Appearance detection equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses appearance detection equipment, and relates to the technical field of battery cell production. The appearance detection device comprises a base, a conveying mechanism, a front face smoothing mechanism, a back face smoothing mechanism, an appearance detection mechanism and a tab shaping mechanism, wherein the conveying mechanism, the front face smoothing mechanism, the back face smoothing mechanism, the appearance detection mechanism and the tab shaping mechanism are arranged on the base. A front face smoothing station, a back face smoothing station, a shaping station and a detection station are sequentially arranged on the conveying mechanism. According to the appearance detection equipment disclosed by the utility model, the front surface and the back surface of the battery cell can be flattened through the front surface flattening mechanism and the back surface flattening mechanism, so that bubbles on the surface of the battery cell are removed, the influence of the bubbles on a detection result is reduced, and the detection accuracy is further improved; the tab shaping mechanism is used for shaping the tab of the battery cell, so that the quality of the battery cell is improved, and the detection yield is further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery cell manufacturing technology, and in particular to an appearance inspection device. Background Technology

[0002] During the battery cell production process, cell testing is necessary to improve product quality. However, air bubbles can easily appear on the cell surface, affecting test results. Furthermore, during cell assembly and transportation, the cell tabs are easily subjected to external forces, causing bending or deformation, resulting in a low yield rate. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes an appearance inspection device that flattens the surface of the battery cell by means of a forward smoothing mechanism and a reverse smoothing mechanism before inspecting the battery cell. By shaping the tabs of the battery cell, the inspection accuracy is high and the yield rate is high.

[0004] This utility model also provides an appearance inspection device.

[0005] The first aspect of this utility model provides an appearance inspection device, comprising:

[0006] Base;

[0007] A conveying mechanism is disposed on the base; the conveying mechanism is sequentially provided with a front smoothing station, a back smoothing station, a shaping station and an inspection station, and the conveying mechanism drives the battery cell to transfer between the smoothing station, the inspection station and the shaping station;

[0008] A front smoothing mechanism is disposed on the base; the front smoothing mechanism is used to flatten the front surface of the battery cell located at the front smoothing station.

[0009] A reverse smoothing mechanism is disposed on the base; the reverse smoothing mechanism is used to flatten the reverse side of the battery cell located at the reverse smoothing station.

[0010] An appearance inspection mechanism is installed on the base; the appearance inspection mechanism is used to inspect the appearance of the battery cells located at the inspection station;

[0011] A tab shaping mechanism is disposed on the base; the tab shaping mechanism is used to shape the tabs of the battery cell located at the shaping station; the tab shaping mechanism includes a first support base, a shaping component, and a shaping drive component; the shaping component is mounted on the first support base and is used to shape the tabs; under the drive of the shaping drive component, the shaping component moves relative to the first support base, so that the shaping component moves closer to or further away from the shaping station.

[0012] The front and back smoothing mechanisms flatten the surface of the battery cell, removing air bubbles and reducing their impact on test results, thus improving accuracy. The tab shaping mechanism shapes the tabs to improve cell quality and increase yield. The front smoothing, back smoothing, shaping, and testing stations are sequentially arranged. After surface smoothing and tab shaping, the battery cell is sent to the testing station to ensure high yield and accuracy, avoiding repeated corrections and testing.

[0013] In some embodiments of this utility model, the appearance inspection device further includes a front dust removal mechanism and a back dust removal mechanism; the front dust removal mechanism is disposed on the base and is used to remove dust from the front side of the battery cell after it has been flattened by the front smoothing mechanism; the back dust removal mechanism is disposed on the base and is used to remove dust from the back side of the battery cell after it has been flattened by the back smoothing mechanism.

[0014] In some embodiments of this utility model, the conveying mechanism further includes a robotic arm disposed on the base. The bottom of the robotic arm is provided with a suction cup for adsorbing the battery cell, thus exposing the reverse side of the battery cell. In some embodiments of this utility model, a first guide rail is disposed on the first support base, and the shaping component is slidably disposed on the first guide rail. The first guide rail is arranged along the direction from the shaping component to the shaping station.

[0015] In some embodiments of this utility model, the first guide rail extends below the shaping station.

