Visual inspection system

Abstract

The invention provides a visual inspection system which is used for detecting the appearance of a workpiece, and the outer surface of the workpiece comprises a first end face and a side surface which are connected. The visual detection system comprises a positioning unit and a first detection unit; the positioning unit is used for positioning a workpiece; the first detection unit comprises a reflector device and a visual detection device. The reflecting mirror device is used for being arranged in the circumferential direction of the workpiece so as to image a part of the side surface of the workpiece. The light incidence face of the visual detection device is used for being arranged opposite to the first end face of the workpiece so as to shoot an image of the first end face for appearance detection and shoot an imaging image in the reflector device for appearance detection. The visual detection device is adopted to perform appearance detection on the first end face and the side surface of the workpiece, so that the detection precision and the detection efficiency of the appearance of the workpiece are greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of appearance inspection technology, and more particularly to a visual inspection system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the majority of methods for inspecting the appearance of workpieces (such as batteries) involve manual measurement using vernier calipers. This includes measurements such as the width of welds on the outer surface and the size of defects, which can include dents and / or protrusions. However, manual measurement with vernier calipers is subject to numerous influencing factors; different people apply varying degrees of force when tightening the calipers, leading to significant differences in test results. Furthermore, this manual inspection method is inefficient. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a vision inspection system, which is used to improve the accuracy and efficiency of inspection of the appearance of workpieces.

[0004] This application provides a visual inspection system for inspecting the appearance of a workpiece, wherein the outer surface of the workpiece includes a first end face and a side face connected together. The visual inspection system includes a positioning unit and a first detection unit. The positioning unit is used to position the workpiece. The first detection unit includes a reflector device and a visual inspection device. The reflector device is arranged circumferentially around the workpiece to image a portion of the side surface of the workpiece. The light-incident surface of the visual inspection device is arranged opposite to the first end face of the workpiece to capture an image of the first end face for appearance inspection, and to capture an image from the reflector device for appearance inspection.

[0005] In one possible implementation, the visual inspection system further includes a second inspection unit, which includes a mirror device and a visual inspection device. The mirror device of the second inspection unit is arranged circumferentially around the workpiece to image another part of the side surface of the workpiece. The light-incident surface of the visual inspection device of the second inspection unit is arranged opposite to the second end face of the workpiece to capture an image of the second end face for appearance inspection, and to capture an image in the mirror device of the second inspection unit for appearance inspection.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the reflector device includes a plurality of reflector structures arranged in a ring structure, the plurality of reflector structures being arranged circumferentially along the workpiece.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the positioning unit includes a first positioning device and a second positioning device. Both the first positioning device and the second positioning device include a driving member and a transparent pressure plate driven by the driving member. The transparent pressure plate of the first positioning device is used to abut against the first end face, and the transparent pressure plate of the second positioning device is used to abut against the second end face of the workpiece. The second end face is disposed opposite to the first end face.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the driving element includes a driving body and a driving rod, wherein the driving rod is moved linearly by the driving body along a first direction to make the transparent pressure plate move closer to or further away from the light-incident surface of the visual inspection device in the first direction.

[0009] In one possible implementation, both the first positioning device and the second positioning device further include a connecting structure, which is connected between the drive rod and the transparent pressure plate. The connecting structure is driven by the drive rod to move and thus moves the transparent pressure plate.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the connection structure includes a mounting member and a connecting arm. The mounting member is connected between the connecting arm and the drive rod in a third direction. The connecting arm is connected between the mounting member and the transparent pressure plate, and extends along a second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the third direction.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the connection structure further includes a support base and a plurality of clamps, the support base being mounted on the end of the connecting arm, the plurality of clamps being disposed on the side of the support base opposite to the connecting arm, and the transparent pressure plate being located between the clamps and the support base.

[0012] In one possible implementation, there are multiple first detection units, arranged along a second direction. The orthographic projection of the transparent pressure plate at one end of the connecting arm of the first positioning device along the first direction is located on the light-incident surface of the visual detection device of one of the two adjacent first detection units; the orthographic projection of the transparent pressure plate at the other end of the connecting arm of the first positioning device along the first direction is located on the light-incident surface of the visual detection device of the other of the two adjacent first detection units.

