Battery cell appearance detection device and battery cell appearance detection system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of battery production, in particular to a battery cell appearance detection device and a battery cell appearance detection system. The battery cell appearance detection device comprises a plurality of battery cell channels and a camera assembly, a feeding assembly is arranged at one end of the battery cell channel, and the feeding assembly is used for uploading battery cells to the battery cell channel; a discharging assembly is arranged at the other end of the battery cell channel and is used for removing the battery cells from the battery cell channel; and the view center of the camera assembly can move back and forth among the plurality of battery cell channels. According to the battery cell appearance detection device, feeding and discharging and appearance detection of the battery cell are carried out at the same time, the appearance detection efficiency of the battery cell is improved, and the overall productivity is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery production, and in particular to a battery cell appearance inspection device and a battery cell appearance inspection system. Background Technology

[0002] As the core component of power batteries for new energy vehicles, the quality of a single battery directly affects the overall performance of the power battery. Therefore, conducting comprehensive inspection of the battery cell appearance before battery packaging to ensure that its surface is free of foreign objects, stains, dents, or damage is a critical step in battery production. However, with the rapid growth in demand for new energy vehicles and the continuous increase in production scale and capacity requirements, the efficiency of battery cell appearance inspection has become particularly prominent.

[0003] Currently, traditional battery cell appearance inspection methods often rely on manual labor or semi-automated equipment, which makes it difficult to meet the needs of large-scale production in terms of inspection speed and accuracy. Since each battery cell requires detailed appearance inspection, the process is not only time-consuming but also easily affected by manual operation and environmental factors, leading to low efficiency and impacting the overall capacity and stability of the production line. Therefore, improving the efficiency of battery cell appearance inspection and ensuring the efficient and accurate completion of large-scale battery cell inspection tasks has become a critical issue that companies in the industry urgently need to address. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a battery cell appearance inspection device and a battery cell appearance inspection system to improve the efficiency of battery cell appearance inspection.

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, in a first aspect, this application provides a battery cell appearance inspection device, comprising a plurality of battery cell channels and a camera assembly; one end of each battery cell channel is provided with a loading assembly for loading battery cells onto the battery cell channel; the other end of each battery cell channel is provided with a unloading assembly for removing battery cells from the battery cell channel; the field of view of the camera assembly can move back and forth between the plurality of battery cell channels.

[0006] In the above technical solution, the battery cell appearance inspection device of this application enables simultaneous loading and unloading of battery cells and appearance inspection, thereby improving the appearance inspection efficiency of battery cells and increasing overall production capacity.

[0007] In some embodiments, the cell channel is provided with a testing fixture; the testing fixture is used to hold the cell; the testing fixture can move back and forth along the cell channel.

[0008] The above technical solution reduces the requirements for the arrangement of upstream and downstream cells, enables stable placement and flexible testing of cells, and enhances the adaptability and accuracy of the testing device.

[0009] In some embodiments, a cleaning device is further provided between the feeding assembly and the camera assembly for cleaning the inspection fixture.

[0010] In the above technical solution, by adding a cleaning device, impurities or dirt on the testing fixture can be effectively removed, ensuring testing accuracy and reducing testing errors.

[0011] In some embodiments, the testing fixture includes a base, a plurality of rollers, a plurality of sensors, and a driving device; adjacent rollers are arranged in parallel with the same spacing and are used to place battery cells; both ends of the rollers are rotatably fixed to the base; the driving device is used to drive the plurality of rollers to rotate in the same direction; the sensors are fixed to the base and disposed between adjacent rollers.

[0012] The above technical solution achieves stable placement and precise positioning of the battery cell, while the roller drive function can assist in the rotation of the battery cell, facilitating comprehensive testing.

[0013] In some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent rollers is the same as the cell placement spacing of the feeding assembly and / or the unloading assembly.

[0014] The above technical solution enables coordinated operation of equipment, reduces positional deviation during cell transfer, and lowers the risk of material loss.

[0015] In some embodiments, a support beam spanning a plurality of the cell channels is also included; the camera assembly is fixed to the support beam and is translatable along the support beam.

[0016] The above technical solution improves the operability and detection accuracy of the camera components.

[0017] In some embodiments, the camera assembly includes a plurality of 2.5D cameras configured at different angles, or a plurality of 2.5D cameras configured at the same angle at intervals.

[0018] In the above technical solution, 2.5D cameras set at different angles or intervals can be used to simultaneously inspect the appearance of multiple battery cells, significantly improving the inspection efficiency.

[0019] Secondly, this application provides a battery cell appearance inspection system, including several of the above-mentioned battery cell appearance inspection devices.

