Tab detection mechanism and cylindrical battery cell winding detection system

Abstract

The application discloses a tab detection mechanism and a cylindrical battery cell winding detection system. The tab detection mechanism comprises a visual detection assembly and a light source assembly arranged at a winding inlet section. The tab is arranged between the winding inlet section and a diaphragm. The visual detection assembly is arranged on the side of the tab away from the diaphragm. The detection path of the visual detection assembly passes through the tab and reaches the diaphragm. The light source assembly is arranged on at least one side of the diaphragm. The illumination range of the light source assembly covers part of the area of the diaphragm and at least partially coincides with the detection path of the detection assembly on the diaphragm. The diaphragm is used as a detection background to collect the tab image. The diaphragm is irradiated by the light source assembly. The imaged diaphragm background is highlighted, and the area blocked by the tab is black. When the tab is folded and collapsed, the corresponding imaging area will disappear due to the light passing through. Through the clear black-and-white imaging effect of the tab and the background, the algorithm processing difficulty can be reduced, and the accuracy of the tab state detection can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a tab detection mechanism and a cylindrical cell winding detection system. Background Technology

[0002] In the production process of cylindrical battery cells, the tabs on the electrode sheets have a certain running path from cutting to winding. The tabs are affected by wind resistance and mechanical factors such as the rollers, which can cause collisions and cause the tabs to fold. Currently, the camera is usually placed in front of the electrode sheet to detect the tabs at the last roller before winding. However, the detection area of ​​the camera includes the positive and negative electrode sheets and the separator, resulting in poor image differentiation from the surrounding environment. This makes it impossible to accurately detect the tab folding and affects the product quality of the cylindrical battery cells. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a tab detection mechanism and a cylindrical cell winding detection system to improve the accuracy of tab condition detection and optimize the product quality of cylindrical cells.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A tab detection mechanism is used to detect tab folding at the in-winding section of a wound battery cell. The wound battery cell includes an electrode sheet and a separator. The tab is located on the electrode sheet, and the in-winding section is the position of the electrode sheet and separator before winding.

[0006] The electrode detection mechanism includes a vision detection component and a light source component disposed in the winding section. The electrode is disposed at a distance from the diaphragm in the winding section. The vision detection component is disposed on the side of the electrode away from the diaphragm. The detection path of the vision detection component passes through the electrode and reaches the diaphragm. The light source component is disposed on at least one side of the diaphragm. The illumination range of the light source component covers a portion of the diaphragm and at least partially overlaps with the detection path of the detection component on the diaphragm.

[0007] As can be seen from the above technical solution, one aspect of this disclosure provides a tab detection mechanism, which mainly includes a vision inspection component and a light source component to detect the folding shape of the tabs on the electrode sheet in the winding section. It should be noted that the winding section is the station before the electrode sheet and the separator are wound. At the winding section, the electrode sheet has tabs spaced apart along its length, and a separator is spaced apart on one side of the electrode sheet. The separator and the electrode sheet are wound synchronously to form a battery cell product. The vision inspection component is used to perform visual inspection and generate an image to determine the structural shape of the tabs. Specifically, the vision inspection component is set on the side of the electrode sheet away from the separator. Since the electrode sheet and the separator are wound and stacked, the electrode sheet and the separator usually have the same or similar width dimensions. Based on this, the detection path of the vision inspection component passes through the tabs set at one end of the electrode sheet in the width direction and reaches one side surface of the separator. That is, within the imaging range of the vision inspection component, the tabs serve as the target image, while the separator serves as the imaging background. Correspondingly, the light source component is set on one side of the separator and shines light towards the separator to illuminate it. At least a portion of the membrane, and at least partially overlapping with the detection path of the detection component, is located on the diaphragm. The diaphragm is illuminated directly or by internal light transmission, resulting in a bright state within the imaging range of the visual detection component. Areas on the diaphragm blocked by the tabs appear black because light cannot pass through them. The visual detection component's image displays a bright white background diaphragm and black tabs. Normally shaped tabs form a regularly raised black area, while folded or collapsed tabs result in incomplete black areas, allowing for clear identification of the tab state. It should be noted that, unlike existing technologies, this disclosure does not improve the clarity of the tabs after imaging by illuminating the electrodes and tabs with a light source component. Instead, it transforms the tabs into black imaging areas by using the diaphragm as the imaging background and presenting it in a bright state. The state of the tabs is detected by observing the imaging pattern of the black areas. At the same time, the clear distinction between the black and white tabs and the background allows the image to be clearly identified by the algorithm, thereby improving the accuracy of tab shape detection. Attached Figure Description

