Battery cell shell detection equipment and detection method

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of battery cell shell appearance detection, and discloses battery cell shell detection equipment and a detection method.The battery cell shell detection equipment comprises a cabinet and a detection device, the detection device comprises a first detection piece, a second detection piece and a substrate, and the first detection piece and the second detection piece are distributed in the first direction in a spaced mode and oppositely arranged; the first detection piece and the second detection piece are both fixedly connected to the cabinet, the substrate is located between the first detection piece and the second detection piece, the substrate is movably connected to the cabinet in the second direction, the substrate is used for installing a battery cell shell, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. According to the cell shell detection equipment and the detection method provided by the invention, a framework of'fixed double-camera scanning + moving workpiece acquisition 'is utilized, so that the detection precision and the detection efficiency can be greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery cell casing appearance inspection technology, and in particular to a battery cell casing inspection device and inspection method. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the new energy industry, the safety and reliability requirements for power batteries, as core components, are becoming increasingly stringent. As a critical protective structure for power batteries, the cell casing must simultaneously meet multiple requirements, including lightweight design, high strength, and sealing performance. Its dimensional accuracy and surface defects directly affect battery assembly efficiency, electrical performance, and lifespan. In recent years, with the expansion of power battery production capacity, traditional manual sampling inspection methods have become insufficient to meet the full inspection needs of intelligent production lines. The industry urgently requires high-precision, automated cell casing inspection technology to support industrial upgrading.

[0003] Currently, battery cell casing inspection mainly employs three technical solutions: First, the traditional manual inspection method, where operators use tools such as calipers and dial indicators to sample and inspect key dimensions of the casing (such as height, wall thickness, and aperture). Surface defects rely on visual identification, which introduces systematic errors. Second, semi-automated equipment inspection, which uses a fixed camera to acquire local images of the casing and combines them with dimensional sensors to automate the detection of some parameters, but requires manual assistance in loading and transferring between multiple devices. Third, a single-line laser scanning device, which can only acquire two-dimensional contour data from a single side and cannot simultaneously measure the distance between relative surfaces (height / width).

[0004] However, existing equipment in related technologies does not integrate the function of simultaneous analysis of size and surface defects, resulting in a high rate of missed detection of cell casing warping or micron-level scratches of 15%-30%, and low detection efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a battery cell casing testing device and testing method that can improve testing accuracy and efficiency.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A battery cell casing testing device includes a cabinet and a testing apparatus. The testing apparatus includes a first testing element, a second testing element, and a substrate. The first and second testing elements are spaced apart and arranged opposite each other along a first direction. Both the first and second testing elements are fixedly connected to the cabinet. The substrate is located between the first and second testing elements and is movably connected to the cabinet along a second direction. The substrate is used to mount the battery cell casing. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0008] Preferably, the battery cell casing testing equipment also includes:

[0009] Linear module, the linear module is installed in the cabinet, and the base plate is connected to the linear module;

[0010] The drive unit's output end is connected to the linear module via a coupling. The drive unit can drive the linear module to move the substrate in a linear reciprocating motion along the second direction.

[0011] Preferably, the battery cell casing testing device further includes two blocks, which are disposed on both sides of the substrate along the second direction, and the battery cell casing is sandwiched between the two blocks along the second direction.

[0012] Preferably, each block is equipped with a slider, each block has a first elongated hole extending in a second direction, each slider is slidably disposed in the corresponding first elongated hole, and the slider can be fixedly connected to the block by a first locking member.

[0013] Preferably, the battery cell casing testing equipment further includes two bending plates, which correspond one-to-one with the first testing piece and the second testing piece and are fixedly connected. The bending plates are fixedly connected to the cabinet.

[0014] Preferably, each bending plate is equipped with a second locking member, each bending plate has a second elongated hole extending along a third direction, each second locking member is slidably disposed in the corresponding second elongated hole, and the second locking member can be threadedly connected to the bending plate, the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0015] Preferably, the battery cell casing testing equipment also includes a protective cover, which is installed above the cabinet.

[0016] Preferably, the protective cover is equipped with a safety interlock device.

[0017] Preferably, the battery cell casing testing device also includes a display, which is disposed on the outer wall of the enclosure and is used to display the status of the battery cell casing.