[0013] In one possible implementation, when the transparent pressure plate is driven to move for a preset time by the driving member, the visual detection device captures an image of the first end face and an image captured in the reflective mirror device.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first detection unit further includes an illumination device for illuminating the workpiece, wherein a portion of the light from the side surface of the workpiece is reflected by the reflector device and then directly incident on the light-incident surface of the vision detection device.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the lighting device is a ring-shaped light source.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the first detection unit further includes a base, on which at least a portion of the visual detection device, the illumination device, and the reflector device are mounted, with the illumination device located between at least a portion of the visual detection device and the reflector device.

[0017] Compared to manual inspection methods, the visual inspection system provided in this application uses a visual inspection device to perform appearance inspection on the first end face and side surfaces of the workpiece. On one hand, this significantly improves the accuracy and efficiency of workpiece appearance inspection, solving the pain points of traditional manual inspection using vernier calipers, such as low efficiency, large result discrepancies, poor compatibility with gauges, and high throughput. On the other hand, end face inspection and side surface inspection can be performed simultaneously in the same workstation space, saving time and increasing efficiency, improving equipment utilization and production line capacity. Furthermore, through the reflective effect of the mirror device, the visual inspection device captures the image from the mirror device while simultaneously capturing the first end face of the workpiece, eliminating the need for a separate visual inspection device to capture the side surfaces separately, thus saving costs. Additionally, the mirror device is circumferentially positioned around the side surfaces of the workpiece to image the side surfaces in the circumferential area, achieving omnidirectional inspection of the side surfaces. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below.

[0019] Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a vision inspection system provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 A perspective view of the workpiece provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a vision inspection system provided for another embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A stereoscopic diagram of the visual inspection system from another perspective;

[0023] Figure 5A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first positioning device or the second positioning device;

[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A three-dimensional diagram from another perspective;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a stereoscopic diagram of the first visual detection unit;

[0026] Figure 8 A stereoscopic diagram of the second visual detection unit;

[0027] Figure 9 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of part of the structure;

[0028] Figure 10 A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing the second reflector structure mounted on the support rod.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 100 - Vision inspection system; 10 - Support frame; 11 - First support column; 13 - Second support column; 15 - Support beam; 20 - Support rod; 30 - Positioning unit; 31 - First positioning device; 311 - Driving component; 313 - Transparent pressure plate; 32 - Second positioning device; 3111 - Driving body; 3113 - Driving rod; 315 - Connecting structure; 3151 - Mounting component; 3153 - Connecting arm; 3155 - Bearing seat; 3156 - Clamping piece; 40 - First detection unit; 50 - Second detection unit; 41 - Base; 411 - Column; 412 - Fixing plate; 413 - First support member; 414 - Second support member; 415 - Third support member; 42 - Reflector device; 421 - First reflector structure; 422 - Second reflector structure; 43 - Visual inspection device; 431 - Light incident surface; 45 - Illumination device; 200 - Workpiece; 201 - First end face; 202 - Second end face; 203 - Side surface. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Currently, most methods for inspecting the appearance of workpieces (such as batteries) involve manual measurement using vernier calipers, for example, to check welds and defects on the outer surface of the workpiece. Manual measurement with vernier calipers is susceptible to numerous influencing factors; different people apply varying degrees of force when tightening the calipers, leading to significant differences in test results. Furthermore, manual inspection is inefficient. Another common method is to use go-qualification gauges for calibration. However, these gauges are typically only suitable for workpieces with standardized dimensions and relatively fixed positions. If the workpiece model changes on the production line or its position shifts, inspection becomes impossible, and in severe cases, interference or collisions can occur, damaging both the workpiece and the measuring mechanism. This inspection method has poor adaptability and compatibility, failing to meet usage requirements.