[0008] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode detection mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the working path of the visual inspection component and the light source component provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the tab detection mechanism and the arrangement of the positive and negative electrode plates provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0012] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the action path of the visual inspection component and the light source component on the positive electrode and the negative electrode provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the outer diaphragm according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the relative position and angle of a line scan camera and an electrode tab according to an embodiment of this utility model;

[0015] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A front view;

[0016] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a light source assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention, located on the side of the diaphragm away from the electrode sheet;

[0017] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a visual inspection component provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A front view;

[0019] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustment structure of the visual inspection component;

[0020] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a cylindrical battery cell winding detection system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] in:

[0022] 10-Vision inspection component; 110-First vision inspection component; 120-Second vision inspection component; 130-Line scan camera; 140-Column; 150-Support base; 1510-Connecting hole; 1520-Fixing hole; 160-Detection unit; 170-Adjusting plate; 1710-Hinge hole; 1720-Adjusting slot;

[0023] 20 - Light source assembly; 210 - First light source assembly; 220 - Second light source assembly;

[0024] 30 - Electrode; 310 - Positive electrode; 320 - Negative electrode;

[0025] 40 - tab; 410 - positive tab; 420 - negative tab;

[0026] 50 - Diaphragm; 60 - Outer diaphragm;

[0027] 70 - Electrode testing institution; 80 - Post-processing testing institution. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The core of this application is to disclose a tab detection mechanism and a cylindrical cell winding detection system to improve the accuracy of tab condition detection and optimize the product quality of cylindrical cells.

[0029] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments shown below do not limit the scope of the utility model described in the claims. Additionally, the complete content of the structures represented in the following embodiments is not limited to those necessary for the solution of the utility model described in the claims.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, one aspect of this disclosure provides a tab detection mechanism for detecting the morphology of tabs 40 on electrode sheets 30 before winding during the cell production process.

[0031] It should be noted that a battery cell is formed by winding or stacking positive electrode plates, negative electrode plates, and a separator placed between them. The specific process of winding a battery cell involves rotating and winding the positive electrode plates, negative electrode plates, and separator together in a certain order using the winding needle mechanism of a winding machine to form a battery cell. During the winding process, the positive and negative electrode plates are isolated by the separator to prevent short circuits, ensuring that the negative electrode plate completely covers the positive electrode plate in both the horizontal and vertical directions. After winding, the core is fixed with tape to prevent it from unraveling.

[0032] In addition, the winding process can form cylindrical or square battery cells.

[0033] The positive electrode sheet includes a positive current collector and a positive active material. The positive current collector can be made of metal materials such as aluminum foil, nickel foil, and stainless steel, or a composite foil formed by combining metals and insulating materials. The positive active material includes the main positive active material, conductive agent, binder, etc. The main positive active material includes one or more lithium-containing positive active materials such as lithium iron phosphate, ternary materials containing nickel, cobalt, and manganese, and lithium manganese iron phosphate.

[0034] Similarly, the negative electrode sheet includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material. The negative electrode current collector can be made of metal materials such as copper foil, aluminum foil, and stainless steel, or it can be a composite foil material formed by combining metals and insulating materials. The negative electrode active material includes the negative electrode active material, conductive agent, binder, etc. The negative electrode active material includes one or more of the following: artificial graphite, natural graphite, silicon carbide, silicon oxide, lithium titanate, etc.

[0035] The separator is an insulating membrane placed between the positive and negative electrode plates to prevent electrons from passing through while allowing ions to pass through. The separator is made of at least one of the following materials: glass fiber, non-woven fabric, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, etc.

[0036] The tabs are metal conductors that lead the positive and negative electrodes out of the battery cell. They are the contact points during charging and discharging. Before being wound, the tabs are protruding structures on one side of the electrode width direction. Multiple sets of tabs are set at intervals along the length direction of the electrode as needed and are wound together with the electrode.

[0037] And such Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the tab detection mechanism is used to perform folding detection on the tab 40 before winding, i.e., at the winding section position. Specifically, the wound cell includes an electrode 30 and a separator 50. The winding section is the station where the electrode 30 and separator 50 are before winding. That is, the cell winding production line includes an unwinding roller, multiple guide rollers, and winding needles. The positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator are unwound by the unwinding roller, and then wound on the winding needles after passing through multiple guide rollers to form a core. The positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator located between the last guide roller and the winding needle is the winding section in this application. Based on the above structure, the electrode 30 and separator 50 are spaced apart at the winding section position.

[0038] The tab testing mechanism tests the tabs 40 on one or both of the positive electrode 310 and the negative electrode 320. That is, the tab testing mechanism can set up one or two groups to test the morphology of the tabs 40 on one or two types of electrode 30.

