Battery tab detection device and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery tab detection device and method, and in the battery tab detection device, a tab adjustment assembly is arranged at a detection position and is used for extruding tabs so as to control one end, deviating from a battery cell, of each tab of the battery cell to be attached to a baffle plate; a distance is formed between the ends, deviating from the battery cell, of the adjacent tabs attached to the baffle plate; the image detection assembly is arranged at the detection position and is used for acquiring image information of the tabs attached to the baffle; the control unit is electrically connected with the tab adjusting assembly and the image detection assembly and used for controlling the tab adjusting assembly to extrude the tabs and controlling the image detection assembly to collect image information. According to the invention, whether the tabs are folded or not can be accurately detected, and the method is suitable for various battery cells with different sizes and tabs with different numbers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a battery tab detection device and method. Background Art

[0002] The tab is one of the key structures of lithium-ion batteries and is the only way for charging and discharging currents. The positive tab is generally made of aluminum foil, while the negative tab is generally made of copper foil. Regardless of the material, the texture is relatively soft, and defects such as folding and tab breakage are prone to occur during the stacking and winding process or during the turnover and transportation process. In more serious cases, the positive tab folds and contacts the negative tab, and the negative tab folds and contacts the positive tab, resulting in a short circuit inside the battery, increased impedance, and reduced capacity, which ultimately affects battery performance and may even cause uncontrolled fire.

[0003] The existing methods of judging whether the tab is folded mostly use manual visual inspection, which is inefficient and prone to missed detection and false detection. Alternatively, the tab is measured by applying voltage to detect the resistance of the cell, but the detection rate is high only for tabs folded onto the diaphragm, and it is difficult to identify tabs folded into their own layers, which is prone to missed detection. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present disclosure provides a battery tab detection device and method.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a battery tab detection device, comprising: a transplanting jig, a baffle, a tab adjustment component, an image detection component, and a control unit;

[0006] The transplanting jig is provided with at least one battery cell placement position for placing a battery cell and driving the battery cell to move to the detection position;

[0007] The baffle is arranged at the detection position and is parallel to a side of the battery cell on which the pole ear is arranged;

[0008] The tab adjustment assembly is disposed at the detection position, and is used to squeeze the tabs, so as to control the end of each tab of the battery cell away from the battery cell to be attached to the baffle, and there is a distance between the ends of adjacent tabs attached to the baffle away from the battery cell;

[0009] The image detection component is arranged at the detection position, and is used for obtaining image information of the pole ear attached to the baffle; the control unit is electrically connected to the pole ear adjustment component and the image detection component respectively, and is used for controlling the pole ear adjustment component to squeeze the pole ear and controlling the image detection component to collect image information.

[0010] In some embodiments, the tab adjustment assembly includes: a bracket, a first adjustment assembly, and a second adjustment assembly;

[0011] The first adjustment component is arranged below the bracket, and the second adjustment component is arranged above the bracket;

[0012] The first adjustment component is used to lift up one end of each pole tab of the battery cell away from the battery cell; the second adjustment component is used to compress one end of each pole tab of the battery cell away from the battery cell.

[0013] In some embodiments, a light source and a light guide plate are also included;

[0014] The light source is used to provide light for the image detection component; the light guide plate is used to change the propagation direction of the light emitted by the light source.

[0015] In some embodiments, the light source is located at the bottom of the bracket; the light guide plate is obliquely disposed above the light source and fixed on the bracket.

[0016] In some embodiments, the image detection assembly further includes an image detection device, a first drive motor, and a first guide rail;

[0017] The first driving motor is electrically connected to the image detection device and the control unit respectively;

[0018] The image detection device can be slidably disposed on the first guide rail, and the first driving motor is used to control the image detection device to move along the first guide rail; wherein the extension direction of the first guide rail is perpendicular to the direction of the baffle.

[0019] In some embodiments, the image detection component of each detection position includes at least one image detection device; the image detection device obtains image information of the tabs of the battery cell placement position one by one.

[0020] In some embodiments, each of the image detection devices includes a first acquisition unit and a second acquisition unit;

[0021] The first acquisition unit is used to acquire image information of a first pole lug attached to the baffle, and the second acquisition unit is used to acquire image information of a second pole lug attached to the baffle; wherein the polarities of the first pole lug and the second pole lug are opposite.

[0022] In some embodiments, further comprising a second drive motor and a second guide rail;

[0023] The second drive motor is electrically connected to the control unit; the transplanting jig is slidably disposed on the second guide rail, and the second drive motor is used to control the transplanting jig to move along the second guide rail; wherein the extension direction of the second guide rail is parallel to the direction of the baffle.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present disclosure further provides a battery tab detection method, which is applied to any of the battery tab detection devices provided in the first aspect; the detection method comprises:

[0025] Controlling the transplanting jig to move to the detection position; wherein the battery cell is located at the cell placement position on the transplanting jig;

[0026] Controlling the tab adjustment assembly to squeeze the tab, so as to control the end of each tab of the battery cell away from the battery cell to be attached to the baffle, and a distance exists between the ends of adjacent tabs attached to the baffle away from the battery cell;

[0027] The image detection component is controlled to obtain image information of the electrode lug attached to the baffle.