[0016] In some embodiments of this utility model, the shaping assembly includes a first pressing block, a second pressing block, a support frame, a first flattening drive member and a second flattening drive member disposed on the support frame, the first pressing block and the second pressing block being slidably disposed on the support frame; the driving portion of the first flattening drive member is connected to the first pressing block, and the driving portion of the second flattening drive member is connected to the second pressing block; the first pressing block and the second pressing block are disposed on opposite sides of the shaping station, and the first pressing block and the second pressing block move toward each other to shape the tabs of the battery cell.

[0017] In some embodiments of this utility model, the appearance inspection mechanism includes a detector, which includes a first detector and a second detector. The first detector is used to detect the outer surface of the battery cell located at the inspection station, and the second detector is used to detect the tabs of the battery cell located at the inspection station.

[0018] In some embodiments of this utility model, the appearance inspection mechanism includes a second support base, a detector, and an adjustment component. The detector and the adjustment component are mounted on the second support base. The detector is used to inspect the appearance of the battery cell located at the inspection station, and the adjustment component is used to adjust the distance between the detector and the inspection station.

[0019] In some embodiments of this utility model, the adjustment component includes an adjuster and a second bracket, the second bracket being fixed on the second support base; a second guide rail is provided on the second bracket, the second guide rail being arranged along the direction from the appearance inspection mechanism to the inspection station; under the action of the adjuster, the detector slides on the second guide rail, causing the detector to move closer to or further away from the inspection station.

[0020] In some embodiments of this utility model, the appearance inspection mechanism includes a first appearance inspection mechanism and a second appearance inspection mechanism. The first appearance inspection mechanism inspects the surface of the battery cell located at the inspection station from the upper side of the inspection station; the second appearance inspection mechanism inspects the surface of the battery cell located at the inspection station from the lower side of the inspection station.

[0021] Other features and advantages of this invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of this invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims, and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the appearance inspection device provided according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the tab shaping mechanism of the appearance inspection device provided according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the tab shaping mechanism of the appearance inspection device provided according to an embodiment of the present utility model from another perspective;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the battery cell structure;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the appearance inspection device provided according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a top view of the appearance inspection device provided according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of the structure at point A in the middle.

[0029] Figure label:

[0030] 10. Electrode shaping mechanism; 100. First support base; 110. First guide rail; 200. Shaping assembly; 210. First pressing block; 220. Second pressing block; 230. Support frame; 240. First flattening drive component; 300. Conveying mechanism; 310. Turntable; 320. Conveyor; 330. Fixer; 400. Appearance inspection mechanism; 410. Detector; 411. First detector; 412. Second detector; 420. Light-blocking housing; 430. Second support base; 440. Adjustment assembly; 441. Adjuster; 442. Second bracket; 450. First appearance inspection mechanism; 460. Second appearance inspection mechanism; 500. Transfer mechanism; 610. Inspection station; 611. Front inspection station; 612. Back inspection station; 620. Shaping station; 700. Battery cell; 710. Electrode. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that features specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of those features. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, this utility model embodiment provides an appearance inspection device, which includes a base and a conveying mechanism 300, a front smoothing mechanism, a back smoothing mechanism, an appearance inspection mechanism 400, and a tab shaping mechanism 10 disposed on the base. The conveying mechanism 300 is sequentially provided with a front smoothing station, a back smoothing station, a shaping station 620, and an inspection station 610. The conveying mechanism 300 drives the battery cell 700 to move between the smoothing station, the inspection station 610, and the shaping station 620. The front smoothing mechanism is used to flatten the surface of the front of the battery cell 700 located at the front smoothing station. The back smoothing mechanism is used to flatten the surface of the back of the battery cell 700 located at the back smoothing station. The appearance inspection mechanism 400 is used to inspect the appearance of the battery cell 700 located at the inspection station 610. The tab shaping mechanism 10 is used to shape the tab 710 of the battery cell 700 located at the shaping station 620.

[0035] The front and back smoothing mechanisms flatten the front and back surfaces of the battery cell 700 to remove air bubbles, reduce their impact on test results, and improve test accuracy. The tab shaping mechanism 10 shapes the tabs 710 of the battery cell 700 to improve its quality and increase the yield rate. The front smoothing station, back smoothing station, shaping station 620, and testing station 610 are sequentially arranged. After surface smoothing and tab shaping, the battery cell 700 is sent to the testing station to ensure high yield and accuracy, avoiding repeated corrections and tests.