[0039] Specifically, the single-group electrode detection mechanism mainly includes a vision detection component 10 and a light source component 20. The vision detection component 10 is used to acquire and generate image information to determine the structural shape of the electrode 40, while the light source component 20 is used to perform local illumination to increase the brightness of its illuminated area.

[0040] The visual inspection component 10 is specifically disposed on the side of the electrode 30 away from the diaphragm 50, that is, the visual inspection component 10 and the diaphragm 50 are disposed on opposite sides of the electrode 30. At the same time, the detection path of the visual inspection component 10 passes through the tab 40 disposed at one end of the electrode 30 in the width direction and reaches one side surface of the diaphragm 50.

[0041] It should be noted that the detection path of the visual detection component 10 is the effective image detection range of the visual detection component 10, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the range of the dashed line extending from the lens of the visual detection component 10 is the effective image detection range, while its detection path is shown by the dashed line at the center position.

[0042] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the detection path of the visual inspection component 10 is tilted, specifically, the detection path is tilted relative to the width direction of the electrode 30.

[0043] It should be noted that since the electrode 30 and the diaphragm 50 are rolled and stacked, the electrode 30 and the diaphragm 50 usually have the same or similar width dimensions. However, the detection path perpendicular to the electrode 30 and the tab 40 will cause the diaphragm 50 to be blocked. The purpose of this embodiment is to use the diaphragm 50 as the imaging background so as to clearly distinguish the state of the tab 40. Therefore, the detection path of the vision detection component 10 is tilted so that the detection path of the vision detection component 10 can pass through the tab 40 located at one end of the width direction of the electrode 30 and then tilt to reach one side surface of the diaphragm 50. This detection path enables the tab 40 to be the target image and the diaphragm 50 to be the imaging background in the imaging of the vision detection component 10.

[0044] Based on the above structure, the light source assembly 20 is disposed on one side of the diaphragm 50, or disposed on both sides of the diaphragm 50, so that one or two sets of light source assemblies 20 can irradiate the diaphragm 50. The irradiation range of the light source assembly 20 covers at least a part of the diaphragm 50. The light can be conducted within the diaphragm 50 to make the diaphragm present a higher brightness state, so that the diaphragm 50 presents a curtain-like effect and remains in a high brightness state. Within the imaging range of the visual detection assembly 10, the diaphragm 50 is in a high brightness state. At the same time, the area of ​​the diaphragm 50 blocked by the tab 40 will appear black in the image because the light cannot pass through the tab 40.

[0045] It should be noted that illuminating the diaphragm 50 with two sets of light source components 20 on both sides can further enhance the brightness of the diaphragm 50 while ensuring the brightness of the imaging background.

[0046] Unlike existing technologies that attempt to enhance the brightness of the tab 40 surface by lighting to enable the visual detection component 10 to obtain a clearer image of the tab 40 surface, this application first uses the diaphragm 50 as the imaging background of the tab 40 to reduce background clutter that could affect the algorithm's accurate acquisition of the tab 40's state. Simultaneously, the light source component 20 illuminates the diaphragm 50, making the background of the tab 40 in the image bright. In contrast, the tab 40 appears black in the image due to its blocking effect on light, making it impossible to distinguish its clear surface. A tab 40 in a normal shape will form a black area with regular raised structures in the bright background, while a folded or collapsed tab 40 will result in an incomplete black area. This avoids the need to identify the detailed state of the tab 40 surface and allows for accurate judgment of the tab 40's shape based on the state of the black structures in the image.

[0047] It should also be noted that the clear contrast between the black and white tab 40 and the background allows the image generated by the visual inspection component 10 to be clearly recognized by the algorithm. That is, the algorithm only needs to extract the black area in the image and judge its shape and integrity, without having to judge the detailed structural shape, thus reducing the recognition difficulty and improving the accuracy of tab 40 shape detection and the product quality of cylindrical cells.

[0048] Furthermore, in the tab detection mechanism provided in this embodiment, the illumination path of the light source assembly 20 needs to reach the diaphragm 50 in order to improve the brightness of the diaphragm 50. It should be noted that the illumination path of the light source assembly 20 only needs to reach the diaphragm 50 and avoid direct illumination from the tab 40 towards the visual detection assembly 10. The brightness of the diaphragm 50 can be improved by the refraction of light within the diaphragm 50, and the tab 40 can be clearly distinguished from the background in the image of the visual detection assembly 10 by avoiding the tab 40.