[0032] Based on this, this application provides a vision inspection system that can improve inspection accuracy and efficiency. The vision inspection system is used to inspect the appearance of a workpiece, the outer surface of which includes a first end face and a side face connected together. The vision inspection system includes a positioning unit and a first inspection unit. The positioning unit is used to position the workpiece. The first inspection unit includes a reflector device and a vision inspection device. The reflector device is arranged circumferentially around the workpiece to image a portion of the workpiece's side surface. The light-incident surface of the vision inspection device is arranged opposite to the first end face of the workpiece to capture an image of the first end face for appearance inspection, and to capture the image from the reflector device for appearance inspection.

[0033] The visual inspection system will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Please see Figure 1 One embodiment of this application provides a vision inspection system 100 for inspecting the appearance of a workpiece 200. Please refer to... Figure 2 For example, workpiece 200 can be a cylindrical battery. This application does not limit the shape of workpiece 200; it can also be square, etc. This application does not limit the type of workpiece 200; for example, it can also be a battery cell, etc. The outer surface of workpiece 200 includes a first end face 201, a second end face 202, and a side surface 203. The second end face 202 is disposed opposite to the first end face 201. The side surface 203 connects the first end face 201 and the second end face 202. The shape of the first end face 201 and the shape of the second end face 202 include, but are not limited to, circles, squares, rhombuses, triangles, polygons, etc. The dimensions of the first end face 201 and the second end face 202 are not limited and can be adapted according to the specific needs of workpiece 200.

[0035] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 2 The vision inspection system 100 may include multiple supports 10, support rods 20, multiple positioning units 30, multiple first inspection units 40, and multiple second inspection units 50 to perform appearance inspection on multiple workpieces 200. The positioning units 30 are used to position the workpieces 200. The first inspection units 40 are used to perform appearance inspection on portions of the first end face 201 and the side surface 203, and the second inspection units 50 are used to perform appearance inspection on portions of the second end face 202 and the side surface 203. Figure 1 The example shows two support rods 20. This application does not limit the number of support rods 20; there can be one or more support rods 20. See also... Figure 3 and Figure 4The visual inspection system 100 may also include a first inspection unit 40, a second inspection unit 50, a positioning unit 30, and a bracket 10. The bracket 10 supports the positioning unit 30, at least a portion of the first inspection unit 40 and at least a portion of the second inspection unit 50, and the support rod 20. The bracket 10 includes a first support column 11, a second support column 13, and a support beam 15. The first support column 11 and the second support column 13 support the support beam 15. The support beam 15 connects one end of the first support column 11 and one end of the second support column 13. The support beam 15 is used to mount the positioning unit 30. In this embodiment, the support beams 15 are spaced apart along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The first support column 11 and the second support column 13 both extend along a third direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction. For example, the first direction is the X direction, the second direction is the Y direction, and the third direction is the Z direction.

[0036] The support rod 20 is fixedly connected to the support beams 15 of the plurality of brackets 10. The length of the support rod 20 extends along a second direction. The support rod 20 is used to support at least a portion of the first detection unit 40 and a portion of the second detection unit 50.

[0037] For some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 4 The positioning unit 30 includes a first positioning device 31 and a second positioning device 32. Both the first positioning device 31 and the second positioning device 32 are mounted on the support beam 15. The first positioning device 31 and the second positioning device 32 are used to work together to clamp the workpiece 200.

[0038] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 Both the first positioning device 31 and the second positioning device 32 include a driving member 311 and a transparent pressure plate 313 driven by the driving member 311. The driving member 311 is mounted on the support beam 15. For example, the transparent pressure plate 313 can be polygonal. The shape of the transparent pressure plate 313 includes, but is not limited to, regular or irregular shapes such as circles, squares, rhombuses, and triangles. The size of the positioning transparent pressure plate 313 is not limited and can be adapted according to the specific battery cell size requirements. The material of the transparent pressure plate 313 includes, but is not limited to, glass and acrylic.

[0039] The driving component 311 of the first positioning device 31 is used to drive the transparent pressure plate 313 of the first positioning device 31 to abut against the first end face 201. The driving component 311 of the second positioning device 32 is used to drive the transparent pressure plate 313 of the second positioning device 32 to abut against the second end face 202. By driving the transparent pressure plate 313 to move through the driving components 311 of the first positioning device 31 and the second positioning device 32, the workpiece 200 is automatically positioned, which helps to improve the positioning accuracy and positioning efficiency of the vision inspection system 100 for the workpiece 200.