[0020] In the above technical solution, by combining several battery cell appearance inspection devices to form a multi-module inspection system, the efficiency of battery cell appearance inspection is improved and the overall production capacity is increased.

[0021] In some embodiments, the device further includes a material inversion module, a feeding module, an end face detection module, and a unloading module; the cell appearance detection device consists of two sets, located between the end face detection module and the unloading module.

[0022] The above technical solution is applicable to the appearance inspection system before the blue film is applied to the battery cell, which improves the appearance inspection efficiency of the battery cell and increases the overall production capacity.

[0023] In some embodiments, the device further includes a feeding module, an end face inspection module, and a grading module; the cell appearance inspection device consists of two sets, located between the end face inspection module and the grading module.

[0024] The above technical solution is applicable to the appearance inspection system after the battery cell is coated with blue film, which improves the appearance inspection efficiency of the battery cell and increases the overall production capacity. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell appearance inspection device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Top view;

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the testing fixture and cleaning device;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a battery cell appearance inspection system according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0031] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0032] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this application; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0033] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0034] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., 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, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] As a component of the power batteries in new energy vehicles, the quality of a single battery cell affects the overall quality of the power battery. Visual inspection of the battery cells before encapsulation is a crucial step in battery manufacturing. A full visual inspection of the cells ensures that their surfaces are free of foreign objects, dirt, dents, and damage before being encapsulated.

[0037] Meanwhile, with the rapid development of new energy vehicles and the surge in demand, the requirements for production capacity and testing are also constantly increasing. A production efficiency testing system has become a key area of ​​research and development for many companies in the industry.

[0038] To address the problem of low efficiency in the appearance inspection of battery cells during current battery production processes, this application provides a battery cell appearance inspection device 100, which is described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 and 2 This application will be described in detail.

[0039] The battery cell appearance inspection device 100 of this application includes a plurality of battery cell channels 10 and a camera assembly 20. A loading assembly 30 is provided at one end of each battery cell channel 10, which is used to load battery cells 80 onto the battery cell channel 10. A unloading assembly 40 is provided at the other end of each battery cell channel 10, which is used to remove battery cells 80 from the battery cell channel 10. The field of view of the camera assembly 20 can move back and forth among the plurality of battery cell channels 10.

[0040] Specifically, taking the cell channel 10, which includes a first cell channel 10 and a second cell channel 10, as an example, after the loading assembly 30 loads cells into the first cell channel 10, the field of view of the camera assembly 20 moves to the first cell channel 10 and performs appearance inspection on the cells 80 on the first cell channel 10, such as the cylindrical appearance inspection of the cells 80. Simultaneously, the loading assembly 30 continues to load cells into the second cell channel 10. Then, the field of view of the camera assembly 20 moves to the second cell channel 10 and performs appearance inspection on the cells 80 on the second cell channel 10. Simultaneously, the loading assembly 30 returns to the first cell channel 10 for the next round of loading. Through this design, the cell appearance inspection device 100 of this application can perform loading and inspection processes simultaneously, improving inspection efficiency.

[0041] Similarly, taking the cell channel 10, which includes a first cell channel 10 and a second cell channel 10, as an example, after the cell 80 on the first cell channel 10 undergoes visual inspection, it is unloaded by the unloading assembly 40. Simultaneously, the cell 80 on the second cell channel 10 undergoes visual inspection. Then, the unloading assembly 40 unloads the cell 80 on the second cell channel 10, while the field of view of the camera assembly 20 moves to the first cell channel 10, and visual inspection is performed on the next batch of cells 80 on the first cell channel 10. Through this design, the cell visual inspection device 100 of this application can perform unloading and inspection processes simultaneously, improving inspection efficiency.

[0042] When the cell channel 10 contains three or more cells, loading and unloading and appearance inspection can be performed simultaneously in a similar manner.

[0043] In the above technical solution, by setting up multiple cell channels 10 and a field-of-view movement mechanism for the camera assembly 20, the loading and unloading and inspection processes of the cell 80 can be carried out in parallel. This avoids the time waste caused by the serial operation of loading and unloading and inspection in traditional inspection systems, thereby significantly improving inspection efficiency, production efficiency, and capacity. The implementation of the cell appearance inspection device 100 of this application can meet the high-efficiency and high-precision requirements of the new energy vehicle industry for battery production and has strong market competitiveness.

[0044] In some embodiments, the cell channel 10 is provided with a testing fixture 60. The testing fixture 60 is used to hold the cell 80. The testing fixture 60 can move back and forth along the cell channel 10. Figure 3 As shown.