[0018] A testing method for a battery cell casing testing device, applicable to any of the above-mentioned technical solutions for battery cell casing testing devices, includes the following steps:

[0019] S1. Drive the substrate on which the battery cell housing is mounted to move along the second direction, so that the substrate passes between the first detection element and the second detection element. The first detection element and the second detection element can scan the battery cell housing according to the laser stripe and generate a three-dimensional point cloud map in the thickness direction.

[0020] S2. Remove the battery cell housing and rotate it 90 degrees. Install the rotated battery cell housing onto the substrate. Repeat step S1 to complete the second scan.

[0021] S3. Register the scanned data to a unified world coordinate system using an algorithm;

[0022] S4. The minimum bounding box fitting method is used to automatically calculate the key dimensions and output the length, width and thickness values.

[0023] S5. Perform flatness evaluation on each of the four outer surfaces and calculate the maximum deviation of the point cloud from the ideal plane;

[0024] S6. Based on the curvature field mutation detection algorithm, surface defects were identified, and linear scratches on the side of the telecommunications casing were successfully located.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0026] This invention provides a battery cell casing inspection device and method. When it is necessary to inspect the surface of the battery cell casing, the battery cell casing is first installed on a substrate, and then the battery cell casing is moved together by moving the substrate, so that the surface of the battery cell casing can be completely covered by the laser stripes of the first and second inspection components. By combining the collaborative scanning of the first and second inspection components, 360-degree blind-spot-free inspection of the outer surface of the battery cell casing (including complex structures such as planes, edges, and grooves) can be achieved, ensuring that high-density three-dimensional point cloud covers all areas of the battery cell casing and avoiding local data loss caused by fixed viewing angle.

[0027] The fixed dual-camera layout fundamentally eliminates the errors caused by high-frequency vibrations from the movement of robotic arms or guide rails in traditional mobile cameras. Utilizing a "fixed dual-camera scanning + moving workpiece acquisition" architecture, it ensures minimal time interval errors between adjacent scan frames, providing reliable time-series data. The two high-resolution line laser cameras, through a stereo matching algorithm, generate high-density point clouds, significantly improving feature recognition rates compared to single-camera solutions. This effectively captures minute scratches, greatly enhancing detection accuracy and efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery cell casing testing device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In the diagram: 1. Protective cover; 2. Display; 3. Casters; 4. Cabinet; 5. Battery cell housing;

[0031] 6. Detection device; 61. Stop block; 62. Base plate; 63. First detection component; 64. Bending plate; 65. Base; 66. Second detection component; 67. Linear module; 68. Coupling; 69. Drive component. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0033] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0035] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a battery cell casing testing device, including a cabinet 4 and a testing device 6. The testing device 6 includes a first testing element 63, a second testing element 66, and a substrate 62. The first testing element 63 and the second testing element 66 are spaced apart and arranged opposite to each other along a first direction. Both the first testing element 63 and the second testing element 66 are fixedly connected to the cabinet 4. The substrate 62 is located between the first testing element 63 and the second testing element 66 and is movably connected to the cabinet 4 along a second direction. The substrate 62 is used to mount the battery cell casing 5. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. Exemplarily, both the first testing element 63 and the second testing element 66 are line laser cameras.

[0037] When it is necessary to inspect the surface of the battery cell housing 5, the battery cell housing 5 is first mounted on the substrate 62, and then the battery cell housing 5 is moved together by moving the substrate 62, so that the surface of the battery cell housing 5 can be completely covered by the laser stripes of the first detection element 63 and the second detection element 66. By combining the collaborative scanning of the first detection element 63 and the second detection element 66, 360-degree blind-spot-free inspection of the outer surface of the battery cell housing 5 (including complex structures such as planes, edges, and grooves) can be achieved, ensuring that the high-density three-dimensional point cloud covers all areas of the battery cell housing 5 and avoiding local data loss caused by a fixed viewing angle.

[0038] The fixed dual-camera layout fundamentally eliminates the errors caused by high-frequency vibrations from the movement of robotic arms or guide rails in traditional mobile cameras. Utilizing a "fixed dual-camera scanning + moving workpiece acquisition" architecture, it ensures minimal time interval errors between adjacent scan frames, providing reliable time-series data. The two high-resolution line laser cameras, through a stereo matching algorithm, generate high-density point clouds, significantly improving feature recognition rates compared to single-camera solutions. This effectively captures minute scratches, greatly enhancing detection accuracy and efficiency.

