Appearance detection equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to appearance detection equipment, comprising a conveying mechanism configured to continuously convey clamps loaded with products; the at least one top surface detection mechanism is erected above the conveying mechanism and is configured to perform image acquisition on the top surface of the product; the two large surface detection mechanisms are arranged on the two sides of the conveying mechanism respectively and are configured to perform image acquisition on the two first side surfaces of the product; the at least one rotary detection mechanism comprises a rotary execution assembly and a detection execution assembly, the rotary execution assembly is erected above the conveying mechanism, the detection execution assembly is adjacent to the conveying mechanism and corresponds to the rotary execution assembly, and the rotary execution assembly is configured to clamp and rotate a product; the detection execution assembly is used for carrying out image acquisition on the two second side surfaces of the product. The device can achieve the comprehensive detection of the surface of a product, and improves the detection efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery production, and more specifically, to an appearance inspection device. Background Technology

[0002] In the battery manufacturing process, inspecting the battery's appearance can identify defects and ensure product quality. Traditional appearance inspection equipment typically uses a vision inspection system positioned along a conveyor line. Products are transported along the conveyor line, and surface defects are detected using cameras at fixed stations. However, for products with multifaceted structures, such as cuboid batteries, existing technology can only capture image information of the top and two large sides of the product during transport. It cannot effectively acquire visual data of the sides perpendicular to the transport direction, resulting in blind spots. To ensure comprehensive inspection, additional inspection equipment and processes are required, impacting production efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an appearance inspection device that can perform comprehensive inspection of product surfaces and improve inspection efficiency.

[0004] An appearance inspection device includes a conveying mechanism configured to continuously convey a fixture loaded with a product; at least one top surface inspection mechanism mounted above the conveying mechanism, configured to acquire images of the top surface of the product; two large surface inspection mechanisms respectively located on both sides of the conveying mechanism, configured to acquire images of two first side surfaces of the product; and at least one rotating inspection mechanism, including a rotating execution component and a detection execution component, the rotating execution component mounted above the conveying mechanism, the detection execution component adjacent to the conveying mechanism and corresponding to the rotating execution component, the rotating execution component being configured to clamp and rotate the product so that a second side surface of the product faces the detection execution component, and the detection execution component being configured to acquire images of the two second side surfaces of the product.

[0005] In the above technical solution, through the coordinated layout of the conveying mechanism, top surface inspection mechanism, large surface inspection mechanism, and rotating inspection mechanism, the top surface, first side surface, and second side surface are inspected sequentially while maintaining continuous conveying. This achieves continuous inspection of the product surface, with a reasonable layout that enables simultaneous inspection coverage of all five visible surfaces of the product. The rotating actuator mounted on the conveying mechanism clamps the product and rotates it to adjust its posture, allowing the second side surface, which is difficult to inspect with traditional equipment, to face the side-mounted inspection actuator. This effectively eliminates blind spots in the inspection of the rectangular battery end face, achieving efficient and comprehensive inspection of the product surface.

[0006] Furthermore, the top surface detection mechanism includes a sliding plate, a lifting drive component, a first image acquisition component, and a first lighting component. The first image acquisition component and the first lighting component are disposed on the sliding plate. The output end of the lifting drive component is connected to the sliding plate. The lifting drive component is configured to drive the sliding plate to move vertically up and down.

[0007] In the above technical solution, a lifting drive component is used in conjunction with a sliding plate to enable the first image acquisition component and the first illumination component to have a vertical lifting function, and the camera height can be adjusted to meet the detection requirements of batteries of different specifications.

[0008] Furthermore, the first lighting component includes a plurality of first lighting elements arranged in a rectangular array, the first image acquisition component includes a first camera and a height adjustment component, the first camera is located inside the projection of the plurality of first lighting elements, and the height adjustment component is configured to fine-tune the vertical position of the first camera.

[0009] In the above technical solution, the first illumination element arranged in a rectangular array forms a uniform illumination area, which, together with the adjustable-height first camera located at the center of the projection, ensures the quality of the top surface image acquisition. The height adjustment component enables precise adaptation of the first camera's focal length, improving the detection accuracy of battery surfaces at different heights.

[0010] Furthermore, the large-area detection mechanism includes a second image acquisition component and a second illumination component. The second illumination component includes a plurality of second illumination elements arranged in an array. The second image acquisition component includes a second camera and a horizontal adjustment component. The second camera is located inside the projection of the plurality of second illumination elements. The horizontal adjustment component is configured to drive the second camera to move horizontally in order to fine-tune the horizontal position of the second camera.