[0045] Specifically, the inspection fixture 60 can carry the battery cell 80 to move freely by moving back and forth along the battery cell channel 10, thereby providing more flexibility in the process arrangement of the battery cell appearance inspection device 100 of this application, and ensuring efficient flow between different process stages (such as loading, appearance inspection and unloading).

[0046] The above technical solution reduces the requirements for the arrangement of upstream and downstream cells 80, enables stable placement and flexible testing of cells 80, and enhances the adaptability and accuracy of the testing device.

[0047] In some embodiments, a cleaning device 50 is further provided between the unloading assembly 40 and the camera assembly 20 for cleaning the inspection fixture 60. For example... Figure 3 As shown.

[0048] In the above technical solution, the cleaning device 50 effectively removes impurities or dirt from the testing fixture 60, preventing the accumulation of dirt and secondary contamination of the battery cell 80 by the testing fixture 60. This ensures testing accuracy, reduces testing errors, extends the equipment's operating cycle, and lowers maintenance costs.

[0049] In some embodiments, the detection fixture 60 includes a base 61, a plurality of rollers 62, a plurality of sensors 63, and a drive device 64. Adjacent rollers 62 are arranged parallel to each other and at the same distance, for placing the battery cell 80. Both ends of the rollers 62 are rotatably fixed to the base 61. The drive device 64 drives the plurality of rollers 62 to rotate in the same direction. The sensors 63 are fixed to the base 61 and disposed between adjacent rollers 62. Figure 3 As shown.

[0050] In this embodiment, the inspection fixture 60, during the inspection process, drives the rollers 62 to rotate in the same direction via the drive device 64, thereby causing the battery cells 80 placed between the rollers 62 to rotate. This facilitates the appearance inspection of the battery cells 80 by the camera assembly 20, especially for the appearance inspection of the cylindrical surfaces of the battery cells 80 at different angles. The drive device 64 can be one or more motors, pneumatic motors, hydraulic drive devices, electromagnetic drive devices, gear transmission devices, etc.

[0051] Sensor 63 is used to detect the presence or absence of battery cell 80. For example, it can detect whether battery cell 80 is properly placed on inspection fixture 60 when the feeding assembly 30 is feeding, whether battery cell 80 has fallen off during appearance inspection by camera assembly 20, or whether battery cell 80 has left inspection fixture 60 when the unloading assembly 40 is unloading.

[0052] The sensor 63 is fixed to the base 61 and located between adjacent rollers 62, ensuring that each cell 80 has a corresponding sensor 63 to detect its presence or absence, thus facilitating the detection of the cell 80 by the sensor 63.

[0053] Preferably, the sensor 63 is located in the middle of the adjacent rollers 62, thereby optimizing the sensing of the sensor 63.

[0054] The above technical solution achieves stable placement and precise positioning of the battery cell 80, reducing the risk of material loss. Simultaneously, the roller 62's drive function assists in the rotation of the battery cell 80, facilitating comprehensive inspection. Furthermore, sensor 63 confirms whether the battery cell 80 has fallen out, improving the efficiency of appearance inspection.

[0055] In some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent rollers 62 is the same as the spacing between the cells 80 of the feeding assembly 30 and / or the unloading assembly 40.

[0056] Specifically, the spacing between adjacent rollers 62 is the same as the spacing between battery cells 80 in the feeding assembly 30, thereby allowing multiple battery cells 80 to be fed simultaneously and reducing the risk of battery cells 80 falling off. And / or, the spacing between adjacent rollers 62 is the same as the spacing between battery cells 80 in the unloading assembly 40, thereby allowing multiple battery cells 80 to be unloaded simultaneously and reducing the risk of battery cells 80 falling off.

[0057] The above technical solution enables coordinated operation of equipment, reduces positional deviation during the transfer of battery cells 80, lowers the risk of material loss, and improves transfer efficiency.

[0058] In some embodiments, the battery cell appearance inspection device 100 of this application further includes a support beam 70 spanning a plurality of battery cell channels 10. The camera assembly 20 is fixed to the support beam 70 and can be translated along the support beam 70 to provide an inspection field of view for the plurality of battery cell channels 10.

[0059] In the above technical solution, the design of the support beam 70 and the movable camera assembly 20 saves space, avoids complex fixing structures, and improves the compactness of the battery cell appearance inspection device 100 of this application. At the same time, it improves the operability and movement stability of the camera assembly 20 and enhances the inspection accuracy.

[0060] In some embodiments, the camera assembly 20 includes a plurality of 2.5D cameras configured at different angles, or a plurality of 2.5D cameras configured at the same angle at intervals.