[0039] Furthermore, the battery cell casing inspection equipment also includes an industrial computer, with both the first inspection component 63 and the second inspection component 66 electrically connected to the industrial computer. After the first inspection component 63 and the second inspection component 66 have been scanned, the three-dimensional point cloud data can be directly transmitted to the industrial computer, and the algorithm can automatically determine whether the surface of the battery cell casing 5 is qualified, without the need for manual intervention, thus reducing labor costs and minimizing human error.

[0040] Optionally, the substrate 62 is provided with a vacuum adsorption structure, which is suitable for inspection scenarios involving curved shells or irregularly shaped workpieces. Specifically, the vacuum adsorption structure is a vacuum suction cup.

[0041] Furthermore, the battery cell casing testing equipment also includes a linear module 67 and a drive unit 69. The linear module 67 is installed in the cabinet 4, and the substrate 62 is connected to the linear module 67. The output end of the drive unit 69 is connected to the linear module 67 through a coupling 68. The drive unit 69 can drive the linear module 67 to drive the substrate 62 to perform linear reciprocating motion along the second direction. Specifically, the drive unit 69 is a drive motor.

[0042] The linear module 67 is combined with the coupling 68 via the drive component 69. The substrate 62 achieves uniform linear motion with millimeter-level precision along the second direction, ensuring that the battery cell housing 5 moves smoothly and uniformly during scanning. This allows for full-surface scanning of the battery cell housing 5 in a short time, improving detection efficiency and avoiding point cloud data distortion caused by mechanical vibration or jamming. It also provides a stable motion platform for subsequent dimensional measurement and defect detection. The rigid connection between the drive component 69 and the linear module 67 reduces backlash, ensuring seamless connection of the camera scanning area during reciprocating motion of the substrate 62, eliminating missed or repeated scans, and improving the integrity of the detection data.

[0043] Specifically, the linear module 67 includes a housing, a lead screw, and a slider. The housing is mounted on the cabinet 4. The lead screw is rotatably connected to the housing and extends along a second direction. The housing is provided with a guide rail extending along the second direction. The slider is threadedly connected to the lead screw and is configured to reciprocate linearly along the second direction. The slider is fixedly connected to the base plate 62. The output end of the drive unit 69 is fixedly connected to the lead screw and the drive unit 69 can drive the lead screw to rotate.

[0044] In other embodiments, the first detection element 63 and the second detection element 66 may also employ a 3D structured light projection system, sacrificing some accuracy (±0.05mm) in exchange for a 200% increase in scanning speed, which is suitable for efficiency-sensitive consumer electronics casing inspection.

[0045] Furthermore, the battery cell casing testing equipment also includes two stops 61, which are disposed on both sides of the substrate 62 along the second direction, and the battery cell casing 5 is sandwiched between the two stops 61 along the second direction.

[0046] By setting blocks 61 on both sides of the axial direction of the battery cell housing 5, the battery cell housing 5 is clamped and fixed by the blocks 61, ensuring that the battery cell housing 5 will not shift position during the movement of the substrate 62, avoiding three-dimensional point cloud registration errors caused by position shift, and improving the repeatability accuracy of subsequent size measurements (such as length and width).

[0047] Furthermore, each stop 61 is equipped with a sliding member and a first elongated hole extending in a second direction. Each sliding member is slidably disposed within the corresponding first elongated hole and can be fixedly connected to the stop 61 by a first locking member. Specifically, the sliding member is a bolt, and the first locking member is a nut.

[0048] The spacing of the stops 61 can be flexibly adjusted according to the size (length or width) of the battery cell housing 5 by sliding the slider within the first elongated hole. It supports manual stepless adjustment of the spacing and can quickly adapt to battery cell housings 5 ​​of different sizes. The first locking component ensures that the battery cell housing 5 has no displacement or vibration. It can achieve stable clamping of battery cell housings 5 ​​of different models and specifications. It can quickly adapt without changing the fixture, reduce tooling changeover time, and improve the changeover efficiency of the production line.

[0049] Furthermore, the battery cell casing testing equipment also includes two bending plates 64, which correspond one-to-one with the first testing piece 63 and the second testing piece 66 and are fixedly connected. The bending plates 64 are fixedly connected to the cabinet 4.

