the support frame. The piston rod of the push rod cylinder is fixedly connected to a fixed plate. Two sets of sliding modules are installed on the lower surface of the fixed plate, and the CCD image sensor is installed on the sliding modules.

[0010] Preferably, a first positioning rod is fixedly connected to both ends of the upper surface of the fixed plate. The first positioning rod passes through the support frame through a sliding sleeve and is bolted to a first limiting block. A buffer spring is sleeved on the first positioning rod, and the buffer spring is installed on the side of the fixed plate facing the support frame.

[0011] Preferably, the calibration mechanism includes a limiting frame, which is fixedly connected to a first conveyor frame. A stepper motor is fixedly connected to one side of the limiting frame, and a bidirectional screw is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the stepper motor. A connecting rod is installed on the surface of the bidirectional screw through a threaded sleeve. A correction plate is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the connecting rod, and the top of the connecting rod is slidably connected to the limiting frame.

[0012] Preferably, a second positioning rod is movably connected to the first conveyor frame via a sliding sleeve. One end of the second positioning rod is fixed to the surface of the straightening plate, and the other end of the second positioning rod is fixedly connected to a second limiting block.

[0013] Preferably, a fixing frame is fixedly connected to the side wall of the processing table near the second conveyor frame, and a collection box is installed inside the fixing frame, with the collection box located directly below the second conveyor frame.

[0014] Preferably, the processing table is equipped with an electric push rod that is symmetrically positioned to the second conveyor frame, and the piston rod of the electric push rod passes through the first conveyor frame and is fixedly connected to a push plate.

[0015] Preferably, the photoelectric sensor is electrically connected to the controller, and the electric push rod is electrically connected to the controller.

[0016] Based on the above-described electrode detection system, this invention also provides a detection method for the electrode detection system, comprising the following steps:

[0017] S1. After the tab is welded to the electrode sheet, it is conveyed through the first conveyor frame. During the conveying process, the correction plate in the calibration mechanism moves to calibrate the position of the tab. Then it is conveyed to the photoelectric sensor position. The photoelectric sensor illuminates and detects the tab. By observing the color change of the light source when the photoelectric sensor detects, it is determined whether the tab is folded based on the detected color.

[0018] S2. The data detected by the photoelectric sensor is transmitted to the display through the controller for easy recording by the staff. The recorded electrode is adjusted by the push rod cylinder in the adjustment mechanism through the operation of the controller by the staff, which drives the sliding module and CCD image sensor on the fixed plate to adjust the height. Then, the sliding module drives the CCD image sensor to move back and forth left and right, thereby scanning the image of the flipped electrode.

[0019] S3. Similarly, the scanned electrode image is transmitted to the display, and the staff can easily measure the bending arc of the electrode based on the transmitted image.

[0020] S4. Subsequently, the detected folded tabs are driven by an electric push rod to push the push plate onto the second conveyor frame, and then transported by the second conveyor frame to the collection box inside the fixed frame for collection.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0022] 1. This invention provides a tab detection system and a tab detection method. The calibration mechanism can calibrate and transmit the position of the tab, thereby facilitating the detection of tab folding by a photoelectric sensor. At the same time, the adjustment mechanism drives the sliding module and CCD image sensor to adjust the height, which can scan the folded tab and form the image onto the display. It can not only detect the tab folding, but also measure the curvature of the tab folding.

[0023] 2. The present invention provides a tab detection system and a tab detection method. The first conveyor in the conveying mechanism provides conveying for the detection of tabs. The second conveyor cooperates with the push plate fixed on the electric push rod to push the detected folded tabs onto the second conveyor. Then, the second conveyor conveys the folded tabs to the collection box for collection. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a side perspective view of the processing table structure of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a rear perspective view of the processing table and support frame structure of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a right-side perspective view of the processing table structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a bottom perspective view of the support frame structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the calibration mechanism structure of the present invention.