[0011] In the above technical solution, the multiple second illumination elements arranged in an array can provide sufficient light during shooting, and the horizontal adjustment component enables the second camera to make horizontal fine adjustments to the shooting position, so that the second camera can be adapted to batteries of different sizes and improve the shooting accuracy of the first side of the battery.

[0012] Furthermore, the rotary actuator includes a lifting drive assembly, a rotary drive assembly, and a clamping assembly. The lifting drive assembly is configured to drive the clamping assembly to move in the vertical direction, the rotary drive assembly is configured to drive the clamping assembly to rotate about the vertical axis, and the clamping assembly is configured to clamp the product on the fixture.

[0013] In the above technical solution, the lifting drive component can drive the clamping component to descend, so that the clamping component matches the height of the product. After the clamping component clamps the product, the lifting drive component drives the clamping component to rise, so that the product is separated from the fixture. Then the rotation drive component drives the clamping component to rotate the product by a preset angle, so that the second side of the product is opposite to the detection execution component.

[0014] Furthermore, the clamping assembly includes a mounting base, a clamping drive component, and grippers. The clamping drive component is disposed on the mounting base, the output end of the rotation drive assembly is connected to the mounting base, and the grippers are disposed opposite to and connected to the clamping drive component.

[0015] In the above technical solution, the symmetrical arrangement of the grippers ensures balanced force on the battery during clamping. The gripping drive unit cooperates with the rotating assembly to achieve reliable gripping while maintaining the motion stability of the rotating mechanism.

[0016] Furthermore, the mounting base is equipped with a sensor for sensing the product.

[0017] In the above technical solution, the sensor integrated in the mounting base detects the battery gripping status in real time and controls the timing of the clamping action through trigger signals, thereby improving the reliability of the equipment operation.

[0018] Furthermore, the detection execution component includes a third illumination component and a third image acquisition component. The third illumination component includes a plurality of third illumination elements arranged in a rectangular array. The third image acquisition component includes a third camera and a horizontal drive component. The third camera is located inside the projection of the plurality of third illumination elements. The horizontal drive component is connected to the third camera and is configured to drive the third camera to move horizontally.

[0019] In the above technical solution, the third illumination element arranged in a rectangular array can provide sufficient light for shooting, improving the shooting quality. The horizontally movable third camera allows the detection execution component to dynamically adjust the shooting distance according to the battery size.

[0020] Furthermore, the conveying mechanism includes: an upper conveyor line; a lower conveyor line, which is arranged parallel to the upper conveyor line and located below the upper conveyor line; a first lifting mechanism, which is located at one end of the upper and lower conveyor lines; and a second lifting mechanism, which is located at the other end of the upper and lower conveyor lines; wherein the first and second lifting mechanisms are configured to drive the clamp to move vertically up and down, so that the clamp can be circulated between the upper and lower conveyor lines.

[0021] In the above technical solution, the double-layer conveyor line and the lifting mechanism form a cyclic conveying system, which realizes the separation of the clamps in the empty and full-load states through vertical transfer.

[0022] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: Through the coordinated layout of the conveying mechanism, top surface inspection mechanism, large surface inspection mechanism, and rotating inspection mechanism, the top surface, first side surface, and second side surface are inspected sequentially while maintaining continuous conveying, thereby achieving continuous inspection of the product surface. The layout is reasonable, achieving simultaneous inspection coverage of the five visible surfaces of the product. By using a rotating actuator mounted on the conveying mechanism to clamp the product and rotate the product to adjust its posture, the second side surface, which is difficult to inspect with traditional equipment, can be aligned with the side-mounted inspection actuator, effectively eliminating blind spots in the inspection of the rectangular battery end face and achieving efficient and comprehensive inspection of the product surface. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance inspection device according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the top surface detection mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the large-area detection mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rotary actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the detection execution component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the conveying mechanism according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0029] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0030] Conveying mechanism 1, upper conveyor line 11, lower conveyor line 12, first lifting mechanism 13, second lifting mechanism 14, top surface detection mechanism 2, sliding plate 21, lifting drive component 22, first image acquisition component 23, first camera 231, first sliding seat 232, first adjusting rod 233, first lighting component 24, first lighting element 241, large surface detection mechanism 3, second image acquisition component 31, second camera 311, second sliding seat 312, second adjusting rod 313, second lighting component 32, second lighting element 321, rotation detection mechanism 4, rotation execution component 41, lifting drive component 411, rotation drive component 412, clamping component 413, mounting base 4131, clamping drive component 4132, gripper 4133, sensor 4134, detection execution component 42, third lighting component 4211, third lighting element 4211, third image acquisition component 422, third camera 4221, horizontal drive component 4222. Detailed Implementation