[0028] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the tab adjustment assembly to squeeze the tab so as to control the end of each tab of the battery cell away from the battery cell to be attached to the baffle, and a distance between adjacent tabs attached to the baffle away from the end of the battery cell includes:

[0029] The first adjustment component is controlled to lift up one end of each pole tab of the battery cell away from the battery cell, and the second adjustment component is controlled to press one end of each pole tab of the battery cell away from the battery cell.

[0030] In some embodiments, after controlling the image detection component to obtain image information of the tab attached to the baffle, the method further includes:

[0031] Determine the width and contour of the tab based on the image information of the tab;

[0032] Determine that the width of the pole lug and the contour of the pole lug satisfy a condition that the pole lug is not folded, and control the battery cell to enter the next welding process.

[0033] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0034] Determine whether the tab width and / or the tab contour satisfies a tab folding condition, and control the battery cell to enter a fault buffer area.

[0035] In some embodiments, controlling the transplanting fixture to move to the detection position includes:

[0036] Control the transplanting jig to move to a first detection position, and move the first electrode tab into a collection field of view of an image detection device;

[0037] Or, after collecting the image information of the first electrode tab, controlling the transplanting jig to move from the first detection position to the second detection position, and moving the second electrode tab into the collection field of view of the image detection device;

[0038] The polarities of the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab are opposite.

[0039] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution provided by the present invention has the following advantages:

[0040] The battery tab detection device provided by the present disclosure is provided with a tab adjustment component, which is used to squeeze the tabs, so as to control the tabs of each battery cell to be attached to the baffle at one end away from the battery cell, and there is a gap between the ends of adjacent tabs attached to the baffle away from the battery cell. Then, the image information of the tabs attached to the baffle is obtained by the image detection component, and the number of tab layers and the edge shape can be clearly observed based on the image information. If the preset parameters are not met, it can be considered that the tabs are folded. Through this structure, the image information of the tabs of the battery cell can be accurately obtained, and there will be no missed detection or false detection. It can accurately detect whether the tabs are folded, and it is suitable for battery cells of various sizes and different numbers of tabs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0042] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a battery tab detection device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a battery tab detection process provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a tab attached to a baffle provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of another battery tab detection device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 5 A schematic flow chart of a battery tab detection method provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In order to more clearly understand the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of the present disclosure, the scheme of the present disclosure will be further described below. It should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0049] In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein; it is obvious that the embodiments in the specification are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all of the embodiments.

[0050] In order to solve the above defects, the present disclosure provides a battery tab detection device. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a battery tab detection device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a battery tab detection process provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a tab attached to a baffle provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 1-Figure 3 The battery tab detection device includes: a transplanting fixture 10, a baffle 20, a tab adjustment component 30, an image detection component 40 and a control unit.

[0051] The transplanting jig 10 is provided with at least one battery cell placement position 11 for placing the battery cell 100 and driving the battery cell 100 to move to the detection position 200 .

[0052] The baffle 20 is disposed at the detection position 200 and is parallel to a surface of the battery cell 100 on which the tab 110 is disposed.

[0053] The tab adjustment assembly 30 is disposed at the detection position 200 and is used to squeeze the tab 110 to control the end of each tab 110 of the battery cell 100 away from the battery cell 100 to be attached to the baffle 20, and there is a gap between the ends of adjacent tabs 110 attached to the baffle 20 away from the battery cell 100.

[0054] The image detection component 40 is set at the detection position 200, and is used to obtain image information of the pole ear 110 attached to the baffle 20; the control unit is electrically connected to the pole ear adjustment component 30 and the image detection component 40 respectively, and is used to control the pole ear adjustment component 30 to squeeze the pole ear 110 and control the image detection component 40 to collect image information.

[0055] Exemplarily, the battery tab detection device includes a transplanting jig 10, which is an auxiliary tool in the detection and is provided with at least one battery cell placement position 11, where the battery cell 100 to be tested can be placed. When the transplanting jig 10 moves, it drives the battery cell 100 to move to the detection position 200, where it can detect whether the tab of the battery cell 100 is folded. Among them, a baffle 20 is provided at the detection position 200, and the baffle 20 is parallel to the side of the battery cell 100 where the tab 110 is provided, that is, the tab 110 of the battery cell 100 is in contact with the baffle 20. The tab adjustment assembly 30 is arranged at the detection position 200 and is electrically connected to the control unit. The tab adjustment assembly 30 squeezes the tab 110 under the control of the control unit to control the end of each tab 110 of the battery cell 100 away from the battery cell 100 to be attached to the baffle 20 and there is a gap between the ends of the adjacent tabs 110 attached to the baffle 20 away from the battery cell 100. Further, the image detection assembly 40 arranged at the detection position 200 obtains the image information of the tab 110 attached to 20 from the side of the baffle 20 away from the tab 110, and the control unit analyzes the image information to determine whether there is a tab folded. Among them, the control unit is not drawn in the figure, and the specific position of the control unit can be set according to actual needs.