[0061] In the above technical solution, the 2.5D camera can capture minute defects on the surface of the battery cell 80, providing high-precision appearance inspection. The arrangement of 2.5D cameras at multiple angles allows for multi-directional scanning of the battery cell 80 surface, improving inspection coverage and accuracy. Several 2.5D cameras spaced at intervals with the same angle can simultaneously inspect the surfaces of multiple battery cells 80, enhancing inspection efficiency.

[0062] In some embodiments, this application provides a battery cell appearance inspection system, including a plurality of the above-described battery cell appearance inspection devices 100, such as... Figure 4 As shown. Each cell appearance inspection device 100 is responsible for independently inspecting the appearance of the cell 80. Multiple cell appearance inspection devices 100 work together to improve production efficiency.

[0063] In the above technical solution, by combining several cell appearance inspection devices 100 to form a multi-module inspection system, the appearance inspection efficiency of the cell 80 is improved, and the overall production capacity is increased. At the same time, multiple cell appearance inspection devices 100 can share the inspection tasks, reduce the load on a single device, and improve the stability of the entire system.

[0064] In some embodiments, the battery cell appearance inspection system of this application further includes an incoming material flipping module, a feeding module 200, an end face inspection module 300, and a unloading module. Two sets of battery cell appearance inspection devices 100 are disposed between the end face inspection module 300 and the unloading module.

[0065] In this embodiment, the cell appearance inspection device 100 is used for cylindrical appearance inspection of the cell 80. The cell 80 is subjected to cylindrical appearance inspection after end face inspection.

[0066] The above technical solution is applicable to the appearance inspection system before applying blue film to battery cell 80. By improving the cylindrical appearance inspection efficiency of battery cell 80, the overall appearance inspection efficiency of battery cell 80 is improved, thereby increasing overall production capacity.

[0067] In some embodiments, the device further includes a feeding module 200, an end-face inspection module 300, and a sorting module 400. Two sets of cell appearance inspection devices 100 are disposed between the end-face inspection module 300 and the sorting module 400. Figure 4 As shown.

[0068] In this embodiment, the cell appearance inspection device 100 is used for the cylindrical appearance inspection of the cell 80. The cell 80 undergoes cylindrical appearance inspection after end face inspection. The cells 80 are then sorted after the cylindrical appearance inspection.

[0069] The above technical solution is applicable to the appearance inspection system after the blue film is applied to the battery cell 80. By improving the cylindrical appearance inspection efficiency of the battery cell 80, the overall appearance inspection efficiency of the battery cell 80 is improved, thereby increasing the overall production capacity.

[0070] The above technical solutions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery cell appearance inspection device, characterized in that, It includes several battery cell channels and a camera assembly; one end of each battery cell channel is provided with a loading assembly for loading battery cells into the battery cell channel; the other end of each battery cell channel is provided with a unloading assembly for removing battery cells from the battery cell channel; the field of view of the camera assembly can move back and forth between the several battery cell channels.

2. The battery cell appearance inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cell channel is equipped with a testing fixture; the testing fixture is used to hold the cells; the testing fixture can move back and forth along the cell channel.

3. The battery cell appearance inspection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A cleaning device is also provided between the feeding assembly and the camera assembly for cleaning the inspection fixture.

4. The battery cell appearance inspection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The testing fixture includes a base, several rollers, several sensors, and a driving device; adjacent rollers are arranged in parallel with the same spacing and are used to place battery cells; both ends of the rollers are rotatably fixed to the base; the driving device is used to drive the rollers to rotate in the same direction; the sensors are fixed to the base and located between adjacent rollers.

5. The battery cell appearance inspection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The spacing between adjacent rollers is the same as the spacing between the battery cells in the feeding assembly and / or the unloading assembly.

6. The battery cell appearance inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a support beam spanning several of the cell channels; the camera assembly is fixed to the support beam and can be translated along the support beam.

7. The battery cell appearance inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera assembly includes a plurality of 2.5D cameras set at different angles, or a plurality of 2.5D cameras set at the same angle at intervals.

8. A battery cell appearance inspection system, characterized in that, It includes several cell appearance inspection devices as described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. A battery cell appearance inspection system according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a material inversion module, a feeding module, an end face inspection module, and a unloading module; the cell appearance inspection device consists of two sets, located between the end face inspection module and the unloading module.

10. A battery cell appearance inspection system according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a feeding module, an end face inspection module, and a grading module; the cell appearance inspection device consists of two sets, located between the end face inspection module and the grading module.

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