[0030] The diagram is labeled as follows: 1. Processing table; 2. Conveying mechanism; 21. First conveyor frame; 22. Second conveyor frame; 3. Photoelectric sensor; 4. Support frame; 5. Adjusting mechanism; 51. Push rod cylinder; 52. Fixing plate; 53. Sliding module; 6. CCD image sensor; 7. Calibration mechanism; 71. Limiting frame; 72. Stepper motor; 73. Bidirectional screw; 74. Connecting rod; 75. Correction plate; 8. Reinforcing seat; 9. Display; 10. Controller; 11. First positioning rod; 12. Buffer spring; 13. First limiting block; 14. Second positioning rod; 15. Second limiting block; 16. Fixing frame; 17. Collection box; 18. Electric push rod; 19. Push plate. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] This invention provides, for example Figures 1-6 The diagram illustrates a tab detection system and method, comprising a processing table 1 and a conveying mechanism 2. The conveying mechanism 2 includes a first conveying frame 21 and a second conveying frame 22, both mounted on the processing table 1. The second conveying frame 22 is located on one side of one end of the first conveying frame 21, and photoelectric sensors 3 are provided on both sides of the other end of the first conveying frame 21. A support frame 4 mounted on the processing table 1 is provided with an adjustment mechanism 5, on which a CCD image sensor 6 is mounted for use with the photoelectric sensor 3. A calibration mechanism 7 for adjusting the position of the tab is mounted on the first conveying frame 21 near the photoelectric sensor 3. The calibration mechanism 7 can calibrate and transmit the position of the tab, thereby facilitating the detection of tab folding by the photoelectric sensor 3. Simultaneously, the adjustment mechanism 5 drives the sliding module 53 and the CCD image sensor 6 to adjust their height, enabling the image scanning and forming of the folded tab onto the display 9. This not only detects tab folding but also measures the curvature of the tab folding.

[0033] A reinforcing seat 8 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the support frame 4. The reinforcing seat 8 is located outside the first conveyor frame 21 and fixed on the processing table 1. A display 9 is installed on one side of the top of the support frame 4 through a connecting frame. The display 9 is electrically connected to the CCD image sensor 6. A controller 10 is installed directly below the CCD image sensor 6. The CCD image sensor 6 and the display 9 are electrically connected to the controller 10. The controller 10 can simultaneously control the display 9, the CCD image sensor 6 and the photoelectric sensor 3, etc., so as to transmit the detection of the photoelectric sensor 3 to the display 9 for recording. Then, the CCD image sensor 6 performs image scanning detection on the folded tab to detect the bending arc of the folded tab.

[0034] The adjustment mechanism 5 includes a push rod cylinder 51, which is installed at the center of the top of the support frame 4. The piston rod of the push rod cylinder 51 is fixedly connected to a fixed plate 52. Two sets of sliding modules 53 are installed on the lower surface of the fixed plate 52. A CCD image sensor 6 is installed on the sliding module 53. The push rod cylinder 51 provides driving force to drive the sliding module on the fixed plate 52 and the CCD image sensor 6 installed on the sliding module 53 to adjust the height. Then, the sliding module 53 drives the CCD image sensor 6 to move back and forth, so that the folded tab can be scanned and detected, thus facilitating the measurement of the bending arc of the folded tab.

[0035] The two ends of the upper surface of the fixed plate 52 are fixedly connected to the first positioning rod 11. The first positioning rod 11 passes through the support frame 4 through the sliding sleeve and is bolted to the first limiting block 13. A buffer spring 12 is sleeved on the first positioning rod 11. The buffer spring 12 is installed on the side of the fixed plate 52 facing the support frame 4. It can provide a limiting buffer when the fixed plate 52 is raised and lowered, and can prevent the fixed plate 52 from directly colliding with the support frame 4.

[0036] The calibration mechanism 7 includes a limiting frame 71, which is fixedly connected to the first conveyor frame 21. A stepper motor 72 is fixedly connected to one side of the limiting frame 71. A bidirectional screw 73 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the stepper motor 72. A connecting rod 74 is installed on the surface of the bidirectional screw 73 through a threaded sleeve. A correction plate 75 is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the connecting rod 74. The top of the connecting rod 74 is slidably connected to the limiting frame 71. The limiting frame 71 provides an installation position for the stepper motor 72 and the bidirectional screw 73. Then, the correction plate 75 on the connecting rod 74 is driven by the threaded sleeve to adjust and correct the position of the electrode tabs in the conveyor so that the photoelectric sensor 3 and the CCD image sensor 6 can perform detection.