[0056] In the disclosed embodiment, the battery cell 100 can be a wound cell or a laminated cell. No matter which type of cell is placed in the cell placement position 11, the folding condition of the tab 110 can be detected at the detection position 200. In addition, it can also be compatible with different battery cell sizes and different tab layers, and detect them, which has a wider range of applications. For example, refer to Figure 1-Figure 3 , Figure 1 The schematic diagram can be shown after the transplanting jig 10 drives the battery cell 100 to move to the inspection position 200. The battery cell 100 to be inspected is placed at the cell placement position 11 of the transplanting jig 10, and then the transplanting jig 10 drives the battery cell 100 to move to the inspection position 200. At this time, the end of each tab 110 of the battery cell 100 away from the battery cell 100 is close to the baffle 20. Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing the pole lug 110 attached to the baffle 20 after the pole lug 110 is squeezed by the pole lug adjustment component 30. Under the action of the pole lug adjustment component 30, one end of each pole lug 110 facing away from the battery cell 100 is attached to the baffle 20, and there is a spacing between adjacent pole lugs 110. When the pole lug 110 is not squeezed, the pole lugs 110 are in an overlapping state, and the edges of the ends of the pole lugs 110 facing away from the battery cell 100 are flush, there is no spacing, and the state of each pole lug 110 cannot be observed. After squeezing them, the overlapping pole lugs 110 are all spread apart, and there is a spacing between adjacent pole lugs. Clear image information can be obtained through the image detection component, for example, refer to Figure 3The image detection component can obtain similar Figure 3 Based on the image information, various information such as the number of layers, spacing, and contour of the tab 110 can be clearly observed, and then it can be determined whether the tab 110 is folded. Regardless of whether the tab 110 is folded onto the diaphragm or folded into its own tab layer, the disclosed embodiment can detect the folding of the tab 110, greatly improving the detection accuracy, avoiding misjudgment or missed detection, and improving the safety and reliability of the battery cell 100. In addition, it can detect battery cells of different sizes and different numbers of tab layers, and can effectively detect fully folded and partially folded tab cells, reduce the risk of battery short circuit, and improve battery quality.

[0057] The battery tab detection device provided by the present disclosure is provided with a tab adjustment component, which is used to squeeze the tabs, so as to control the tabs of each battery cell to be attached to the baffle at one end away from the battery cell, and there is a gap between the ends of adjacent tabs attached to the baffle away from the battery cell. Then, the image information of the tabs attached to the baffle is obtained by the image detection component, and the number of tab layers and the edge shape can be clearly observed based on the image information. If the preset parameters are not met, it can be considered that the tabs are folded. Through this structure, the image information of the tabs of the battery cell can be accurately obtained, and there will be no missed detection or false detection. It can accurately detect whether the tabs are folded, and it is suitable for battery cells of various sizes and different numbers of tabs.

[0058] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 1 The tab adjustment assembly 30 includes: a bracket 31, a first adjustment assembly 32 and a second adjustment assembly 33;

[0059] The first adjustment assembly 32 is disposed below the bracket 31, and the second adjustment assembly 33 is disposed above the bracket 31;

[0060] The first adjustment assembly 32 is used to lift up one end of each pole tab 110 of the battery cell 100 away from the battery cell 100 ; the second adjustment assembly 33 is used to compress one end of each pole tab 110 of the battery cell 100 away from the battery cell 100 .

[0061] Exemplarily, the first adjustment component 32 and the second adjustment component 33 are both fixedly arranged on the bracket 31, and the bracket 31 is used to support each adjustment component. Among them, the figure only exemplarily shows the approximate position of each component, and does not show the specific connection relationship. Among them, the bracket 31 is located at the detection position 200, the first adjustment component 32 is arranged below the bracket 31, and is fixed on the bracket 31 (not shown in the figure). When the battery cell 100 is located at the detection position 200, each pole ear 110 of the battery cell 100 is located above the first adjustment component 32. The second adjustment component 33 is arranged above the bracket 31 and is fixed on the bracket 31 (not shown in the figure). When the battery cell 100 is located at the detection position 200, each pole ear 110 of the battery cell 100 is located above the second adjustment component 33. Thus, the control unit can control the first adjustment component 32 to lift up the end of each pole tab 110 of the battery cell 100 away from the battery cell 100, and control to press the end of each pole tab 110 of the battery cell 100 away from the battery cell 100. Finally, the end of each pole tab of the battery cell away from the battery cell 100 is attached to the baffle 20, and there is a gap between the ends of adjacent pole tabs attached to the baffle 20 away from the battery cell 100. For example, the first adjustment component 32 is a lifting cylinder, and the second adjustment component 33 is a knife inserting cylinder. The lifting cylinder is controlled to rise to lift the pole tab 110 upward, and the knife inserting cylinder is controlled to press down to press the pole tab 110, so that the end of each pole tab 110 away from the battery cell 100 is tightly attached to the baffle 20, and there is a gap between adjacent pole tabs 110.

[0062] When the detection of a group of tabs 100 is completed, the first adjustment component 32 and the second adjustment component 33 will be restored to the original state, waiting for the detection 110 of the next group of tabs.

[0063] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 1 The baffle plate 20 is also fixed on the bracket 31 to improve the stability of the baffle plate 20.

[0064] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the types of the first adjustment component and the second adjustment component, as long as they can cooperate with each other to make the pole ear reach the desired shape. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the shape, material, size, etc. of the bracket, as long as they can support the pole ear adjustment component. In addition, the "above the bracket" and "below the bracket" mentioned in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only the relative directions of the bracket, which can be understood as an approximate azimuth range, so as to realize the operation of the first adjustment component to lift the pole ear upward and the second adjustment component to press the pole ear downward. The specific position also needs to be set according to actual needs. The embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to provide an optional implementation method.