[0049] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the detection path of the detection component 10 on the diaphragm 50 at least partially overlaps with the illumination range of the light source component 20. That is, the light source component 20 can directly illuminate the effective imaging area of ​​the detection component 10, thereby reducing the transmission path of light within the diaphragm 50 to the effective imaging area of ​​the detection component 10, and increasing the brightness of the diaphragm 50 within the effective imaging area of ​​the detection component 10, thus improving the imaging effect.

[0050] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the illumination path of the light source component 20, i.e., the direct emitted light from the light source component 20, intersects with the detection path of the vision detection component 10 at the diaphragm 50 position. This allows the diaphragm 50 area, which serves as the imaging background of the vision detection component 10, to directly receive illumination from the light source component 20, thereby further enhancing its brightness. It should also be noted that in some embodiments, such as... Figure 4 The dashed line extending from one of the light source components 20 represents the center line of the emitted light from the light source component 20, which is also the optimal brightness illumination area of ​​the light source component 20, and the center line of the detection path of the vision detection component 10, as shown. Figure 4 The dashed line extending from one of the visual detection components 10, namely the central imaging region on the visual detection component 10 with the best imaging morphology, converges at the position of the diaphragm 50.

[0051] like Figure 2The dashed line extending from the light source component 20 represents the center line of the emitted light from the light source component 20. The illumination path of the light source component 20 and the detection path of the visual detection component 10 intersect at the position of the diaphragm 50, so that the area of ​​the diaphragm 50, which serves as the imaging background of the visual detection component 10, can directly receive the illumination from the light source component 20, thereby further improving its brightness. This makes the brightness of the area of ​​the diaphragm 50, which serves as the imaging background, higher, making it more distinct from the black tab 40 in the image, and further improving the accuracy of the algorithm in recognizing the shape of the tab 40.

[0052] The above embodiments disclose the detection of tabs 40 on a single electrode 30 using a tab detection mechanism. However, in some embodiments of this disclosure, in actual application conditions, the electrode 30 includes a positive electrode 310 and a negative electrode 320. Based on this, such as Figure 3 As shown, the diaphragm 50 is disposed between the positive electrode 310 and the negative electrode 320, so that a single diaphragm 50 forms two imaging backgrounds on the positive electrode 310 and the negative electrode 320. Specifically, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the visual inspection component 10 includes a first visual inspection component 110 and a second visual inspection component 120. The detection path of the first visual inspection component 110 passes through the positive tab 410 on the positive electrode 310 and reaches one side of the diaphragm 50, while the detection path of the second visual inspection component 120 passes through the negative tab 420 on the negative electrode 320 and reaches the other side of the diaphragm 50. The detection paths of the first visual inspection component 110 and the second visual inspection component 120 intersect in the same area on the diaphragm 50, so that the light source component 20 only needs to directly illuminate the same area on the diaphragm 50 to make the images of the first visual inspection component 110 and the second visual inspection component 120 have a bright background. By sharing the diaphragm 50, the number of light source components 20 required is reduced, thereby reducing the structural complexity of the tab detection mechanism and meeting the setting requirements in a relatively narrow production environment.

[0053] Based on the above embodiments, the positive electrode 310 and negative electrode 320 are disposed on both sides of the separator 50. Taking the first visual detection component 110 as an example, the first visual detection component 110 is disposed on the side of the positive electrode 310 away from the separator 50, while the separator 50 is disposed between the positive electrode 310 and the negative electrode 320. This causes the detection path of the first visual detection component 110 to extend towards the separator 50 and the negative electrode 320 after passing through the positive tab 410 on the positive electrode 310 during imaging, posing a risk that the negative tab 420 may be present in the imaging, thus affecting the accuracy of the detection of the positive tab 410 structure. The same applies to the second visual detection component 120. Therefore, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the detection paths of the first visual detection component 110 and the second visual detection component 120 are both inclined towards the separator 50 and terminate at opposite sides of the separator 50.

[0054] That is, Figure 4 As shown, for the first visual detection component 110, its tilted detection path reaches one side of the diaphragm 50 after passing the positive electrode tab 410. At the same time, the end range of the detection path falls completely within the width area of ​​the diaphragm 50 and is blocked by the diaphragm 50, and will not continue to extend from the width direction of the diaphragm 50 to the position of the negative electrode 320 on the other side. This ensures that the image of the first visual detection component 110, based on the diaphragm 50 as the background, only has a black image of the positive electrode 310 and the positive electrode tab 410, realizing independent detection of the tab 40 and ensuring the accuracy of the detection of the shape of the tab 40.

[0055] The relative relationship between the detection path of the second visual detection component 120 and the negative electrode tab 420 and the diaphragm 50 is the same as the relative relationship between the first visual detection component 110 and the positive electrode tab 410 and the diaphragm 50, and will not be repeated here.