[0037] A second positioning rod 14 is movably connected to the first conveyor frame 21 via a sliding sleeve. One end of the second positioning rod 14 is fixed to the surface of the straightening plate 75, and the other end of the second positioning rod 14 is fixedly connected to a second limiting block 15, which can provide a limiting effect on the moving straightening plate 75 and enhance the stability of the moving straightening plate 75.

[0038] A fixed frame 16 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the processing table 1 near the second conveyor 22. A collection box 17 is installed inside the fixed frame 16. The collection box 17 is located directly below the second conveyor 22, which facilitates the placement of the collection box 17, thereby collecting the folded tabs detected on the second conveyor 22.

[0039] An electric push rod 18 is installed on the processing table 1, which is symmetrically positioned with respect to the second conveyor frame 22. The piston rod of the electric push rod 18 passes through the first conveyor frame 21 and is fixedly connected to a push plate 19. The electric push rod 18 provides power to drive the push plate 19 to push the folded electrode tabs onto the second conveyor frame 22, so as to facilitate the removal of the folded electrode tabs.

[0040] The photoelectric sensor 3 is electrically connected to the controller 10, and the electric push rod 18 is electrically connected to the controller 10, which facilitates the operator to coordinate the operation between the photoelectric sensor 3 and the electric push rod 18 through the controller 10.

[0041] Based on the above-described electrode detection system, this invention also provides a detection method for the electrode detection system, comprising the following steps:

[0042] S1. After the tab is welded to the electrode sheet, it is conveyed through the first conveyor frame. During the conveying process, the correction plate in the calibration mechanism moves to calibrate the position of the tab. Then it is conveyed to the photoelectric sensor position. The photoelectric sensor illuminates and detects the tab. By observing the color change of the light source when the photoelectric sensor detects, it is determined whether the tab is folded based on the detected color.

[0043] S2. The data detected by the photoelectric sensor is transmitted to the display through the controller for easy recording by the staff. The recorded electrode is adjusted by the push rod cylinder in the adjustment mechanism through the operation of the controller by the staff, which drives the sliding module and CCD image sensor on the fixed plate to adjust the height. Then, the sliding module drives the CCD image sensor to move back and forth left and right, thereby scanning the image of the flipped electrode.

[0044] S3. Similarly, the scanned electrode image is transmitted to the display screen, and the staff can easily measure the bending arc of the electrode based on the transmitted image.

[0045] S4. Subsequently, the detected folded tabs are driven by an electric push rod to push the push plate onto the second conveyor frame, and then transported by the second conveyor frame to the collection box inside the fixed frame for collection.

[0046] In practical use, the welded or die-cut electrode tabs are conveyed via the first conveyor frame 21. When they reach the calibration mechanism 7, the bidirectional screw 73 in the calibration mechanism 7 drives the correction plate 75 on the connecting rod 74 to correct and adjust the position of the electrode tabs. They are then conveyed to the photoelectric sensor 3, where the photoelectric sensor 3 illuminates and detects the electrode tabs. By observing the color change of the light source during detection by the photoelectric sensor 3, it is determined whether the electrode tabs are folded. The data detected by the photoelectric sensor 3 is transmitted to the display 9 via the controller 10 for easy recording by the operator. The recorded electrode tabs are then controlled by the operator operating the controller 10. The push rod cylinder 51 in the adjustment mechanism 5 drives the sliding module 53 and CCD image sensor 6 on the fixed plate 52 to adjust the height. Then, the sliding module 53 drives the CCD image sensor 6 to move back and forth, thereby scanning the image of the flipped tab. The scanned tab image is then transmitted to the display 9. Based on the transmitted image, the operator can easily measure the bending arc of the flipped tab. Subsequently, the detected flipped tab is driven by the electric push rod 18, which drives the push plate 19 to push onto the second conveyor frame 22. Then, it is conveyed by the second conveyor frame 22 to the collection box 17 in the fixed frame 16 for collection.