[0031] 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, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0032] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] Please refer to Figure 1In a preferred embodiment, the appearance inspection device of this utility model mainly includes a conveying mechanism 1, a top surface inspection mechanism 2, a large surface inspection mechanism 3, and a rotating inspection mechanism 4. The conveying mechanism 1 is configured to continuously convey a fixture loaded with a product. At least one top surface inspection mechanism 2 is mounted above the conveying mechanism 1 and is configured to acquire images of the top surface of the product. Two large surface inspection mechanisms 3 are respectively located on both sides of the conveying mechanism 1 and are configured to acquire images of the two first sides of the product. At least one rotating inspection mechanism 4 includes a rotating execution component 41 and a detection execution component 42. The rotating execution component 41 is mounted above the conveying mechanism 1, and the detection execution component 42 is adjacent to the conveying mechanism 1 and corresponds to the rotating execution component 41. The rotating execution component 41 is configured to clamp and rotate the product so that the second side of the product faces the detection execution component 42. The detection execution component 42 is configured to acquire images of the two second sides of the product.

[0034] It should be noted that the product in this embodiment is a cuboid battery, which has a top surface at the top, a set of first side surfaces with a large area parallel to the transfer direction, and a set of second side surfaces with a smaller area perpendicular to the transfer direction. In this embodiment, there are two top surface detection mechanisms 2. The two top surface detection mechanisms 2 work together to detect the top surface of the battery using images with different focal lengths. For example, the first top surface detection mechanism 2 acquires a large-area image to perform an overall detection of the top surface, while the second top surface detection mechanism 2 acquires images of specific locations on the top surface, such as the terminals, to detect locations prone to assembly problems. In other possible embodiments, the number of top surface detection mechanisms 2 may be different.

[0035] Two large-area detection mechanisms 3 are respectively located on both sides of the conveying mechanism 1, and respectively acquire images of the first side surfaces of the battery. In this embodiment, two rotating detection mechanisms 4 are configured. One rotating detection mechanism 4 clamps the product and rotates to acquire images of one of the second side surfaces of the battery, and the other rotating detection mechanism 4 clamps the product and rotates to acquire images of the other second side surface of the battery. By using two rotating detection mechanisms 4 to acquire images of the two second side surfaces respectively, it is convenient to classify and trace the data. In other possible embodiments, a single rotating detection mechanism 4 can be configured, which rotates the product at multiple angles to acquire images of both second side surfaces simultaneously.

[0036] As can be seen from the above technical solution, through the coordinated layout of the conveying mechanism 1, the top surface inspection mechanism 2, the large surface inspection mechanism 3, and the rotating inspection mechanism 4, the top surface, the first side surface, and the second side surface are inspected sequentially while maintaining continuous conveying. This achieves continuous inspection of the product surface, with a reasonable layout that enables simultaneous inspection coverage of all five visible surfaces of the product. The rotating execution component 41 mounted on the conveying mechanism 1 clamps the product and rotates it to adjust its posture, allowing the second side surface, which is difficult to inspect with traditional equipment, to face the side-mounted inspection execution component 42. This effectively eliminates blind spots in the inspection of the rectangular battery end face, achieving efficient and comprehensive inspection of the product surface.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 2 The top surface inspection mechanism 2 includes a sliding plate 21, a lifting drive component 22, a first image acquisition component 23, and a first illumination component 24. The first image acquisition component 23 and the first illumination component 24 are mounted on the sliding plate 21. The output end of the lifting drive component 22 is connected to the sliding plate 21, and the lifting drive component 22 is configured to drive the sliding plate 21 to move vertically. For example, the lifting drive component 22 can be an existing linear drive device, such as a cylinder, which is fixedly mounted on a mounting plate. The sliding plate 21 slides with the mounting plate via a slider and a guide rail. The output end of the lifting drive component 22 is connected to the sliding plate 21, enabling the first image acquisition component 23 and the first illumination component 24 to have a vertical lifting function, allowing for adjustments to the camera height to meet the inspection requirements of batteries of different specifications.