[0036] Understandably, since the tabs are usually thin and easily deformed by force, the shaping station 620 is set downstream of the front smoothing station and the back smoothing station. This can prevent the tabs from being deformed by force when the front smoothing mechanism or the back smoothing mechanism performs smoothing operation on the cell 700.

[0037] The front smoothing mechanism and the back smoothing mechanism are existing technologies. Generally, the front smoothing mechanism and the back smoothing mechanism flatten the surface of the battery cell 700 by means of rubber rollers.

[0038] Due to factors such as battery type, capacity, and application scenarios, the size and shape of the tabs vary between different models, and the overall size of the cells also differs between different models. During the production process, the cells are generally fixed in the middle of the shaping station. If the cell model is changed, the overall size of the cell and the size of the tabs may increase or decrease. The tab shaping mechanism in related technologies has a fixed overall structure and can only adapt to a single model of cell, and cannot adapt to the shaping needs of different models of tabs.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the tab shaping mechanism 10 includes a first support base 100, a shaping component 200, and a shaping drive. The shaping component 200 is mounted on the first support base 100 and is used to shape the tab 710. Under the drive of the shaping drive, the shaping component 200 moves relative to the first support base 100, so that the shaping component 200 moves closer to or further away from the shaping station 620.

[0040] The shape of the tab 710 can be corrected by the shaping component 200 to ensure the quality of the cell 700. The cell 700 is located on the shaping station 620. If a different model of cell 700 is replaced, the shaping component 200 can be driven to move relative to the first support 100 by the shaping drive component, so that the shaping component 200 moves closer to or further away from the shaping station 620, thereby adjusting the positional relationship between the shaping component 200 and the shaping station 620 to accommodate different models of cell 700.

[0041] Different models of battery cell 700 may have different sizes. If the size of battery cell 700 is large, the shaping drive will move the shaping assembly 200 away from the shaping station 620 to reserve enough space to accommodate battery cell 700, so that the shaping assembly 200 can shape the tab 710. If the size of battery cell 700 is small, the shaping drive will move the shaping assembly 200 closer to the shaping station 620, so that the shaping assembly 200 can shape the tab 710 of battery cell 700.

[0042] This embodiment of the invention, through the cooperation of the shaping component 200 and the shaping drive, adjusts the positional relationship between the shaping component 200 and the first support base 100 according to the model of the battery cell 700, thereby adapting to different models of battery cells 700. The shaping drive can be mounted on the first support base 100 to fix the shaping drive and reduce the problem of uneven displacement or misalignment of the shaping component 200 caused by instability or offset of the shaping drive. The tab shaping mechanism 10 may include a first linear module, which includes a shaping drive and a first support base 100. The linear module features high precision and stable operation.

[0043] If the distance between the shaping component 200 and the shaping station 620 is adjusted manually, it will require a lot of manpower and is inefficient. In the case of frequent changes in battery cell models, relying on manual adjustment can easily affect the production schedule. Moreover, the accuracy of manual adjustment is low and cannot meet production needs.

[0044] This embodiment of the invention utilizes the cooperation of a shaping drive and a shaping assembly 200 to move the shaping assembly 200 closer to or further away from the shaping station 620, thereby automatically adjusting the distance between the shaping assembly 200 and the shaping station 620 to automatically adapt to the tab shaping work of battery cells 700 with different signals. The appearance inspection equipment also includes a control system, which can control the operation of the shaping drive. Different battery cell models require different distances between the shaping assembly 200 and the shaping station 620 to meet the tab shaping requirements. The control system can control the operation of the shaping drive according to the battery cell model, causing the shaping assembly 200 to move to the corresponding position. The control logic of the control system is prior art and is not protected by this invention.

[0045] In some embodiments, the appearance inspection equipment further includes a front dust removal mechanism and a back dust removal mechanism; the front dust removal mechanism is disposed on the base and is used to remove dust from the front side of the battery cell 700 after it has been flattened by the front smoothing mechanism; the back dust removal mechanism is disposed on the base and is used to remove dust from the back side of the battery cell 700 after it has been flattened by the back smoothing mechanism; the front dust removal mechanism and the back dust removal mechanism use negative pressure dust removal to remove dust from the bottom and front sides 720 of the battery cell 700 so that dust does not affect the inspection effect; the front dust removal mechanism and the back dust removal mechanism are existing technologies.