[0065] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 1, further comprising a light source 50 and a light guide plate 60;

[0066] The light source 50 is used to provide light for the image detection component 40 ; the light guide plate 60 is used to change the propagation direction of the light emitted by the light source 50 .

[0067] Exemplarily, the battery tab detection device is also provided with a light source 50 and a light guide plate 60. The light source 50 can increase the brightness of the detection position 200 and provide sufficient light for the image detection component 40 to improve the clarity of the image information collected by the image detection component 40, so as to avoid the image detection component 40 being unable to accurately obtain image information due to too dark light, thereby affecting the accuracy of detecting whether the tab is folded. In addition, a light guide plate 60 is also provided, which is used to cooperate with the light source 50 to change the propagation direction of the light emitted by the light source 50 so that the propagation direction of the light meets the needs of the image detection component 40.

[0068] It should be noted that the embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit the number of light sources, and it can be set according to the requirements of the image detection component.

[0069] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 1 , the light source 50 is located at the bottom of the bracket 31 ; the light guide plate 60 is obliquely disposed above the light source 50 and fixed on the bracket 31 .

[0070] Exemplarily, the purpose of setting the light source 50 is to provide sufficient light to the image detection component 40 so that the image detection component 40 can clearly obtain the image information of the pole ear 110 attached to the baffle 20. However, the light source 50 has a certain volume. In order to avoid the light source 50 blocking the collection field of view of the image detection component 40 and affecting the collected image information, the light source 50 can be set at the bottom of the bracket 31 to avoid the collection field of view of the image detection component 40. The light guide plate 60 can be tilted above the light source 50 and fixed on the bracket 31, such as Figure 1 As shown in the light propagation path, after the light emitted by the light source 50 is irradiated to the light guide plate 60, it changes its original propagation direction through reflection or refraction and becomes perpendicular to the direction of the baffle 20. It can avoid the collection field of view of the image detection component 40, and improve the brightness at the baffle 20, so that each pole ear is evenly illuminated by the light guide plate 60. Therefore, the collection effect of the image detection component 40 is greatly improved, which is conducive to analyzing whether each pole ear 110 is folded based on the image information obtained by the image detection component 40, and improving the accuracy of the judgment.

[0071] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 1 , the image detection assembly 40 further includes an image detection device 41, a first drive motor 42 and a first guide rail 43;

[0072] The first driving motor 42 is electrically connected to the image detection device 41 and the control unit respectively.

[0073] The image detection device 41 can be slidably disposed on the first guide rail 43 , and the first driving motor 42 is used to control the image detection device 41 to move along the first guide rail 43 ; wherein the extension direction of the first guide rail 43 is perpendicular to the direction of the baffle 20 .

[0074] Exemplarily, the image detection component 40 includes an image detection device 41, which can be a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) to obtain image information of the pole ear attached to the baffle 20. The embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit the specific type of the image detection device 41, and other image sensors can be selected as long as they can obtain image information. In addition, the image detection component 40 also includes a first drive motor 42 and a first guide rail 43, and the first drive motor 42 is electrically connected to the image detection device 41 and the control unit respectively. The image detection device 41 can be slidably arranged on the first guide rail 43, and the image detection device 41 is also connected to the first drive motor 42 through a pull rod. Under the action of the control unit, the first drive motor 42 controls the image detection device 41 to move along the first guide rail 43, for example, the position of the image detection device 41 on the first guide rail 43 can be adjusted by the pull rod. Among them, the extension direction of the first guide rail 43 is perpendicular to the direction of the baffle 20. Specifically, when the size or number of layers of the tab 110 of the battery cell 100 changes, the acquisition area corresponding to the image information of the tab 110 attached to the baffle 20 that the image detection component 40 needs to obtain may also change. In order to ensure that the image detection device 41 can collect complete and clear image information, the distance between the image detection device 41 and the baffle 20 can be adjusted, and the acquisition field of view, focal length and other parameters of the image detection device 41 can be changed. At this time, the control unit controls the first drive motor 42 to control the image detection device 41 to move along the first guide rail 43, for example, to make the image detection device 41 closer or farther from the baffle 20 to achieve the purpose of adjustment.

[0075] Optionally, the image detection device 41 may also be disposed on a support structure, and the image detection device 41 may be elevated by the support structure. The first drive motor 42 controls the movement of the support structure to drive the image detection device 41 to move.

[0076] In some embodiments, Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of another battery tab detection device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 4 It can be understood as a top view, refer to Figure 4 Combined with Figure 1The image detection component 40 of each detection position 200 includes at least one image detection device 41; the image detection device 41 obtains the image information of the tabs 110 of the battery cell placement position 11 one by one.