[0050] The bent plate 64 is rigidly connected to the cabinet 4 by bolts or welding, which can completely fix the first detection piece 63 and the second detection piece 66, avoiding camera displacement caused by vibration during equipment operation due to traditional cantilever or bracket installation. This structure ensures the long-term stability of the laser stripe projection angle and the receiving optical path, directly improving the coordinate consistency of the three-dimensional point cloud and reducing errors in subsequent dimensional measurements (such as shell thickness and flatness).

[0051] Understandably, the bending angle of the bending plate 64 can be pre-designed according to the surface contour of the battery cell housing 5, so that the laser stripes of the two cameras form complementary scanning areas on the surface of the battery cell housing 5, achieving high-density point cloud acquisition without blind spots and avoiding local data loss caused by camera angle deviation.

[0052] Furthermore, each bending plate 64 is equipped with a second locking element, and each bending plate 64 has a second elongated hole extending along a third direction. Each second locking element is slidably disposed within the corresponding second elongated hole, and the second locking element can be threadedly connected to the bending plate 64. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. Specifically, the second locking element is a bolt.

[0053] The second locking member slides within the second elongated hole, allowing the first detection element 63 and the second detection element 66 to be height-adjustable in a third direction. This enables the operator to precisely adjust the camera position according to the height of the battery cell housing 5, ensuring that the laser stripes perfectly cover the curved contour of the housing. After the first detection element 63 and the second detection element 66 are adjusted to the target position, the second locking member is threaded onto the corresponding bending plate 64, thereby fixing the first detection element 63 and the second detection element 66 in place.

[0054] Furthermore, the battery cell casing testing equipment also includes a protective cover 1, which is installed above the cabinet 4.

[0055] The protective cover 1 is installed above the cabinet 4, forming a physical isolation barrier. This effectively prevents personnel from accidentally touching moving parts (such as the linear module 67, substrate 62, etc.) during the testing process, reducing the risk of mechanical injury. At the same time, it prevents external objects from accidentally falling into the equipment, interfering with the testing process or damaging precision components.

[0056] Furthermore, the protective cover 1 is equipped with a safety interlock device. When the protective cover 1 is opened, the safety interlock device will automatically cut off the laser output and pause the equipment operation to facilitate real-time monitoring of the opening and closing status of the protective cover 1. Specifically, the safety interlock device adopts a photoelectric safety interlock device.

[0057] The battery cell casing testing equipment also includes a controller, a safety interlock device, a first detection element 63, a second detection element 66, and a linear module 67, all of which are electrically connected to the controller. When the protective cover 1 is detected to be not closed or abnormally opened, the controller immediately triggers a stop command, cutting off the power source of moving parts such as the first detection element 63, the second detection element 66, and the linear module 67, to prevent safety accidents such as laser burns, crushing collisions, etc., caused by personnel contacting the laser scanning area or mechanical moving parts.

[0058] It should be noted that the photoelectric safety interlock device is existing technology in this field, and its specific structure and working principle will not be described in detail here. The controller can be a centralized or distributed control board. For example, the controller can be a single microcontroller or a combination of multiple distributed microcontrollers. The microcontroller can run a control program to control each component to achieve its function.

[0059] Furthermore, the battery cell casing testing equipment also includes a display 2, which is installed on the outer wall of the cabinet 4 and is used to display the status of the battery cell casing 5.

[0060] Display 2 shows the real-time inspection progress of the battery cell casing 5 (such as scanning, size calculation, defect identification), current inspection parameters (key dimensions such as length, width, and thickness), and pass / fail status. Operators can intuitively grasp the inspection process without going through the back-end system, reducing information acquisition delays. For example, when the green "Ready" indicator light on display 2 illuminates, the device enters the scanning state.

[0061] The test results are dynamically rendered and output on monitor 2. In the 3D model, the green area represents the part that meets the size requirements, and the red highlighted area represents the location of the scratch. At the same time, a report is generated that includes a size tolerance comparison table, flatness distribution and defect location map.

[0062] like Figure 1As shown, the bottom of the cabinet 4 is equipped with multiple rollers 3. The configuration of multiple rollers 3 allows the cabinet 4 to be easily pushed by manpower, and the testing station can be quickly switched without the need for hoisting equipment. It is especially suitable for dynamic adjustment of production line layout or multi-area testing needs, which greatly reduces the manpower and time costs of equipment handling.