[0046] In some embodiments, the conveying mechanism 300 further includes a robotic arm mounted on a base. A suction cup is located at the bottom of the robotic arm, used to adsorb the battery cell 700, exposing its reverse side. This allows a reverse-side smoothing mechanism and a reverse-side dust removal mechanism to perform surface flattening or dust removal operations on the reverse side of the battery cell 700. A front-side smoothing mechanism smooths the front side of the battery cell 700, and a front-side dust removal mechanism removes dust from the front side of the battery cell 700. The robotic arm adsorbs the battery cell 700 via the suction cup, enabling the reverse-side smoothing mechanism to smooth the surface of the battery cell 700 and the reverse-side dust removal mechanism to remove dust from the reverse side of the battery cell 700. After the reverse-side dust removal mechanism removes dust from the reverse side of the battery cell 700, the robotic arm transfers the battery cell 700 to the shaping station 620. On one hand, the robotic arm uses suction cups to fix the battery cell 700, exposing its bottom without flipping it over. This allows the reverse smoothing and dust removal mechanisms to perform surface smoothing or dust removal operations on the battery cell 700 from below the reverse smoothing station. On the other hand, the robotic arm can also transport the battery cell 700. It should be noted that the suction force of the suction cups can be set according to actual needs to prevent the battery cell 700 from slipping during transport.

[0047] like Figure 1 and 3As shown, in some embodiments, a first guide rail 110 is provided on the first support base 100, and the shaping component 200 is slidably disposed on the first guide rail 110. The first guide rail 110 can guide the movement direction of the shaping component 200 on the first support base 100. The first guide rail 110 is along the direction from the shaping component 200 to the shaping station 620 (e.g., Figure 2 The direction (a) setting allows the shaping component 200 to slide on the first guide rail 110, which can move closer to or further away from the shaping station 620. This can minimize the movement path of the shaping component 200 and more efficiently adjust the distance between the shaping component 200 and the shaping station 620.

[0048] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the first guide rail 110 extends below the shaping station 620. If the size of the battery cell 700 is small, the shaping drive can drive the shaping assembly 200 to slide on the first guide rail 110 to approach the shaping station 620; the extension of the first guide rail 110 to the bottom of the shaping station 620 can ensure that the shaping assembly 200 can perform tab shaping work on the battery cell 700 on the shaping station 620, so that the tab shaping mechanism 10 can adapt to small-sized battery cells 700.

[0049] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the shaping assembly 200 includes a first pressing block 210, a second pressing block 220, a support frame 230, a first flattening drive member 240 and a second flattening drive member disposed on the support frame 230. The first pressing block 210 and the second pressing block 220 are slidably disposed on the support frame 230. The driving portion of the first flattening drive member 240 is connected to the first pressing block 210, and the driving portion of the second flattening drive member is connected to the second pressing block 220. The first pressing block 210 and the second pressing block 220 are disposed on opposite sides of the shaping station 620, and the first pressing block 210 and the second pressing block 220 move toward each other to shape the tabs 710 of the battery cell 700.

[0050] Understandably, during the tab shaping of the battery cell 700, the distance between the shaping assembly 200 and the shaping station 620 is adjusted by the shaping drive, so that the tab 710 of the battery cell 700 located on the shaping station 620 is positioned between the first pressing block 210 and the second pressing block 220. The second flattening drive drives the second pressing block 220 closer to the first pressing block 210, so that the second pressing block 220 supports the battery cell 700 from below. The first flattening drive 240 drives the first pressing block 210 closer to the second pressing block 220 to flatten the tab 710 of the battery cell 700, thereby correcting the shape of the tab 710 to ensure the quality of the battery cell 700. Generally, the first pressing block 210 is located above the second pressing block 220.

[0051] The first pressing block 210 moves toward the second pressing block 220, pressing the first pressing block 210 onto the battery cell 700. Through the compression of the first pressing block 210 and the second pressing block 220, the surface of the tab 710 of the battery cell 700 becomes flat, achieving the effect of tab shaping. The tab shaping mechanism 10 applies pressure to the tab 710 on opposite sides of the tab 710. The operation is simple, eliminating the need for stretching or scraping the tab 710, thus reducing damage to the tab 710 itself during the tab shaping process.