[0040] Workpiece 200 can be transported to a preset position by a conveying device. The conveying device can be a conveyor belt, a robotic arm, or other conveying devices. When visual inspection of workpiece 200 is required, workpiece 200 is located between the transparent pressure plate 313 of the first positioning device 31 and the transparent pressure plate 313 of the second positioning device 32. The driving component 311 of the first positioning device 31 drives the transparent pressure plate 313 of the first positioning device 31 to move until it presses against the first end face 201, and the driving component 311 of the second positioning device 32 drives the transparent pressure plate 313 of the second positioning device 32 to move until it presses against the second end face 202. The first positioning device 31 and the second positioning device 32 complete the positioning of workpiece 200. Since the first positioning device 31 and the second positioning device 32 use transparent pressure plates 313, the first positioning device 31 and the second positioning device 32 work together to stably clamp workpiece 200 without affecting the appearance inspection of the end face of workpiece 200 by the first detection unit 40 and the second detection unit 50. When the vision inspection system 100 completes the inspection of the workpiece 200, the driving member 311 of the first positioning device 31 drives the transparent pressure plate 313 of the first positioning device 31 to move to release the first end face 201, and the driving member 311 of the second positioning device 32 drives the transparent pressure plate 313 of the second positioning device 32 to move to release the second end face 202.

[0041] In this embodiment, the driving component 311 includes a driving body 3111 and a driving rod 3113. The driving body 3111 is fixed to the support beam 15. The driving rod 3113 moves linearly along a first direction due to the driving body 3111. The linear movement of the driving rod 3113 drives the transparent pressure plate 313 to move linearly. No motion conversion structure needs to be provided between the driving rod 3113 and the transparent pressure plate 313, which is beneficial to improving the motion accuracy of the transparent pressure plate 313. The driving component 311 can be a cylinder. It is understood that the driving component 311 can also be a motor or a hydraulic cylinder, etc. This application does not limit the structure of the driving component 311.

[0042] Both the first positioning device 31 and the second positioning device 32 may further include a connecting structure 315. The connecting structure 315 is connected between the drive rod 3113 and the transparent pressure plate 313. The connecting structure 315 is driven by the drive rod 3113 and moves the transparent pressure plate 313. By connecting the drive rod 3113 and the transparent pressure plate 313 with the connecting structure 315, the transparent pressure plate 313 does not need to be directly connected to the drive rod 3113, which helps to improve the layout flexibility of the transparent pressure plate 313 in the vision inspection system 100.

[0043] The connection structure 315 includes a mounting member 3151 and a connecting arm 3153. The mounting member 3151 is connected between the connecting arm 3153 and the drive rod 3113 in a third direction. The connecting arm 3153 is connected between the mounting member 3151 and the transparent pressure plate 313, and extends in a second direction. Each end of the connecting arm 3153 is provided with a transparent pressure plate 313. Through the mounting member 3151 and the connecting arm 3153, the transparent pressure plate 313 is connected to the drive rod 3113 in a third direction, which helps to further improve the layout flexibility of the transparent pressure plate 313 in the vision inspection system 100.

[0044] The connecting structure 315 may also include a support 3155 connected to the end of the connecting arm 3153 in the first direction. A transparent pressure plate 313 is disposed on the support 3155. The support 3155 of the first positioning device 31 is disposed on the side of the connecting arm 3153 of the first positioning device 31 away from the first detection unit 40, and the support 3155 of the second positioning device 32 is disposed on the side of the connecting arm 3153 of the second positioning device 32 away from the second detection unit 50. This helps to reduce the stroke of the transparent pressure plate 313 in the first direction. In this way, a driving member 311 with a smaller stroke and smaller volume can be selected, which helps to reduce the space occupied by the driving member 311.