[0056] Furthermore, considering the light propagation intensity in the diaphragm 50, to avoid insufficient background brightness in the imaging of the visual detection component 10 due to unilateral lighting on the side of the diaphragm 50 facing away from the light source assembly 20, which would lead to difficulty in accurately distinguishing the bending shape, such as... Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the light source assembly 20 specifically includes a first light source assembly 210 and a second light source assembly 220. The first light source assembly 210 and the second light source assembly 220 are disposed on opposite sides of the diaphragm 50 and illuminate both sides of the diaphragm 50 respectively. Correspondingly, the first light source assembly 210 and the second light source assembly 220 are configured one-to-one with the first visual detection assembly 110 and the second visual detection assembly 120. Here, the one-to-one correspondence specifically means that for the first light source assembly 210, it corresponds to the first visual detection assembly 110. Specifically, the first light source assembly 210 and the first visual detection assembly 110 are disposed on the same side of the diaphragm 50, and the detection path of the first visual detection assembly 110 and the illumination path of the first light source assembly 210 intersect in the same area on the same side of the diaphragm 50. The positive electrode tab 410 on the positive electrode 310 is detected and imaged by the first visual detection assembly 110, and the area on the diaphragm 50 that constitutes its imaging background is covered by the illumination range of the first light source assembly 210 to form a bright background.

[0057] As for the second light source component 220, it corresponds to the first visual detection component 110. Specifically, the first light source component 210 and the second visual detection component 120 are disposed on the same side of the diaphragm 50, and the detection path of the second visual detection component 120 and the illumination path of the second light source component 220 intersect in the same area on the same side of the diaphragm 50. The negative electrode tab 420 on the negative electrode sheet 320 is detected and imaged by the second visual detection component 120, and the area on the diaphragm 50 that constitutes its imaging background is covered by the illumination range of the second light source component 220 to form a bright background.

[0058] In the above embodiments, the independently configured first light source component 210 and second light source component 220 can independently illuminate the opposite sides of the diaphragm 50, so that when either side of the diaphragm 50 is used as the imaging background, it can be in a bright state in the image, and form a contrast between light and dark with the tab 40 in the image to achieve accurate identification of the state of the tab 40.

[0059] It should also be noted that in some other embodiments of this disclosure, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the light source assembly 20 can also be a single unit, and the illumination range of the light source assembly 20 covers at least a portion of the diaphragm 50 from one side, thereby enhancing the brightness of the diaphragm 50 through light transmission within the diaphragm 50. In production environments with limited space, a single light source assembly 20 can reduce the space occupied by the tab detection mechanism around the normal winding process, thus reducing the risk of interference between the tab detection mechanism and the electrode 30 and diaphragm 50. Furthermore, for the diaphragm 50, which has good light transmittance on both sides, a single light source assembly 20 can meet the lighting requirements on both sides while reducing the cost of the tab detection mechanism and improving production efficiency.

[0060] Furthermore, in the electrode detection mechanism provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, in some application conditions, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the battery cell structure to be produced also includes an outer separator 60, which is spaced apart from the separator 50 on both sides of the positive electrode 310 to form a stacked structure of outer separator 60, positive electrode 310, separator 50 and negative electrode 320 during the winding process. On this basis, the first visual inspection component 110 is disposed between the outer separator 60 and the positive electrode 310 to utilize the space between the outer separator 60 and the positive electrode 310 for structural setup, thereby reducing the additional space occupied by the tab detection mechanism, improving the integration of the structural setup, and allowing the first visual inspection component 110 to be set closer to the positive electrode 310 so that its detection path can smoothly terminate on the separator 50 after passing the positive tab 410. This reduces the risk that the detection path tilt angle of the first visual inspection component 110 is too small, resulting in the appearance of the negative tab 420 in the image and affecting the algorithm's acquisition of the positive tab 410's shape.

[0061] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the visual inspection component 10 includes a line scan camera 130 for direct imaging. It should be noted that the line scan camera 130 is an industrial camera designed for high-speed, continuous imaging. It is widely used in surface defect detection and quality control in industries such as printing, textiles, semiconductors, lithium batteries, and photovoltaics. It can flexibly select the sensor length, lens magnification, and light source type according to the requirements of the detection width, accuracy, and speed. It is suitable for the detection of the moving tab 40 in the embodiments of this application and can generate a straight imaging path as needed to cooperate with the tab 40 and the diaphragm 50.