[0052] The support frame 230 can be slidably mounted on the first guide rail 110. The output shaft of the shaping drive is connected to the support frame 230 so that the shaping drive can drive the shaping assembly 200 to move relative to the first support base 100. Generally, the first flattening drive 240 is a cylinder. The tab shaping mechanism 10 may include a second linear module, which includes a second flattening drive and the support frame 230. The linear module features high precision and smooth operation.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the appearance inspection equipment includes a conveying mechanism 300, an appearance inspection mechanism 400, and a tab shaping mechanism 10 according to any embodiment of the first aspect. The conveying mechanism 300 is provided with an inspection station 610 and a shaping station 620. The appearance inspection mechanism 400 is used to inspect the appearance of the battery cell 700 located at the inspection station 610, and the tab shaping mechanism 10 is used to shape the tabs 710 of the battery cell 700 located at the shaping station 620.

[0054] Through the shaping work of the tab shaping mechanism 10 and the inspection work of the appearance inspection mechanism 400, unqualified cells 700 are prevented from entering the subsequent processing stage, thereby improving the yield rate. The tab shaping mechanism 10 can adjust the distance between the shaping component 200 and the shaping station 620 as needed to adapt to different models of cells 700. The appearance inspection mechanism 400 can inspect the appearance of the cells 700 and obtain the real-time status of the cells 700.

[0055] The inspection station 610 and the shaping station 620 are set on the conveying mechanism 300, through which the battery cell 700 is transferred between the inspection station 610 and the shaping station 620. The conveying mechanism 300 includes a drive motor, a turntable 310, multiple conveyors 320 mounted on the turntable 310, and fixtures 330 mounted on the conveyors 320. An air cushion guide rail is installed inside the turntable 310, and the multiple conveyors 320 are slidably mounted on the air cushion guide rail. The drive motor is fixed to the turntable 310, and its output shaft is connected to the conveyors 320 to drive them to rotate relative to the turntable 310. An inspection station 610 and a shaping station 620 are located around the turntable 310. The fixtures 330 are used to support the battery cells 700. When the drive motor operates, the conveyors 320 rotate, thereby causing the fixtures 330 to move between the shaping station 620 and the inspection station 610, thus transferring the battery cells 700 between the two stations. A control box is also installed inside the turntable 310, which is used to precisely adjust the speed, position, and torque of the drive motor to achieve high-precision motion control. In other embodiments, the conveying mechanism 300 can be other conveying devices such as conveyor belts in the prior art, and this utility model embodiment does not particularly limit this. The fixture 330 can be equipped with suction cups, which are used to adsorb the battery cell 700. The suction cups adsorb the battery cell 700 using the principle of negative pressure, fixing the battery cell 700 without damaging its surface. Simultaneously, the suction cups fixing the battery cell 700 have the characteristics of rapid adsorption and release; by changing or cutting off the suction force, the battery cell 700 can be quickly adsorbed or placed, significantly improving production efficiency.

[0056] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism 300 is circumferential to the turntable 310 (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 5 (in the c direction); along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism 300, the inspection station 610 is located in front of the shaping station 620. After the appearance inspection mechanism 400 inspects the appearance of the battery cell 700 located at the inspection station 610, the conveying mechanism 300 transfers the battery cell 700 from the inspection station 610 to the shaping station 620. The tab shaping mechanism 10 can shape the tab 710 of the battery cell 700 according to the inspection results of the appearance inspection mechanism 400.

[0057] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, in some embodiments, along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism 300, the inspection station 610 is located behind the shaping station 620; after the electrode shaping mechanism 10 shapes the battery cell 700 located on the shaping station 620, the conveying mechanism 300 transfers the battery cell 700 from the shaping station 620 to the inspection station 610. The appearance inspection mechanism 400 can inspect the appearance of the shaped battery cell 700 to prevent unqualified battery cells 700 from entering the subsequent processing stage and improve the yield rate.

[0058] In some embodiments, there are two inspection stations 610, one in front of and one downstream of the shaping station 620, along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism 300. In other words, the inspection station 610 includes a first inspection station 610 and a second inspection station 610. Along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism 300, the first inspection station 610 is located in front of the shaping station 620, and the second inspection station 610 is located behind the shaping station 620. After the first appearance inspection mechanism 450 inspects the appearance of the battery cell 700 located at the first inspection station 610, the conveying mechanism 300 transfers the battery cell 700 to the shaping station 620. The tab shaping mechanism 10 can shape the tabs 710 of the battery cell 700 according to the inspection results of the appearance inspection mechanism 400. The conveying mechanism 300 transfers the battery cell 700 after tab shaping to the second inspection station 610. The appearance inspection mechanism 400 can inspect the appearance of the battery cell 700 at the second inspection station 610 to prevent unqualified battery cells 700 from entering the subsequent processing stage and improve the yield rate.