[0077] Exemplarily, at least one battery cell placement position 11 may be provided on the transplanting jig 10. For example, if only one battery cell placement position 11 is provided, one battery cell 100 may be driven to move to the detection position 200. If two battery cell placement positions 11 are provided, two battery cells 100 may be driven to move to the detection position 200 at the same time, thereby improving the detection efficiency. Accordingly, in order to obtain the image information of each battery cell 100, an image detection device 41 may be provided according to the number of battery cell placement positions 11 on the transplanting jig 10 to ensure that the image information of the battery cells 100 at different battery cell placement positions 11 can be collected. For example, if two battery cell placement positions 11 are provided on a transplanting jig 10, two image detection devices 41 are provided at the test location, and the image detection devices 41 obtain the image information of the pole ears 110 of the battery cell placement positions 11 one by one, so as to avoid the situation where only one image detection device 41 is provided and cannot accurately obtain the image information of the pole ears of multiple battery cells 100. For example, Figure 4 Two detection positions 200 are provided, each detection position 200 includes two battery cell placement positions 11, and each battery cell placement position 11 is correspondingly provided with an image detection device 41, thereby Figure 4 Two image detection devices 41 are correspondingly arranged for each detection position 200. For example, the cell placement position 11 where the battery cell 101 is located corresponds to one image detection device 41, and the cell placement position 11 where the battery cell 102 is located corresponds to another image detection device 41.

[0078] Optionally, since the tabs 110 of the battery cell 110 include a positive tab and a negative tab, there is a certain distance between the positive tab and the negative tab, but the distance is relatively close. In order to avoid interference between the two and affect the final image information presented, the image information corresponding to the positive tab and the negative tab is usually collected separately. In order to improve the detection efficiency, two detection positions 200 are set, for example, the positive tab of the battery cell 100 is detected at the first detection position 210, and the negative tab of the battery cell 100 is detected at the second detection position 220. The two detection positions 200 are used to obtain the image information of the positive tab and the image information of the negative tab respectively.

[0079] First, the transplanting jig 10 is controlled to move, and the battery cells 101 and 102 are moved to the first detection position 210, so that the positive pole ear corresponds to the central area of ​​the image detection device 41 collecting field of view, and the image detection device 41 can obtain complete and clear image information of the positive pole ear. After that, the transplanting jig 10 is continued to be controlled to move, and the battery cells 101 and 102 are moved to the second detection position 220, so that the negative pole ear corresponds to the central area of ​​the image detection device 41 collecting field of view, and the image detection device 41 can obtain complete and clear image information of the negative pole ear. At the same time, another transplanting jig 10 drives another group of battery cells 100 to move to the first detection position 210, and the image detection device 41 can obtain the image information of the positive pole ear of the group of battery cells 100, and continue to detect more battery cells in this cycle. In this way, the acquisition of the image information of the pole ear of the battery cell 100 is completed, and then it is determined whether there is a folded pole ear. The two detection positions 200 can detect the positive and negative tabs of the battery cell 100 respectively, without affecting each other, and can improve the detection efficiency and reduce the waiting time. By setting multiple detection positions and multiple battery cell placement positions, multiple groups of battery cells can be detected at the same time, which improves the detection speed. In addition, the detection cycle of this structure is short and the detection efficiency is high.

[0080] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 4 Each image detection device 41 includes a first acquisition unit 411 and a second acquisition unit 412 .

[0081] The first acquisition unit 411 is used to acquire image information of a first pole lug attached to the baffle 20 , and the second acquisition unit 412 is used to acquire image information of a second pole lug attached to the baffle 20 ; wherein the polarities of the first pole lug and the second pole lug are opposite.

[0082] Exemplarily, each image detection device 41 includes a first acquisition unit 411 and a second acquisition unit 412, wherein the first acquisition unit 411 corresponds to the first pole ear of the battery cell 100, and the second acquisition unit 412 corresponds to the second pole ear of the battery cell 100. The polarities of the first pole ear and the second pole ear are opposite, for example, the first pole ear is a positive pole ear, and the second pole ear is a negative pole ear. Similarly, the image detection device 41 corresponding to each battery cell placement position 11 is provided with a first acquisition unit 411 and a second acquisition unit 412.

[0083] For example, two detection positions 200 are set, and the first pole ears of the battery cell 101 and the battery cell 102 are detected at the first detection position 210, then only all the first acquisition units 411 located at the first detection position 210 can be controlled to start, and all the second acquisition units 412 located at the first detection position 210 can be turned off, and the first acquisition unit 411 can obtain the image information of the first pole ear attached to the baffle 20; then the transplanting fixture 10 is controlled to move to the second detection position 220, and the second pole ears of the battery cell 101 and the battery cell 102 are detected at the second detection position 220, then only all the second acquisition units 412 located at the second detection position 220 can be controlled to start, and all the first acquisition units 411 located at the second detection position 220 can be turned off, and the second acquisition unit 412 can obtain the image information of the second pole ear attached to the baffle 20, and continue to detect more battery cells in this cycle. Based on this structure, each pole ear can correspond to a collection unit, which improves the collection accuracy and is conducive to the detection of battery cells.

[0084] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 1 , further comprising a second drive motor 70 and a second guide rail;

[0085] The second drive motor 70 is electrically connected to the control unit; the transplanting jig 10 is slidably disposed on the second guide rail, and the second drive motor 70 is used to control the transplanting jig 10 to move along the second guide rail; wherein the extension direction of the second guide rail is parallel to the direction of the baffle 20.