[0038] Specifically, the first illumination component 24 includes a plurality of first illumination elements 241 arranged in a rectangular array, and the first image acquisition component 23 includes a first camera 231 and a height adjustment component. The first camera 231 is located inside the projection of the plurality of first illumination elements 241, and the height adjustment component is configured to fine-tune the vertical position of the first camera 231. For example, the height adjustment component includes a first sliding seat 232 and a first adjusting rod 233. The first camera 231 is disposed on the first sliding seat 232, and the first adjusting rod 233 extends vertically and is threadedly connected to the first sliding seat 232. By rotating the first adjusting rod 233, the first sliding seat 232 can be moved vertically, thereby fine-tuning the height of the first camera 231. The rectangular array of first illumination elements 241 forms a uniform illumination area, which, together with the adjustable-height first camera 231 located at the center of the projection, ensures the quality of the top surface image acquisition. The height adjustment component enables precise adaptation of the focal length of the first camera 231, improving the detection accuracy of battery surfaces at different heights.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 3The large-area inspection mechanism 3 includes a second image acquisition component 31 and a second illumination component 32. The second illumination component 32 includes a plurality of second illumination elements 321 arranged in an array. The second image acquisition component 31 includes a second camera 311 and a horizontal adjustment component. The second camera 311 is located inside the projection of the plurality of second illumination elements 321. The horizontal adjustment component is configured to drive the second camera 311 to move horizontally to fine-tune the horizontal position of the second camera 311. For example, the horizontal adjustment component includes a second sliding seat 312 and a second adjusting rod 313. The second camera 311 is mounted on the second sliding seat 312. The second adjusting rod 313 is threadedly connected to the second sliding seat 312. The axis of the second adjusting rod 313 is parallel to the horizontal direction. Rotating the second adjusting rod 313 can drive the second sliding seat 312 to move horizontally, so that the second camera 311 is closer to or farther away from the product, thereby achieving fine-tuning of the shooting focus. Multiple second illumination elements 321 arranged in an array can provide sufficient light during shooting. The horizontal adjustment component enables the second camera 311 to be horizontally fine-tuned to adjust the shooting position, allowing the second camera 311 to be adapted to batteries of different sizes and improving the shooting accuracy of the first side of the battery.

[0040] Please refer to Figures 4 to 5 The rotary actuator 41 includes a lifting drive assembly 411, a rotary drive assembly 412, and a clamping assembly 413. The lifting drive assembly 411 is configured to drive the clamping assembly 413 to move in the vertical direction, the rotary drive assembly 412 is configured to drive the clamping assembly 413 to rotate about the vertical direction as an axis, and the clamping assembly 413 is configured to clamp the product on the fixture.

[0041] Specifically, the clamping assembly 413 includes a mounting base 4131, a clamping drive component 4132, and grippers 4133. The clamping drive component 4132 is mounted on the mounting base 4131. The output end of the rotary drive assembly 412 is connected to the mounting base 4131. The grippers 4133 are positioned opposite each other and connected to the clamping drive component 4132. For example, the clamping drive component 4132 can be a clamping cylinder, with its output end connected to two grippers 4133. The two grippers 4133 are positioned opposite each other, and the clamping drive component 4132 can drive the two grippers 4133 to move closer or further apart, thereby achieving clamping and unclamping of the product. By symmetrically arranging the grippers 4133, the battery can be subjected to balanced force during clamping. The clamping drive component 4132 cooperates with the rotary assembly to achieve reliable gripping while maintaining the motion stability of the rotary mechanism.

[0042] The rotary drive assembly 412 includes a motor, and the lifting drive component 22 includes a single-axis servo motor. The lifting drive assembly 411 can drive the clamping assembly 413 to descend, so that the clamping assembly 413 matches the height of the product. After the clamping assembly 413 clamps the product, the lifting drive assembly 411 drives the clamping assembly 413 to rise, so that the product is separated from the fixture. Then the rotary drive assembly 412 drives the clamping assembly 413 to rotate the product by a preset angle, so that the second side of the product is opposite to the detection execution assembly 42.

[0043] In this embodiment, the mounting base 4131 is equipped with a sensor 4134 for sensing the product. The sensor 4134 can be an existing one, such as an infrared sensor 4134. The sensor 4134 integrated in the mounting base 4131 detects the battery gripping status in real time and controls the timing of the clamping action through a trigger signal, thereby improving the reliability of the equipment operation.

[0044] The detection execution component 42 includes a third illumination component 421 and a third image acquisition component 422. The third illumination component 421 includes multiple third illumination elements 4211 arranged in a rectangular array. The third image acquisition component 422 includes a third camera 4221 and a horizontal drive component 4222. The third camera 4221 is located inside the projection of the multiple third illumination elements 4211. The horizontal drive component 4222 is connected to the third camera 4221 and is configured to drive the third camera 4221 to move horizontally. The horizontal drive component 4222 can use an existing linear drive module, such as a motor and lead screw. The horizontally movable third camera 4221 allows the detection execution component 42 to dynamically adjust the shooting distance according to the battery size. The rectangular array of third illumination elements 4211 provides sufficient light for shooting, improving the image quality.