[0059] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the appearance inspection mechanism 400 includes a detector 410, which includes a first detector 411 and a second detector 412. The first detector 411 is used to inspect the outer surface of the battery cell 700 located on the inspection station 610, and the second detector 412 is used to inspect the tabs 710 of the battery cell 700 located on the inspection station 610. The appearance inspection mechanism 400 inspects the outer surface of the battery cell 700 through the first detector 411, which not only helps to discover surface defects of the battery cell 700, but also prevents battery performance degradation or safety hazards caused by external damage. The tabs 710 serve as electrode connection points of the battery cell 700, leading out the current inside the battery and transmitting it to the external circuit. The appearance inspection mechanism 400 inspects the tabs 710 of the battery cell 700 through the second detector 412, which can ensure the integrity and quality of the tabs 710, thereby ensuring the stability of the electrical connection of the battery cell 700.

[0060] In some embodiments, both the first detector 411 and the second detector 412 are cameras, which acquire images of the battery cell 700 to inspect the entire battery cell 700 or its tabs 710. The appearance inspection mechanism 400 also includes a light source, which can assist the camera in acquiring images. The light source can include a coaxial light source and a ring light source. The appearance inspection mechanism 400 also includes a light-blocking housing 420 disposed on the frame, with the light source disposed inside the light-blocking housing 420. This reduces light dispersion and guides the light source to focus on the battery cell 700, reducing interference from external light.

[0061] Different models of battery cells 700 have different sizes. In the appearance inspection mechanism of related technologies, the distance between the camera and the inspection station remains constant, and the camera acquires an image of the battery cell 700 located at the inspection station. If the size of the battery cell 700 is large, the proportion of the battery cell 700 in the image is small, resulting in the image not clearly displaying the battery cell 700 and its tabs 710. If the size of the battery cell 700 is also large, the image cannot display the entire battery cell 700, and the tabs 710 of the battery cell 700 are easily located outside the image, making it impossible to inspect the appearance of the battery cell 700 and its tabs 710. Therefore, the appearance inspection mechanism of related technologies cannot be adapted to different models of battery cells 700.

[0062] In some embodiments, the appearance inspection mechanism 400 includes a second support base 430 and an adjustment component 440. The detector 410 and the adjustment component 440 are mounted on the second support base 430. The detector 410 is used to inspect the outer surface of the battery cell 700 located at the inspection station 610, and the adjustment component 440 is used to adjust the distance between the detector 410 and the inspection station 610.

[0063] The battery cell 700 is located on the inspection station 610. If a different model of battery cell 700 is used, the distance between the detector 410 and the inspection station 610 can be adjusted by adjusting the component 440 to accommodate different models of battery cell 700. If the size of the battery cell 700 is large, the detector 410 can be moved away from the inspection station 610 by adjusting the component 440 so that the detector 410 can capture the entire battery cell 700, ensuring that the tabs 710 of the battery cell 700 are within the image, so as to inspect the outer surface of the battery cell 700 and the tabs 710. If the size of the battery cell 700 is small, the detector 410 can be moved closer to the inspection station 610 by adjusting the component 440 so that the battery cell 700 can be clearly displayed in the image captured by the detector 410, so as to inspect the outer surface of the battery cell 700.

[0064] like Figure 7As shown, in some embodiments, the adjustment assembly 440 includes an adjuster 441 and a second bracket 442, the second bracket 442 being fixed to the second support base 430; a second guide rail is provided on the second bracket 442, through which the movement direction of the detector 410 on the second support base 430 can be guided; under the action of the adjuster 441, the detector 410 slides on the second guide rail, causing the detector 410 to move closer to or further away from the inspection station 610, to adapt to different models of battery cells 700. The second guide rail is arranged along the direction from the appearance inspection mechanism 400 to the inspection station 610 (e.g., Figure 5 The detector 410 is slidable on the second guide rail (direction b) to move closer to or further away from the inspection station 610, minimizing the movement path of the detector 410 and more efficiently adjusting the distance between the shaping component 200 and the shaping station 620. The second support 430 and the second bracket 442 can be integrally formed. Alternatively, in other embodiments, multiple fixing positions for the detector 410 can be provided on the second bracket 442, arranged along the direction from the appearance inspection mechanism 400 to the inspection station 610. By placing the detector 410 at different fixing positions, the distance between the detector 410 and the inspection station 610 can be adjusted.