[0045] In some embodiments of this application, the connecting structure 315 may further include multiple clips 3156, which are disposed on the side of the support 3155 opposite to the connecting arm 3153. A transparent pressure plate 313 is clamped between the clips 3156 and the support 3155, thus facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the transparent pressure plate 313 and the support 3155. This application does not limit the connection between the transparent pressure plate 313 and the support 3155 via the clips 3156; that is, this application does not limit the connection method between the transparent pressure plate 313 and the support 3155. For example, the transparent pressure plate 313 may also be directly fixed to the support 3155 by screws or other fasteners.

[0046] This application does not limit the specific structure of the positioning unit 30. For example, the positioning unit 30 can be a robotic arm or robot, which positions the workpiece 200 by clamping or other means.

[0047] Please see Figure 7 and Figure 8 Both the first detection unit 40 and the second detection unit 50 may include a base 41, a reflector device 42, and a vision detection device 43. The base 41 is used to support the vision detection device 43 and at least part of the reflector device 42.

[0048] The reflector device 42 of the first detection unit 40 is arranged circumferentially around the workpiece 200 to image a portion of the side surface 203 of the workpiece 200. The light-incident surface 431 of the vision inspection device 43 of the first detection unit 40 is arranged opposite to the first end face 201 of the workpiece 200 to capture an image of the first end face 201 for appearance inspection, and to capture an image from the reflector device 42 for appearance inspection.

[0049] Compared to manual inspection methods, the visual inspection system 100 provided in this application uses a visual inspection device 43 to perform appearance inspection on the first end face 201 and side surface 203 of the workpiece 200. On the one hand, this greatly improves the accuracy and efficiency of the appearance inspection of the workpiece 200, solving the pain points of low efficiency, large result differences, low efficiency, and poor compatibility of manual inspection using vernier calipers. On the other hand, end face inspection and side surface 203 inspection can be performed simultaneously in the same workstation space, saving time and increasing efficiency, improving equipment utilization and production line capacity. In addition, through the reflection effect of the reflector device 42, the visual inspection device 43 can capture the image in the reflector device 42 at the same time as capturing the first end face 201 of the workpiece 200, without the need to set up a separate visual inspection device 43 to capture the side surface 203 for appearance inspection, thus saving costs. Furthermore, the reflector device 42 is circumferentially arranged around the side surface 203 of the workpiece 200 to image the side surface 203 of the workpiece 200 in the circumferential area, thereby achieving all-round detection of the side surface 203.

[0050] The reflector device 42 of the second detection unit 50 is arranged circumferentially around the workpiece 200 to image another part of the side surface 203 of the workpiece 200. The light-incident surface 431 of the vision inspection device 43 of the second detection unit 50 is arranged opposite to the second end face 202 of the workpiece 200 to capture an image of the second end face 202 for appearance inspection, and to capture the image in the reflector device 42 of the second detection unit 50 for appearance inspection. The addition of the second detection unit 50 can realize the appearance inspection of the second end face 202 and the other part of the side surface 203, and can realize the simultaneous completion of the appearance inspection of the first end face 201, the second end face 202, and the side surface 203 of the workpiece 200, thereby improving the inspection efficiency.

[0051] When the vision inspection system 100 inspects the workpiece 200, the transparent pressure plate 313 of the first positioning device 31 is positioned opposite to the light-incident surface 431 of the vision inspection device 43 of the first detection unit 40 on the first end face 201. The vision inspection device 43 of the first detection unit 40 can capture an image of the first end face 201 through the transparent pressure plate 313 of the first positioning device 31. The transparent pressure plate 313 of the second positioning device 32 is positioned opposite to the light-incident surface 431 of the vision inspection device 43 of the second detection unit 50. The vision inspection device 43 of the second detection unit 50 can capture an image of the second end face 202 through the transparent pressure plate 313 of the second positioning device 32.

[0052] In some embodiments of this application, the second detection unit 50 and the first detection unit 40 are disposed opposite to each other along a first direction. The light-incident surface 431 of the visual detection device 43 of the first detection unit 40 may be disposed opposite to the light-incident surface 431 of the second detection unit 50.