[0062] It should also be noted that, as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the angle α between the detection path of the line scan camera 130 and the tab 40 ranges from 45 degrees to 85 degrees, specifically 45 degrees, 55 degrees, 65 degrees, 75 degrees, or 85 degrees, to meet imaging requirements. Specifically, angle α refers to the acute angle between the linear detection path of the line scan camera 130 and the plane of the tab 40. Due to the fixed imaging position of the line scan camera 130 and the distance between the tab 40 and the diaphragm 50, if the angle α is less than 45 degrees, it indicates that the tilt angle of the detection path of the line scan camera 130 relative to the tab 40 is too large. If the tab 40 needs to be kept in the center of the imaging area, the detection path of the line scan camera 130 will not fall entirely within the range of the diaphragm 50, resulting in the background of the tab 40 not remaining bright in the image captured by the line scan camera 130, making it difficult to accurately distinguish the tabs. The issue lies in the state of the tab 40. If the angle α between the detection path of the line scan camera 130 and the tab 40 is greater than 85 degrees, it indicates that the tilt angle of the detection path relative to the tab 40 is too small. Since the height of the diaphragm 50 and the electrode 30 are similar or the same, an insufficient tilt angle will cause the detection path to not fully fall within the range of the diaphragm 50 after passing the tab 40. It will exceed the width of the diaphragm 50 and reach behind it, resulting in the bright areas in the imaging background not covering the tab 40, and even other components behind the diaphragm 50 appearing in the image, making it impossible to accurately capture the shape of the tab 40 in the image. Therefore, the range of the angle α between the detection path of the line scan camera 130 and the tab 40 is limited to 45-85 degrees to ensure that the detection path of the line scan camera 130 can smoothly pass through the tab 40 and terminate completely on the diaphragm 50, maintaining a clear distinction between the tab 40 and the background in the image and improving detection accuracy.

[0063] In addition, the light source assembly 20 may include a line scan light source, which is a light source device that can emit a bright light. It is usually composed of multiple high-brightness LED chips arranged in a straight line and the light is focused and shaped by an optical lens system. It can realize bright field illumination, dark field illumination and backlight illumination. It works perfectly with the line scan camera 130 to realize real-time and rapid detection of moving objects.

[0064] Based on the above embodiments, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the vertical distance L1mm between the lens of the line scan camera 130 and the electrode 40 being inspected ranges from 60mm to 200mm, specifically 60mm, 100mm, 140mm, 170mm, or 200mm. It should be noted that if L1mm is less than 60mm, the distance between the line scan camera 130 and the electrode 40 will be too close, posing a risk of interference and affecting the winding of the electrode 30. Furthermore, the line scan camera 130 needs to achieve a large tilt angle to acquire the image of the electrode 40; a small L1mm will affect the structural layout and make it difficult to meet the requirement of the diaphragm 50 as a background. Conversely, if L1mm is greater than 200mm, the distance between the line scan camera 130 and the electrode 40 will be too far, requiring the vision inspection component 10 to occupy more space in the production environment. A greater setup distance will also result in more clutter appearing in the lens of the line scan camera 130, affecting the clear resolution of the electrode 40 in the image. Therefore, the vertical distance L1mm between the lens of the line scan camera 130 and the electrode 40 being detected is limited to 60mm-200mm to balance the spatial setup requirements of the visual inspection component 10 and the positional relationship between the electrode 40 and the background in the imaging process.

[0065] Furthermore, in the tab detection mechanism provided in this embodiment, the light source assembly 20 is used to illuminate the diaphragm 50 to meet the high brightness requirement of the background in imaging. The specific position of the light source assembly 20 can be arbitrarily set. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the light source assembly 20 is disposed between the diaphragm 50 and the electrode 30. In this configuration, the light source assembly 20 and the vision detection assembly 10 are located on the same side of the diaphragm 50, and the light emitted by the light source assembly 20 from the diaphragm 50 completely avoids direct illumination on the vision detection assembly 10. In other embodiments, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the light source assembly 20 is disposed on the side of the diaphragm 50 away from the electrode 30, that is, the light source assembly 20 and the vision detection assembly 10 are disposed on opposite sides of the diaphragm 50. At this time, the illumination path of the light source assembly 20 is tilted so that the illumination path can directly illuminate the area of ​​the diaphragm 50 required to form the image background. At the same time, the tilted setting of the illumination path can avoid the risk of directly illuminating the vision detection assembly 10 from the opposite side of the vision detection assembly 10, thus ensuring the dark state of the electrode tab 40 in the image.

[0066] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the vision inspection assembly 10 includes a column 140, a support base 150, and a detection unit 160. The column 140 is mounted on a large plate to provide stable support for other components of the vision inspection assembly 10, and is parallel to the electrode 30. The support base 150 is slidably mounted along the axial direction of the column 140. It can adopt a slide rail or slide track structure, and its position along the axial direction of the column 140 can be changed by electric drive or manual adjustment. The detection unit 160 is used to acquire image information on the detection path. It is mounted on the support base 150, and its height can be adjusted by adjusting the support base 150 along the axial direction of the column 140 to meet the image acquisition requirements of the electrode 40. Furthermore, it can adjust the position of the electrode 40 according to different heights or positions under different working conditions to improve the versatility of the electrode detection mechanism.