[0065] The adjustment assembly 440 may include a support member. Both the first detector 411 and the second detector 412 are fixed to the support member, which is slidably mounted on a second guide rail. While supporting the first detector 411 and the second detector 412, the support member ensures that their relative positions remain unchanged. This ensures that the second detector 412 can detect the tabs 710 of the battery cell 700 while maintaining the effectiveness of the first detector 411 in detecting the appearance of the battery cell 700. The support member is typically a support plate, which saves space while fulfilling its supporting function.

[0066] In some embodiments, the regulator 441 may include a handle and a actuator, the actuator having an input end and an output end, the handle being connected to the input end and the support being connected to the output end; the actuator is generally a gear assembly, rotating the handle, the actuator transmits force to the support to drive the support to slide on the second guide rail, thereby causing the first detector 411 and the second detector 412 to move closer to or further away from the detection station 610 synchronously.

[0067] like Figure 7As shown, in some embodiments, the appearance inspection mechanism 400 includes a first appearance inspection mechanism 450 and a second appearance inspection mechanism 460. The first appearance inspection mechanism 450 inspects the surface of the battery cell 700 located on the inspection station 610 from the upper side of the inspection station 610; the second appearance inspection mechanism 460 inspects the surface of the battery cell 700 located on the inspection station 610 from the lower side of the inspection station 610. That is, the battery cell 700 does not need to be flipped over, and the appearance inspection of both the front and back sides of the battery cell 700 can be performed by the first appearance inspection mechanism 450 and the second appearance inspection mechanism 460. The detector 410 of the first appearance inspection mechanism 450 is located above the inspection station 610 and is set towards the inspection station 610 to obtain a front image of the battery cell 700, and the detector 410 of the second appearance inspection mechanism 460 is located below the inspection station 610 and is set towards the inspection station 610 to obtain a back image of the battery cell 700.

[0068] Flipping the battery cell 700 during production adds extra mechanical equipment and time costs. Improper flipping can cause mechanical damage to the cell's outer casing or internal structure, resulting in scratches, indentations, or localized breakage on the surface, thus affecting battery performance, lifespan, and even leading to short circuits or battery malfunctions. This embodiment of the invention addresses this by incorporating a first appearance inspection mechanism 450 and a second appearance inspection mechanism 460 to inspect both surfaces of the battery cell 700 from the top and bottom respectively. This reduces the need for flipping the cell, improving production efficiency and ensuring product quality.

[0069] like Figure 6As shown, the inspection station 610 includes a front inspection station 611 and a back inspection station 612. The front inspection station 611 is located on the conveying mechanism 300, which transfers the battery cell 700 to the front inspection station 611. The first appearance inspection mechanism 450 inspects the upper surface of the battery cell 700 located at the front inspection station 611. The appearance inspection equipment may include a transfer mechanism 500, which transfers the battery cell 700 on the conveying mechanism 300 to the back inspection station 612, so that the second appearance inspection mechanism 450 can inspect the upper surface of the battery cell 700 located at the front inspection station 611. The appearance inspection mechanism 460 performs appearance inspection on the reverse side of the battery cell 700. The transfer mechanism 500 includes a moving arm, a crossbeam, and a drive component. The moving arm is slidably mounted on the crossbeam. Driven by the drive component, the moving arm slides on the crossbeam to transfer the battery cell 700 from the transfer mechanism 300 to the reverse side inspection station 612. A suction cup is provided at the bottom of the moving arm, which adheres to the battery cell 700, fixing it under the moving arm. This allows for reverse side inspection of the battery cell 700 without flipping it over. It should be noted that the suction force of the suction cup can be set according to actual needs to prevent the battery cell 700 from slipping during transfer. Generally, the drive component consists of a lead screw and a motor.