[0053] For some embodiments of this application, please refer to the relevant documentation. Figure 1 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 Multiple first detection units 40 and multiple second detection units 50 are arranged along the second direction. Connecting arms 3153 of multiple first positioning devices 31 are arranged along the second direction. Connecting arms 3153 of multiple second positioning devices 32 are arranged along the second direction. The orthographic projection of a transparent pressure plate 313 at one end of a connecting arm 3153 of a first positioning device 31 along the first direction can be located on the light-incident surface 431 of the visual detection device 43 of one of two adjacent first detection units 40; the orthographic projection of a transparent pressure plate 313 at the other end of a connecting arm 3153 of a first positioning device 31 along the first direction can be located on the light-incident surface 431 of the visual detection device 43 of the other of two adjacent first detection units 40. The orthographic projection of the transparent pressure plate 313 at one end of the connecting arm 3153 of the second positioning device 32 along the first direction can be located on the light-incident surface 431 of the visual inspection device 43 of one of the two adjacent second inspection units 50; the orthographic projection of the transparent pressure plate 313 at the other end of the connecting arm 3153 of the second positioning device 32 along the first direction can be located on the light-incident surface 431 of the visual inspection device 43 of the other of the two adjacent second inspection units 50.

[0054] In other words, two adjacent first detection units 40 can share the same first positioning device 31, and two adjacent second detection units 50 can share the same second positioning device 32. This is beneficial to reducing the number of first positioning devices 31 and second positioning devices 32 used, and also to simplifying the structure of the visual inspection system 100 and to miniaturizing the visual inspection system 100.

[0055] In some embodiments of this application, the base 41 of the first detection unit 40 and the base 41 of the second detection unit 50 are disposed opposite each other along a first direction. The base 41 of the first detection unit 40 may be located between two adjacent first support columns 11 in a second direction, and the base 41 of the second detection unit 50 may be located between two adjacent second support columns 13 in a second direction. Please refer again. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The base 41 includes a column 411, a fixing plate 412, a first support member 413, and a second support member 414. The column 411 is used to fix itself to a supporting surface such as the ground. The fixing plate 412 is fixed to the column 411. The first support member 413 and the second support member 414 are fixed to the side of the fixing plate 412 opposite to the column 411. The first support member 413 and the second support member 414 can be arranged along a first direction. The second support member 414 of the first detection unit 40 is disposed on the side of the fixing plate 412 of the first detection unit 40 closer to the second detection unit 50 in the first direction. The second support member 414 of the second detection unit 50 is disposed on the side of the fixing plate 412 of the second detection unit 50 closer to the first detection unit 40 in the first direction. The first support member 413 is used to support the visual inspection device 43. The second support member 414 is used to support a portion of the reflector device 42.

[0056] A visual inspection device 43 is mounted on the first support member 413. Each visual inspection device 43 includes an image sensor and a processor. The image sensor can be a charge-coupled device (CCD). A CCD is a semiconductor optoelectronic device that operates based on the principle of charge storage and transfer. This application does not limit the image sensor to a charge-coupled device; the image sensor can also be other types of image sensors, such as a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor image sensor (CMOS). Based on the image converted by the image sensor, the processor processes and analyzes it to determine whether the appearance of the workpiece 200 meets the requirements. For example, if the width of the weld at the connection between the first end face 201 and the side surface 203 is not within a first preset range, the processor determines that the workpiece 200 does not meet the requirements; for example, if the size of a defect on the outer surface of the workpiece 200 is not within a second preset range, the processor determines that the workpiece 200 does not meet the requirements. Defects may include dents and / or protrusions.

[0057] For some embodiments of this application, please refer to the relevant documentation. Figure 6 and Figure 7When the transparent pressure plate 313 is driven by the driving member 311 for a preset time, for example, the preset time may be, but is not limited to, 1 second, the visual detection device 43 of the first detection unit 40 captures the image of the first end face 201 and the imaging image in the reflector device 42 of the first detection unit 40, and the visual detection device 43 of the second detection unit 50 captures the image of the second end face 202 and the imaging image in the reflector device 42 of the second detection unit 50.