[0063] An embodiment of the present invention provides a testing method for a battery cell casing testing device, applied to the aforementioned battery cell casing testing device, comprising the following steps:

[0064] S1. Drive the substrate 62 on which the battery cell housing 5 is mounted to move along the second direction, so that the substrate 62 passes between the first detection element 63 and the second detection element 66. The first detection element 63 and the second detection element 66 can scan the battery cell housing 5 according to the laser stripe and generate a three-dimensional point cloud map in the thickness direction.

[0065] S2. Take out the battery cell housing 5 and rotate it 90 degrees. Install the rotated battery cell housing 5 on the substrate 62. Repeat step S1 to complete the second scan.

[0066] S3. Register the scanned data to a unified world coordinate system using an algorithm;

[0067] S4. The minimum bounding box fitting method is used to automatically calculate the key dimensions and output the length, width and thickness values.

[0068] S5. Perform flatness evaluation on each of the four outer surfaces and calculate the maximum deviation of the point cloud from the ideal plane;

[0069] S6. Based on the curvature field mutation detection algorithm, surface defects were identified, and linear scratches on the side of the telecommunications casing were successfully located.

[0070] It should be noted that the algorithms mentioned above are all existing technologies in this field and will not be described in detail here.

[0071] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery cell casing testing device, characterized in that, The device includes a cabinet (4) and a testing device (6). The testing device (6) includes a first testing element (63), a second testing element (66), and a substrate (62). The first testing element (63) and the second testing element (66) are spaced apart and arranged opposite to each other along a first direction. The first testing element (63) and the second testing element (66) are both fixedly connected to the cabinet (4). The substrate (62) is located between the first testing element (63) and the second testing element (66). The substrate (62) is movably connected to the cabinet (4) along a second direction. The substrate (62) is used to install the battery cell housing (5). The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

2. The battery cell casing testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cell casing testing equipment also includes: A linear module (67) is installed on the cabinet (4), and the base plate (62) is connected to the linear module (67); The drive unit (69) is connected to the linear module (67) via a coupling (68) at its output end. The drive unit (69) can drive the linear module (67) to drive the substrate (62) to perform linear reciprocating motion along the second direction.

3. The battery cell casing testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cell casing testing device further includes two blocks (61), which are disposed on both sides of the substrate (62) along the second direction, and the battery cell casing (5) is sandwiched between the two blocks (61) along the second direction.

4. The battery cell casing testing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the stops (61) is equipped with a slider, and each of the stops (61) is provided with a first elongated hole that extends along the second direction. Each slider is slidably disposed in the corresponding first elongated hole, and the slider can be fixedly connected to the stop (61) by a first locking member.

5. The battery cell casing testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cell casing testing equipment also includes two bending plates (64), which correspond one-to-one with the first testing piece (63) and the second testing piece (66) and are fixedly connected. The bending plates (64) are fixedly connected to the cabinet (4).

6. The battery cell casing testing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the bending plates (64) is provided with a second locking member, each of the bending plates (64) is provided with a second elongated hole, the second elongated hole extends along a third direction, each of the second locking members is slidably disposed in the corresponding second elongated hole, the second locking member can be threadedly connected to the bending plate (64), the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

7. The battery cell casing testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cell casing testing equipment also includes a protective cover (1), which is placed above the cabinet (4).

8. The battery cell casing testing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The protective cover (1) is equipped with a safety interlock device.

9. A battery cell casing testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The battery cell casing testing device also includes a display (2), which is disposed on the outer wall of the cabinet (4) and is used to display the status of the battery cell casing (5).

10. A testing method for a battery cell casing testing device, applied to the battery cell casing testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Drive the substrate (62) on which the battery cell housing (5) is mounted to move along the second direction, so that the substrate (62) passes between the first detection element (63) and the second detection element (66), and the first detection element (63) and the second detection element (66) can scan the battery cell housing (5) according to the laser stripe and generate a three-dimensional point cloud map in the thickness direction; S2. Take out the battery cell housing (5) and rotate it 90 degrees. Install the rotated battery cell housing (5) on the substrate (62). Repeat step S1 to complete the second scan. S3. Register the scanned data to a unified world coordinate system using an algorithm; S4. The minimum bounding box fitting method is used to automatically calculate the key dimensions and output the length, width and thickness values. S5. Perform flatness evaluation on each of the four outer surfaces and calculate the maximum deviation of the point cloud from the ideal plane; S6. Based on the curvature field mutation detection algorithm, surface defects were identified, and linear scratches on the side of the telecommunications casing were successfully located.

Images