[0067] Based on the above embodiments, the support base 150 is a clamping structure with a single-sided opening, which surrounds and clamps the outer wall of the column 140. The operator can drive the support base 150 to adjust its position along the axial direction of the column 140 by widening the opening of the support base 150 or directly applying a force along the axial direction of the column 140. Simultaneously, the support base 150 has a through-hole 1510 at its opening. A fastener passing through the through-hole 1510 locks the opening of the support base 150, thereby achieving its locking onto the column 140. It should be noted that at least two through-holes 1510 are preferably provided and spaced apart to improve the uniformity of the locking force on the support base 150 and to ensure that the fasteners in at least two through-holes 1510 are mutually redundant, reducing the risk of locking failure between the support base 150 and the column 140.

[0068] In addition, in order to further improve the adjustment flexibility of the detection unit 160 and enable it to meet the setting requirements of the detection path under different installation conditions, the detection unit 160 is also fixedly mounted on the adjustment plate 170, while the adjustment plate 170 is rotatably mounted on the support base 150 to adjust the tilt angle between the detection unit 160 and the tab 40.

[0069] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the adjusting plate 170 has a hinge hole 1710 and an adjusting groove 1720. The hinge hole 1710 corresponds to the support base 150, and the support base 150 has a corresponding opening, so that the adjusting plate 170 can be rotatably connected to the support base 150 through a pivot passing through the hinge hole 1710. The support base 150 has several fixing holes 1520. During the rotation of the adjusting plate 170 based on the hinge hole 1710, at least one fixing hole 1520 overlaps within the groove of the adjusting groove 1720, so that the adjusting groove 1720 can be fixedly connected to the support base 150 after the angle is adjusted by a connector provided through the fixing hole 1520.

[0070] Meanwhile, based on the angle adjustment requirements of the detection unit 160, such as Figure 11 As shown, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the range of the rotation adjustment angle β of the adjustment plate 170 based on the hinge hole 1710 is -45 degrees to +45 degrees. That is, the angle adjustment range of the detection unit 160 during the rotation of the adjustment plate 170 is -45 degrees to +45 degrees. It should be noted that this angle adjustment range is based on the height of the electrode 30 commonly used in the production process. When the height of the electrode 30 changes, causing the distance between the electrode tab 40 and the detection unit 160 in the axial direction along the column 140 to change, the angle of the detection unit 160 is adjusted so that the detection path of the detection unit 160 can still pass through the electrode tab 40 and reach the position of the diaphragm 50 on the other side, thereby meeting the requirements of the electrode tab 40 and the background in the imaging area and improving the versatility of the electrode tab detection mechanism.

[0071] Furthermore, such as Figure 12 As shown, another aspect of this disclosure provides a cylindrical battery cell winding inspection system. This system includes a tab detection mechanism 70 as described in any of the above embodiments. The tab detection mechanism 70 is located at the last roller before the electrode sheet 30 is wound, to perform morphological inspection on the tab 40 before winding. It can detect the state of the tab 40 before winding and provide feedback on whether the tab 40 has folded or collapsed during transport, pinpointing the location of the problem and providing feedback to the operator for repair or shutdown / scrapping. It should be noted that since the tab detection mechanism 70 has the technical effects provided in any of the above embodiments, the cylindrical battery cell winding inspection system also has the technical effects provided in any of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0072] Based on the above embodiments, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the cylindrical cell winding inspection system further includes a downstream inspection mechanism 80. This downstream inspection mechanism 80 is located at the winding needle position to detect the stacking shape of the tabs 40 at the winding needle position in real time. Combined with the tab inspection mechanism 70 provided in the aforementioned embodiments, it can perform all-round inspection of the shape of the tabs 40 before and during winding, thereby enabling the cylindrical cell winding inspection system to have richer process inspection functions and to provide timely feedback on the state of the tabs 40 at different stages and take corresponding measures to ensure the smooth production of cylindrical cells.

[0073] The terms "first," "second," "left side," and "right side," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units may not be defined in the listed steps or units, but may include steps or units not listed.