[0086] Exemplarily, the transplanting jig 10 is slidably disposed on a second guide rail, which is not shown in the figure. The control unit is electrically connected to the second drive motor 70, which is connected to the transplanting jig 10. Thus, under the control of the control unit, the second drive motor 70 controls the transplanting jig 10 to move along the second guide rail, for example, controls the transplanting jig 10 to move from the first detection position to the second detection position, so as to detect the pole ears of different polarities at different positions. The extension direction of the second guide rail is parallel to the direction of the baffle 20.

[0087] In some embodiments, the battery tab detection device is integrated with the battery tab welding device and electrically connected to the same control unit. That is, the battery tab detection device is embedded in the welding process as a detection station of the welding machine, which reduces the equipment footprint and reduces the equipment manufacturing cost. After the tab is folded, if it is determined that the tab meets the unfolded condition, the battery cell can be directly controlled to enter the next welding process to perform subsequent welding operations and glue sticking operations.

[0088] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a battery tab detection method, which is applied to the battery tab detection device described in any of the above embodiments. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a battery tab detection method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 5 , detection methods include S310-S330:

[0089] S310, controlling the transplanting jig to move to the inspection position; wherein the battery cell is located at the cell placement position on the transplanting jig.

[0090] The transplanting jig is provided with at least one battery cell placement position, where the battery cell to be tested can be placed. By controlling the movement of the transplanting jig, the battery cell can be driven to the detection position. At the detection position of the battery tab detection device, it is possible to detect whether the tab of the battery cell is folded.

[0091] Optionally, the transplanting jig includes a second drive motor and a second guide rail, the transplanting jig is slidably disposed on the second guide rail, and the second drive motor is connected to the transplanting jig and the control unit. Therefore, under the control of the control unit, the second drive motor can control the transplanting jig to move along the second guide rail, so that the transplanting jig moves to the detection position and drives the battery cell to reach the detection position.

[0092] It should be noted that the disclosed embodiment does not limit the method and structure of how to control the transplanting fixture to move to the detection position, and it can be set according to actual needs.

[0093] S320, controlling the tab adjustment assembly to squeeze the tab, so as to control the end of each tab of the battery cell away from the battery cell to be attached to the baffle, and a distance exists between adjacent tabs attached to the baffle away from the end of the battery cell.

[0094] The tabs of the battery cell are usually placed in an overlapping manner, and the edges of the end facing away from the battery cell are flush. After the battery cell moves to the detection position, the tabs of the battery cell contact the baffle at the detection position. The control unit controls the tab adjustment assembly to squeeze the tabs to control the end of each tab of the battery cell facing away from the battery cell to be attached to the baffle, and there is a gap between the ends of the adjacent tabs attached to the baffle facing away from the battery cell. At this time, the overlapping tabs are all spread out, and there is a gap between the adjacent tabs, so that the shape of each tab can be clearly seen.

[0095] S330, controlling the image detection component to obtain image information of the electrode ear attached to the baffle.

[0096] The image detection component can obtain clear image information of the tab attached to the baffle, based on which various information such as the number of layers, spacing, and contour of the tab 110 can be clearly observed, and then it can be determined whether the tab 110 is folded. Regardless of whether the tab 110 is folded onto the diaphragm or folded into its own tab layer, the embodiment of the present disclosure can detect the folding of the tab 110, greatly improving the detection accuracy, avoiding misjudgment or missed detection, and improving the safety and reliability of the battery cell 100.

[0097] In the disclosed embodiment, image information of the pole lug attached to the baffle is acquired through an image detection component, and the number of pole lug layers and edge shape can be clearly observed based on the image information. If the preset parameters are not met, it can be considered that the pole lug is folded. There will be no missed detection or false detection, and it can accurately detect whether the pole lug is folded. It is suitable for battery cells of various sizes and different numbers of pole lugs.

[0098] In some embodiments, controlling the tab adjustment assembly to squeeze the tabs to control the end of each tab of the battery cell away from the battery cell to be attached to the baffle, and there is a gap between the ends of adjacent tabs attached to the baffle away from the battery cell, including:

[0099] The first adjustment component is controlled to lift up one end of each pole ear of the battery cell away from the battery cell, and the second adjustment component is controlled to press one end of each pole ear of the battery cell away from the battery cell.

[0100] Exemplarily, the tab adjustment assembly includes a first adjustment assembly and a second adjustment assembly, for example, the first adjustment assembly is a lifting cylinder, and the second adjustment assembly is a knife inserting cylinder. By controlling the lifting cylinder to rise, the end of each tab of the battery cell away from the battery cell is lifted upward, and at the same time, the knife inserting cylinder is controlled to press down to press the end of each tab of the battery cell away from the battery cell, so as to achieve the purpose that the end of each tab away from the battery cell is tightly attached to the baffle, and there is a distance between adjacent tabs. Then, the image detection assembly can obtain image information of the distance between adjacent tabs, which is conducive to accurately detecting whether the tabs are folded.

[0101] In some embodiments, after controlling the image detection component to obtain the image information of the tab attached to the baffle, the method further includes:

[0102] The width and contour of the tab are determined based on the image information of the tab.

[0103] Determine that the width and contour of the tab meet the condition that the tab is not folded, and control the battery cell to enter the next welding process.