[0058] In some possible implementations, the same inspection datum can be used for the appearance inspection of the first end face 201 and the second end face 202. When the vision inspection system 100 inspects the workpiece 200, the distance between the light-incident surface 431 of the vision inspection device 43 of the first inspection unit 40 and the first end face 201 can be the same as the distance between the light-incident surface 431 of the vision inspection device 43 of the second inspection unit 50 and the second end face 202, so as to improve the accuracy and precision of the vision inspection. It can be understood that the distance between the light-incident surface 431 of the vision inspection device 43 of the first inspection unit 40 and the first end face 201 can be different from the distance between the light-incident surface 431 of the vision inspection device 43 of the second inspection unit 50 and the second end face 202.

[0059] Please refer to the following: Figure 6 and Figure 10 The reflector assembly 42 includes multiple reflector structures arranged in a ring. These reflector structures are arranged circumferentially along the workpiece 200. Each reflector structure images a portion of the side surface 203. The vision inspection device 43 captures images from the multiple reflector structures when capturing an image of the first end face 201. The vision inspection device 43 also captures images from the reflector structures of the multiple reflector assembly 42 when capturing an image of the second end face 202. The use of separate reflector structures allows for flexible adjustment of the installation position and angle of each reflector structure, improving the layout flexibility of the vision inspection system 100. Furthermore, when some reflector structures are damaged, the damaged reflector structures can be replaced, facilitating the replacement and maintenance of the vision inspection system 100.

[0060] The multiple reflector structures include a first reflector structure 421 and a second reflector structure 422. The first reflector structure 421 is mounted on a second support member 414. The second reflector structure 422 is connected to a support rod 20. In this embodiment, there are two first reflector structures 421 and two second reflector structures 422, and the number of second support members 414 can correspond to the number of first reflector structures 421. It is understood that this application does not limit the number of reflector structures; for example, the number of reflector structures can be three, five, etc. The reflector structure may include a reflecting prism, and the reflecting prism includes a reflecting surface. The tilt angle of the reflecting surface relative to the first direction is not limited; the size of the reflecting surface is not limited. In some embodiments, the reflector structure may include a planar reflector.

[0061] In this embodiment, the reflector device 42 of the first detection unit 40 is used to image the connection between the side surface 203 and the first end face 201 of the workpiece 200, and the reflector device 42 of the second detection unit 50 is used to image the connection between the side surface 203 and the second end face 202 of the workpiece 200.

[0062] This application does not limit the structure of the reflector device 42. In some embodiments, the reflector device 42 includes an annular reflector. The annular reflector can image the side surface 203 of the workpiece 200 in the entire circumferential area, thereby improving the detection accuracy, simplifying the structure of the reflector device 42, and reducing the number of components.

[0063] Please see Figure 7 and Figure 8 Both the first detection unit 40 and the second detection unit 50 include an illumination device 45. The base 41 also has a third support member 415, on which the illumination device 45 is mounted, and on the second support member 414 of the second base 41. All illumination devices 45 are ring light sources. The ring light source can provide 360-degree omnidirectional illumination around the workpiece 200, improving the image quality and detection accuracy of the vision inspection device 43. It is understood that the illumination device 45 does not have to be a ring light source; the illumination device 45 may include multiple illumination structures.

[0064] This application does not limit the size of the vision inspection system 100. It can be adjusted according to the size of the workpiece 200 and the usage requirements, as long as it can simultaneously detect the side surface 203 and the first end surface 201.

[0065] In some embodiments, the base 41 may be omitted from the first detection unit 40 and the second detection unit 50, and the visual detection device 43 and the lighting device 45 may be fixed on the ground or other supports.

[0066] In some implementations, the visual inspection system 100 may omit the bracket 10 and support rod 20, and the reflector device 42 may be directly mounted on a support such as the ground.