[0070] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0071] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. Appearance inspection equipment, characterized in that, include: Base; A conveying mechanism (300) is disposed on the base; the conveying mechanism (300) is provided with a front smoothing station, a back smoothing station, a shaping station (620) and a testing station (610) in sequence, and the conveying mechanism (300) drives the battery cell (700) to move between the smoothing station, the testing station (610) and the shaping station (620); A front smoothing mechanism is disposed on the base; the front smoothing mechanism is used to flatten the front surface of the battery cell (700) located at the front smoothing station; A reverse smoothing mechanism is provided on the base; the reverse smoothing mechanism is used to flatten the reverse side of the battery cell (700) located at the reverse smoothing station; An appearance inspection mechanism (400) is disposed on the base; The appearance inspection mechanism (400) is used to inspect the appearance of the battery cell (700) located at the inspection station (610); A tab shaping mechanism (10) is disposed on the base; the tab shaping mechanism (10) is used to shape the tabs (710) of the battery cell (700) located on the shaping station (620); the tab shaping mechanism (10) includes a first support base (100), a shaping component (200) and a shaping drive component; the shaping component (200) is mounted on the first support base (100) and is used to shape the tabs (710); Driven by the shaping drive, the shaping component (200) moves relative to the first support (100) such that the shaping component (200) moves closer to or further away from the shaping station (620).

2. The appearance inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The appearance inspection equipment also includes a front dust removal mechanism and a back dust removal mechanism; the front dust removal mechanism is disposed on the base and is used to remove dust from the front side of the battery cell (700) after it has been flattened by the front smoothing mechanism; the back dust removal mechanism is disposed on the base and is used to remove dust from the back side of the battery cell (700) after it has been flattened by the back smoothing mechanism.

3. The appearance inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying mechanism (300) also includes a robotic arm, which is disposed on the base. The bottom of the robotic arm is provided with a suction cup, which is used to adsorb the battery cell (700) and expose the reverse side of the battery cell (700).

4. The appearance inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first guide rail (110) is provided on the first support base (100), and the shaping component (200) is slidably disposed on the first guide rail (110). The first guide rail (110) is arranged along the direction from the shaping component (200) to the shaping station (620).

5. The appearance inspection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first guide rail (110) extends below the shaping station (620).

6. The appearance inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The shaping assembly (200) includes a first pressing block (210), a second pressing block (220), a support frame (230), a first flattening drive member (240) and a second flattening drive member disposed on the support frame (230). The first pressing block (210) and the second pressing block (220) are slidably disposed on the support frame (230). The driving portion of the first flattening drive member (240) is connected to the first pressing block (210), and the driving portion of the second flattening drive member is connected to the second pressing block (220). The first pressing block (210) and the second pressing block (220) are disposed on opposite sides of the shaping station (620), and the first pressing block (210) and the second pressing block (220) move toward each other to shape the tabs (710) of the battery cell (700).

7. The appearance inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The appearance inspection mechanism (400) includes a detector (410), which includes a first detector (411) and a second detector (412). The first detector (411) is used to detect the outer surface of the battery cell (700) located at the inspection station (610), and the second detector (412) is used to detect the tab (710) of the battery cell (700) located at the inspection station (610).

8. The appearance inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The appearance inspection mechanism (400) includes a second support base (430), a detector (410), and an adjustment component (440). The detector (410) and the adjustment component (440) are mounted on the second support base (430). The detector (410) is used to inspect the appearance of the battery cell (700) located at the inspection station (610), and the adjustment component (440) is used to adjust the distance between the detector (410) and the inspection station (610).

9. The appearance inspection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The adjustment assembly (440) includes an adjuster (441) and a second bracket (442), the second bracket (442) being fixed on the second support base (430); a second guide rail is provided on the second bracket (442), the second guide rail being arranged along the direction from the appearance inspection mechanism (400) to the inspection station (610); under the action of the adjuster (441), the detector (410) slides on the second guide rail, causing the detector (410) to move closer to or further away from the inspection station (610).

10. The appearance inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The appearance inspection mechanism (400) includes a first appearance inspection mechanism (450) and a second appearance inspection mechanism (460). The first appearance inspection mechanism (450) inspects the surface of the battery cell (700) located on the inspection station (610) from the upper side of the inspection station (610); the second appearance inspection mechanism (460) inspects the surface of the battery cell (700) located on the inspection station (610) from the lower side of the inspection station (610).

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