[0104] Exemplarily, after acquiring the image information of the tab attached to the baffle, the control unit analyzes and processes the graphic information, and based on the acquired image information of the tab, the tab width and tab profile and other information can be clarified, and compared with the preset parameters. For example, the tab profile is compared with the preset tab profile to determine whether the collected tab image information is complete, whether the tab is missing, and to avoid the situation where the collected image is missing. And the tab width is compared with the preset tab width to determine whether the tab is partially folded. If it is determined that the tab profile meets the preset tab profile, and the tab width meets the preset tab width, it is considered that there is no tab that is completely folded, and there is no tab that is partially folded, and the current tab meets the tab non-folding condition.

[0105] In some embodiments, the battery tab detection device is integrated with the battery tab welding device and electrically connected to the same control unit. That is, the battery tab detection device is embedded in the welding process as a detection station of the welding machine, which greatly saves the space occupied by the equipment. After the tab is folded and it is determined that the tab meets the unfolded condition, the battery cell can be directly controlled to enter the next welding process to perform subsequent welding operations and gluing operations.

[0106] Optionally, controlling the image detection component to obtain image information of the tabs attached to the baffle further includes: setting acquisition parameters, and obtaining image information of the tabs attached to the baffle based on the acquisition parameters. For example, the tab layer height coefficient (the spacing between adjacent tabs) and the number of tab detection layers are preset, and when the acquisition parameters are met, the graphic detection component is controlled to capture the image to avoid missing part of the image during acquisition, so as to ensure that the complete image information of the tabs attached to the baffle is obtained.

[0107] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0108] Determine whether the tab width and / or tab contour meets the tab folding condition, and control the battery cell to enter the fault buffer area.

[0109] If the lug contour is compared with the preset lug contour and it is found that the lug contour does not conform to the preset lug contour, it can be considered that the lug is missing, the lug folding condition is met, and the battery cell is controlled to enter the fault buffer zone. Alternatively, the lug width is compared with the preset width, and it is found that the lug width is less than the preset width of the lug, then the lug is considered to be partially folded, the lug folding condition is met, and the battery cell is controlled to enter the fault buffer zone. Alternatively, both the lug contour and the lug width meet the lug folding condition, and the battery cell is controlled to enter the fault buffer zone. It can be understood that if at least one of the above parameters meets the lug folding condition, it is considered that the battery cell is folded, and the battery cell is controlled to enter the fault buffer zone. Among them, the battery cell entering the fault buffer zone waits for subsequent manual processing before being tested again.

[0110] In some embodiments, controlling the transplanting fixture to move to the detection position includes:

[0111] The transplanting jig is controlled to move to the first detection position, and the first pole ear is moved into the collection field of view of the image detection device; or, after collecting the image information of the first pole ear, the transplanting jig is controlled to move from the first detection position to the second detection position, and the second pole ear is moved into the collection field of view of the image detection device. The polarity of the first pole ear is opposite to that of the second pole ear.

[0112] Exemplarily, when the battery cell detection device includes a first detection position and a second detection position, the first detection position is used to detect the first pole ear of the battery cell, and the second detection position is used to detect the second pole ear of the battery cell. First, the transplanting jig is controlled to move, and the battery cell is driven to move to the first detection position, that is, the first pole ear is moved to the collection field of view of the image detection device, so that the first pole ear corresponds to the central area of ​​the collection field of view of the image detection device, and the image detection device can obtain complete and clear image information of the first pole ear. After collecting the image information of the first pole ear, the transplanting jig is continued to be controlled to move from the first detection position to the second detection position, and the battery cell is driven to move to the second detection position, and the second pole ear is moved to the collection field of view of the image detection device. The second pole ear corresponds to the central area of ​​the collection field of view of the image detection device, and the image detection device can obtain complete and clear image information of the second pole ear. And continue to detect more battery cells in this cycle. In this way, the acquisition of the image information of the pole ear of the battery cell is completed, and then it is determined whether there is a folded pole ear. Among them, the polarity of the first pole ear is opposite to that of the second pole ear, so the two detection positions can detect the positive pole ear and the negative pole ear of the battery cell respectively, without affecting each other, and can improve the detection efficiency and reduce the waiting time. In other embodiments, there are multiple transplanting jigs, and the control unit can also simultaneously control different transplanting jigs to move to the first detection position and the second detection position respectively, for example, controlling the first transplanting jig to move to the first detection position, and controlling the second transplanting jig to move from the first detection position to the second detection position, so as to detect whether the corresponding battery cell is folded.

[0113] Optionally, the image detection device includes a first acquisition unit and a second acquisition unit, and further includes: controlling the transplanting fixture to move to the first detection position, moving the first pole ear to the collection field of view of the first acquisition unit; or, after collecting the image information of the first pole ear, controlling the transplanting fixture to move from the first detection position to the second detection position, moving the second pole ear to the collection field of view of the second acquisition unit. The polarity of the first pole ear is opposite to that of the second pole ear.

[0114] Exemplarily, when the battery cell detection device includes a first detection position and a second detection position, and each image detection device includes a first acquisition unit and a second acquisition unit, the first acquisition unit is used to obtain image information of a first pole ear attached to the baffle, and the second acquisition unit is used to obtain image information of a second pole ear attached to the baffle; wherein the polarities of the first pole ear and the second pole ear are opposite.