[0047] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A tab detection system, comprising a processing table (1) and a conveying mechanism (2), characterized in that: The conveying mechanism (2) includes a first conveying frame (21) and a second conveying frame (22). The first conveying frame (21) and the second conveying frame (22) are both installed on the processing table (1). The second conveying frame (22) is located on one side of one end of the first conveying frame (21). Photoelectric sensors (3) are provided on both sides of the other end of the first conveying frame (21). The support frame (4) installed on the processing table (1) is provided with an adjustment mechanism (5). A CCD image sensor (6) that works with the photoelectric sensor (3) is installed on the adjustment mechanism (5). A calibration mechanism (7) for adjusting the position of the tabs is installed on the first conveying frame (21) near the photoelectric sensor (3). The support frame (4) has a reinforcing seat (8) fixedly connected around its bottom. The reinforcing seat (8) is located outside the first conveyor frame (21) and fixed on the processing table (1). A display (9) is installed on one side of the top of the support frame (4) through a connecting frame. The display (9) is electrically connected to the CCD image sensor (6). A controller (10) is installed directly below the CCD image sensor (6). The CCD image sensor (6) and the display (9) are both electrically connected to the controller (10). The adjustment mechanism (5) includes a push rod cylinder (51), which is installed at the center of the top of the support frame (4). The piston rod of the push rod cylinder (51) is fixedly connected to a fixing plate (52). Two sets of sliding modules (53) are installed on the lower surface of the fixing plate (52). The CCD image sensor (6) is installed on the sliding module (53). The upper surface of the fixed plate (52) is fixedly connected to two ends of a first positioning rod (11). The first positioning rod (11) passes through the support frame (4) through a sliding sleeve and is bolted with a first limiting block (13). A buffer spring (12) is sleeved on the first positioning rod (11). The buffer spring (12) is installed on the side of the fixed plate (52) facing the support frame (4). The calibration mechanism (7) includes a limiting frame (71), which is fixedly connected to the first conveyor frame (21). A stepper motor (72) is fixedly connected to one side of the limiting frame (71), and a bidirectional screw (73) is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the stepper motor (72). A connecting rod (74) is installed on the surface of the bidirectional screw (73) through a threaded sleeve. A correction plate (75) is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the connecting rod (74), and the top of the connecting rod (74) is slidably connected to the limiting frame (71). Electrode testing includes the following steps: S1. After the tab is welded to the electrode sheet, it is conveyed through the first conveyor frame. During the conveying process, the correction plate in the calibration mechanism moves to calibrate the position of the tab. Then it is conveyed to the photoelectric sensor position. The photoelectric sensor illuminates and detects the tab. By observing the color change of the light source when the photoelectric sensor detects, it is determined whether the tab is folded based on the detected color. S2. The data detected by the photoelectric sensor is transmitted to the display through the controller for easy recording by the staff. The recorded electrode is adjusted by the push rod cylinder in the adjustment mechanism through the operation of the controller by the staff, which drives the sliding module and CCD image sensor on the fixed plate to adjust the height. Then, the sliding module drives the CCD image sensor to move back and forth left and right, thereby scanning the image of the flipped electrode. S3. Similarly, the scanned electrode image is transmitted to the display screen, and the staff can easily measure the bending arc of the electrode based on the transmitted image. S4. Subsequently, the detected folded tabs are driven by an electric push rod to push the push plate onto the second conveyor frame, and then transported by the second conveyor frame to the collection box inside the fixed frame for collection.

2. The electrode detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second positioning rod (14) is movably connected to the first conveyor frame (21) via a sliding sleeve. One end of the second positioning rod (14) is fixed to the surface of the straightening plate (75), and the other end of the second positioning rod (14) is fixedly connected to a second limiting block (15).

3. The electrode detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A fixed frame (16) is fixedly connected to the side wall of the processing table (1) near the second conveyor frame (22). A collection box (17) is installed inside the fixed frame (16) and the collection box (17) is located directly below the second conveyor frame (22).

4. The electrode detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: An electric push rod (18) is installed on the processing table (1) in a position symmetrical to the second conveyor frame (22). The piston rod of the electric push rod (18) passes through the first conveyor frame (21) and is fixedly connected to a push plate (19).

5. The electrode detection system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The photoelectric sensor (3) is electrically connected to the controller (10), and the electric push rod (18) is electrically connected to the controller (10).

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