[0067] The above are some embodiments of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this application, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A visual inspection system (100) for inspecting the appearance of a workpiece (200), the outer surface of the workpiece (200) comprising a first end face (201) and a side surface (203) connected thereto, characterized in that, The visual inspection system (100) includes a positioning unit (30) and a first detection unit (40), wherein the positioning unit (30) is used to position the workpiece (200); The first detection unit (40) includes a reflector device (42) and a visual detection device (43); The reflector device (42) is arranged circumferentially around the workpiece (200) to image a portion of the side surface (203) of the workpiece (200); The light-incident surface (431) of the visual inspection device (43) is arranged opposite to the first end face (201) of the workpiece (200) to capture an image of the first end face (201) for appearance inspection, and to capture an image in the reflector device (42) for appearance inspection.

2. The visual inspection system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The visual inspection system (100) further includes a second inspection unit (50), which includes a mirror device (42) and a visual inspection device (43); The mirror device (42) of the second detection unit (50) is arranged circumferentially around the workpiece (200) to image another part of the side surface (203) of the workpiece (200); The light-incident surface (431) of the visual inspection device (43) of the second inspection unit (50) is arranged opposite to the second end face (202) of the workpiece (200) to capture an image of the second end face (202) for appearance inspection, and to capture an image in the reflector device (42) of the second inspection unit (50) for appearance inspection.

3. The visual inspection system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The reflector device (42) includes a plurality of reflector structures arranged in a ring structure, which are arranged circumferentially along the workpiece (200).

4. The visual inspection system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning unit (30) includes a first positioning device (31) and a second positioning device (32). Both the first positioning device (31) and the second positioning device (32) include a driving member (311) and a transparent pressure plate (313) driven by the driving member (311). The transparent pressure plate (313) of the first positioning device (31) is used to abut against the first end face (201), and the transparent pressure plate (313) of the second positioning device (32) is used to abut against the second end face (202) of the workpiece (200). The second end face (202) is disposed opposite to the first end face (201).

5. The visual inspection system (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The driving component (311) includes a driving body (3111) and a driving rod (3113). The driving rod (3113) is moved linearly by the driving body (3111) along a first direction so that the transparent pressure plate (313) moves closer to or further away from the light-incident surface (431) of the visual inspection device (43) in the first direction.

6. The visual inspection system (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, Both the first positioning device (31) and the second positioning device (32) further include a connecting structure (315), which is connected between the drive rod (3113) and the transparent pressure plate (313). The connecting structure (315) is driven by the drive rod (3113) to move and drive the transparent pressure plate (313) to move.

7. The visual inspection system (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connection structure (315) includes a mounting member (3151) and a connecting arm (3153). The mounting member (3151) is connected between the connecting arm (3153) and the drive rod (3113) in a third direction. The connecting arm (3153) is connected between the mounting member (3151) and the transparent pressure plate (313). The connecting arm (3153) extends along the second direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the third direction.

8. The visual inspection system (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connecting structure (315) further includes a support base (3155) and a plurality of clamps (3156). The support base (3155) is installed at the end of the connecting arm (3153). The plurality of clamps (3156) are disposed on the side of the support base (3155) away from the connecting arm (3153). The transparent pressure plate (313) is located between the clamps (3156) and the support base (3155).

9. The visual inspection system (100) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, There are multiple first detection units (40), and the multiple first detection units (40) are arranged along the second direction; The orthographic projection of the transparent pressure plate (313) on one end of the connecting arm (3153) of the first positioning device (31) along the first direction is located on the light-incident surface (431) of the visual inspection device (43) of one of the two adjacent first detection units (40); the orthographic projection of the transparent pressure plate (313) on the other end of the connecting arm (3153) of the first positioning device (31) along the first direction is located on the light-incident surface (431) of the visual inspection device (43) of the other of the two adjacent first detection units (40).

10. The visual inspection system (100) according to any one of claims 4-9, characterized in that, When the transparent pressure plate (313) is driven to move for a preset time by the driving member (311), the visual detection device (43) captures the image of the first end face (201) and the image captured in the mirror device (42).

11. The visual inspection system (100) according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The first detection unit (40) further includes an illumination device (45) for illuminating the workpiece (200). Part of the light from the side surface (203) of the workpiece (200) is reflected by the reflector device (42) and directly incident on the light-incident surface (431) of the vision detection device (43).

12. The visual inspection system (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The lighting device (45) is a ring light source.

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