[0074] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A tab detection mechanism for detecting the folding of a tab (40) at the in-winding section of a wound battery cell, the wound battery cell comprising an electrode sheet (30) and a separator (50), the tab (40) being located on the electrode sheet (30), the in-winding section being the position of the electrode sheet (30) and the separator (50) before winding; characterized in that, The electrode detection mechanism includes a visual detection component (10) and a light source component (20) disposed on the winding section. The electrode (30) is disposed at intervals between the winding section and the diaphragm (50). The visual detection component (10) is disposed on the side of the electrode (30) away from the diaphragm (50). The detection path of the visual detection component (10) passes through the electrode (40) and reaches the diaphragm (50). The light source component (20) is disposed on at least one side of the diaphragm (50). The illumination range of the light source component (20) covers a portion of the diaphragm (50) and at least partially overlaps with the detection path of the detection component (10) on the diaphragm (50).

2. The electrode detection mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The light source assembly (20) and the visual detection assembly (10) are disposed on both sides of the diaphragm (50), and the center line of the illumination range of the light source assembly (20) and the center line of the detection path of the visual detection assembly (10) coincide with the diaphragm (50).

3. The electrode detection mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode (30) includes a positive electrode (310) and a negative electrode (320), and the separator (50) is disposed between the positive electrode (310) and the negative electrode (320); The visual detection component (10) includes a first visual detection component (110) whose detection path passes through the positive tab (410) on the positive electrode (310) and reaches one side of the diaphragm (50), and a second visual detection component (120) whose detection path passes through the negative tab (420) on the negative electrode (320) and reaches the other side of the diaphragm (50).

4. The electrode detection mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The detection paths of the first visual detection component (110) and the second visual detection component (120) are both inclined toward the diaphragm (50) and terminate at opposite sides of the diaphragm (50).

5. The electrode detection mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The light source assembly (20) includes a first light source assembly (210) and a second light source assembly (220) respectively disposed on opposite sides of the diaphragm (50) and irradiating the sides of the diaphragm (50); the first light source assembly (210) and the second light source assembly (220) are respectively disposed in correspondence with the first visual detection assembly (110) and the second visual detection assembly (120).

6. The electrode detection mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The light source assembly (20) is a single unit, and the illumination range of the light source assembly (20) covers a portion of the diaphragm (50) from one side.

7. The electrode detection mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes an outer diaphragm (60), which is disposed on both sides of the positive electrode (310) at a distance from the diaphragm (50), and the first visual detection component (110) is disposed between the outer diaphragm (60) and the positive electrode (310).

8. The electrode detection mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The angle α between the detection path of the visual detection component (10) and the plane where the tab (40) is located ranges from 45 degrees to 85 degrees.

9. The electrode detection mechanism as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The vertical distance L1mm between the imaging lens of the visual inspection component (10) and the electrode (40) being inspected ranges from 60mm to 200mm.

10. The electrode detection mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The light source assembly (20) is disposed between the diaphragm (50) and the electrode (30).

11. The electrode detection mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The light source assembly (20) is disposed on the side of the diaphragm (50) opposite to the electrode (30).

12. The electrode detection mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The visual inspection component (10) includes a column (140), a support base (150), and a detection unit (160). The column (140) is arranged parallel to the electrode (30). The support base (150) is slidably arranged along the axial direction of the column (140). The detection unit (160) is disposed on the support base (150) and is used to acquire image information on the detection path.

13. The electrode detection mechanism as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The support base (150) has an opening on one side and is clamped and connected to the column (140). At least two connecting holes (1510) are opened through the opening of the support base (150) and locked to the column (140) by fasteners.

14. The electrode detection mechanism as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The detection unit (160) is fixedly mounted on the adjustment plate (170), and the adjustment plate (170) is rotatably mounted on the support base (150) to adjust the tilt angle between the detection unit (160) and the electrode (40).

15. The electrode detection mechanism as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The adjusting plate (170) has a hinge hole (1710) and an adjusting groove (1720), and the support base (150) has a plurality of fixing holes (1520). The adjusting plate (170) is rotatably connected to the support base (150) through a rotating shaft passing through the hinge hole (1710). The adjusting groove (1720) overlaps with at least one of the fixing holes (1520) and is fixed by a connector.

16. The electrode detection mechanism as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The adjustment plate (170) has a rotation adjustment angle β degree range of -45 degrees to +45 degrees based on the hinge hole (1710).

17. A cylindrical battery cell winding detection system, characterized in that, Includes the tab detection mechanism (70) as described in any one of claims 1-16, wherein the tab detection mechanism (70) is disposed at the last roller before the electrode sheet (30) is wound, and performs morphological detection on the tab (40) before winding.

18. The cylindrical cell winding detection system as described in claim 17, characterized in that, It also includes a post-processing inspection mechanism (80) located at the needle winding position, the post-processing inspection mechanism (80) being used to detect the stacking pattern of the tabs (40) at the needle winding position.

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