[0115] For example, the transplanting jig is controlled to move to the first detection position, and the first pole ear is moved into the collection field of view of the first collection unit. At this time, only the first collection units at the first detection position are started, and the second collection units are turned off. The first collection unit can obtain the image information of the first pole ear attached to the baffle. After collecting the image information of the first pole ear, the transplanting jig is controlled to move from the first detection position to the second detection position, and the second pole ear is moved into the collection field of view of the second collection unit. At this time, only the second collection units at the second detection position are started, and the first collection unit is turned off. The second collection unit can obtain the image information of the second pole ear attached to the baffle. Based on this structure, each pole ear can correspond to a collection unit, which improves the collection accuracy and is beneficial to the detection of battery cells.

[0116] It should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprise a ..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the elements.

[0117] The above description is only a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, so that those skilled in the art can understand or implement the present disclosure. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure will not be limited to the embodiments described herein, but will conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A battery tab detection device, characterized in that: include: Transplanting jig, baffle, tab adjustment assembly, image detection assembly and control unit; The transplanting jig is provided with at least one battery cell placement position for placing a battery cell and driving the battery cell to move to the detection position; The baffle is arranged at the detection position and is parallel to a side of the battery cell on which the pole ear is arranged; The tab adjustment assembly is disposed at the detection position, and is used to squeeze the tabs, so as to control the end of each tab of the battery cell away from the battery cell to be attached to the baffle, and there is a distance between the ends of adjacent tabs attached to the baffle away from the battery cell; The image detection component is arranged at the detection position, and is used for obtaining image information of the pole ear attached to the baffle; the control unit is electrically connected to the pole ear adjustment component and the image detection component respectively, and is used for controlling the pole ear adjustment component to squeeze the pole ear and controlling the image detection component to collect image information.

2. The battery tab detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tab adjustment assembly comprises: a bracket, a first adjustment assembly and a second adjustment assembly; The first adjustment component is arranged below the bracket, and the second adjustment component is arranged above the bracket; The first adjustment component is used to lift up one end of each pole tab of the battery cell away from the battery cell; the second adjustment component is used to compress one end of each pole tab of the battery cell away from the battery cell.

3. The battery tab detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes a light source and a light guide plate; The light source is used to provide light for the image detection component; the light guide plate is used to change the propagation direction of the light emitted by the light source.

4. The battery tab detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The light source is located at the bottom of the bracket; the light guide plate is obliquely arranged above the light source and fixed on the bracket.

5. The battery tab detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The image detection assembly also includes an image detection device, a first drive motor and a first guide rail; The first driving motor is electrically connected to the image detection device and the control unit respectively; The image detection device can be slidably disposed on the first guide rail, and the first driving motor is used to control the image detection device to move along the first guide rail; wherein the extension direction of the first guide rail is perpendicular to the direction of the baffle.

6. The battery tab detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The image detection component of each detection position includes at least one image detection device; the image detection device obtains the image information of the tabs of the battery cell placement position one by one.

7. The battery tab detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that: Each of the image detection devices comprises a first acquisition unit and a second acquisition unit; The first acquisition unit is used to acquire image information of a first pole lug attached to the baffle, and the second acquisition unit is used to acquire image information of a second pole lug attached to the baffle; wherein the polarities of the first pole lug and the second pole lug are opposite.

8. The battery tab detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes a second drive motor and a second guide rail; The second drive motor is electrically connected to the control unit; the transplanting jig is slidably disposed on the second guide rail, and the second drive motor is used to control the transplanting jig to move along the second guide rail; wherein the extension direction of the second guide rail is parallel to the direction of the baffle.

9. A battery tab detection method, characterized in that: Applicable to the battery tab detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; the detection method comprises: Controlling the transplanting jig to move to the detection position; wherein the battery cell is located at the cell placement position on the transplanting jig; Controlling the tab adjustment assembly to squeeze the tab, so as to control the end of each tab of the battery cell away from the battery cell to be attached to the baffle, and a distance between the ends of adjacent tabs attached to the baffle away from the battery cell; The image detection component is controlled to obtain image information of the electrode lug attached to the baffle.

10. The battery tab detection method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The step of controlling the tab adjustment assembly to squeeze the tab so as to control the end of each tab of the battery cell away from the battery cell to be attached to the baffle, and a distance between the ends of adjacent tabs attached to the baffle away from the battery cell includes: The first adjustment component is controlled to lift up one end of each pole tab of the battery cell away from the battery cell, and the second adjustment component is controlled to press one end of each pole tab of the battery cell away from the battery cell.

11. The battery tab detection method according to claim 9, characterized in that: After controlling the image detection component to obtain the image information of the tab attached to the baffle, the method further includes: Determine the width and contour of the tab based on the image information of the tab; Determine that the width of the pole lug and the contour of the pole lug satisfy a condition that the pole lug is not folded, and control the battery cell to enter the next welding process.

12. The battery tab detection method according to claim 11, characterized in that: Also includes: Determine whether the tab width and / or the tab contour satisfies a tab folding condition, and control the battery cell to enter a fault buffer area.

13. The battery tab detection method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The step of controlling the transplanting fixture to move to the detection position includes: Control the transplanting jig to move to a first detection position, and move the first electrode tab into a collection field of view of an image detection device; Or, after collecting the image information of the first electrode tab, controlling the transplanting jig to move from the first detection position to the second detection position, and moving the second electrode tab into the collection field of view of the image detection device; The polarities of the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab are opposite.

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