[0045] Please refer to Figure 6 The conveying mechanism 1 includes an upper conveyor line 11, a lower conveyor line 12, a first lifting mechanism 13, and a second lifting mechanism 14. The lower conveyor line 12 is arranged parallel to and below the upper conveyor line 11. The first lifting mechanism 13 is located at one end of the upper conveyor line 11 and the lower conveyor line 12, and the second lifting mechanism 14 is located at the other end of the upper conveyor line 11 and the lower conveyor line 12. The first lifting mechanism 13 and the second lifting mechanism 14 are configured to drive the clamp to move vertically up and down, so that the clamp is cyclically conveyed between the upper conveyor line 11 and the lower conveyor line 12. It is understood that the first lifting mechanism 13 and the second lifting mechanism 14 can adopt the same structure, and both can use existing lifting devices; this application will not elaborate further. Through the cyclic conveying formed by the double-layer conveyor lines and the lifting mechanism, the clamp is separated into empty and fully loaded states through vertical transfer.

[0046] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, 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 this utility model.

[0047] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0048] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art 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 appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An appearance inspection apparatus characterized by comprising: include A conveying mechanism configured to continuously convey a clamp loaded with products; At least one top surface inspection mechanism is mounted above the conveying mechanism and configured to acquire images of the top surface of the product; Two large-area inspection mechanisms are respectively located on both sides of the conveying mechanism, configured to acquire images of the two first sides of the product; as well as At least one rotary detection mechanism includes a rotary execution component and a detection execution component. The rotary execution component is mounted above the conveying mechanism, and the detection execution component is adjacent to and corresponds to the conveying mechanism. The rotary execution component is configured to clamp and rotate a product so that a second side of the product faces the detection execution component. The detection execution component is configured to acquire images of the two second sides of the product.

2. The appearance inspection apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by The top surface detection mechanism includes a sliding plate, a lifting drive component, a first image acquisition component, and a first lighting component. The first image acquisition component and the first lighting component are disposed on the sliding plate. The output end of the lifting drive component is connected to the sliding plate. The lifting drive component is configured to drive the sliding plate to move vertically up and down.

3. The appearance inspection apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by The first lighting component includes a plurality of first lighting elements arranged in a rectangular array, and the first image acquisition component includes a first camera and a height adjustment component. The first camera is located inside the projection of the plurality of first lighting elements, and the height adjustment component is configured to fine-tune the vertical position of the first camera.

4. The appearance inspection apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by The large-area detection mechanism includes a second image acquisition component and a second illumination component. The second illumination component includes a plurality of second illumination elements arranged in an array. The second image acquisition component includes a second camera and a horizontal adjustment component. The second camera is located inside the projection of the plurality of second illumination elements. The horizontal adjustment component is configured to drive the second camera to move horizontally in order to fine-tune the horizontal position of the second camera.

5. The appearance inspection apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by The rotary actuator includes a lifting drive assembly, a rotary drive assembly, and a clamping assembly. The lifting drive assembly is configured to drive the clamping assembly to move in the vertical direction, the rotary drive assembly is configured to drive the clamping assembly to rotate about the vertical axis, and the clamping assembly is configured to clamp the product on the fixture.

6. The appearance inspection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein The clamping assembly includes a mounting base, a clamping drive component, and grippers. The clamping drive component is disposed on the mounting base, the output end of the rotary drive assembly is connected to the mounting base, and the grippers are disposed opposite to and connected to the clamping drive component.

7. The appearance inspection apparatus according to claim 6, characterized by The mounting base is equipped with a sensor for sensing the product.

8. The appearance inspection apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by The detection execution component includes a third illumination component and a third image acquisition component. The third illumination component includes a plurality of third illumination elements arranged in a rectangular array. The third image acquisition component includes a third camera and a horizontal drive component. The third camera is located inside the projection of the plurality of third illumination elements. The horizontal drive component is connected to the third camera and is configured to drive the third camera to move horizontally.

9. The appearance inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The conveying mechanism includes: Upper conveyor line; The lower conveyor line is arranged parallel to the upper conveyor line and located below the upper conveyor line; A first lifting mechanism is located at one end of the upper conveyor line and the lower conveyor line; and The second lifting mechanism is located at the other end of the upper and lower conveyor lines; The first and second lifting mechanisms are configured to drive the clamp to move vertically up and down, so that the clamp can be circulated between the upper and lower conveyor lines.

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