Stacking machine

Abstract

Stacking machine, including: a stacking table; four press knife assemblies, each arranged at one of the four corners of the stacking table; at least two detection plates, wherein the at least two detection plates are each connected to two diagonally arranged press knife assemblies of the press knife assemblies, and wherein the detection plate is used to support a part to be detected; an image capture device that is located on one side of the detection plate which carries the part to be detected.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of battery technology, in particular a stacking machine. Technical background

[0002] During the manufacturing process of lithium batteries using a stacking method, the negative and positive terminal tabs of the battery cell are slightly bent over because the negative and positive terminal tabs, which consist of, for example, aluminum foil or copper foil, have a thickness only in the micrometer range and have a comparatively low strength.

[0003] Current stacking machines typically only check whether the electrode sheet connection tabs are bent before inserting the electrode sheets, but do not perform a check for bent connection tabs on the inserted electrode sheets, resulting in a comparatively low yield of stacked battery cells.

[0004] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the above-mentioned section “Technical Background” is intended only to deepen the understanding of the background of the present disclosure and may therefore contain information that does not represent prior art that is already known to a person skilled in the art. Content of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the present disclosure is to overcome the shortcomings of the aforementioned related technologies and to provide a stacking machine.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a stacking machine is provided which includes: a stacking table; four press knife assemblies, each arranged at one of the four corners of the stacking table; at least two detection plates, wherein the at least two detection plates are each connected to two diagonally arranged press knife assemblies of the press knife assemblies, and wherein the detection plate is used to support a part to be detected; an image capture device that is located on one side of the detection plate which carries the part to be detected.

[0007] In the stacking machine of the present disclosure, the detection plate can, on the one hand, support the part to be detected to prevent bending; on the other hand, the detection plate can provide a background for the part to be detected to facilitate subsequent image recognition. Furthermore, after the image acquisition device has captured an image of the part to be detected and the detection plate, image recognition processing can be performed on the captured image to detect whether the part to be detected is bent. It is also possible to view the image manually to detect whether the part to be detected is bent, without requiring personnel to be present, thus improving the working environment for the personnel.Furthermore, it is possible to detect whether the part to be detected is bent during the process of forming battery cells by stacking, thus preventing a battery cell with a bent part to be detected from entering the next work step, thereby avoiding a waste of labor and material resources.

[0008] It is understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory and cannot limit the present disclosure. Images

[0009] The drawings included here are incorporated into the specification, form part of the specification, show embodiments corresponding to the present disclosure, and are used together with the description to explain the principle of the present disclosure. Obviously, the drawings described below represent only some embodiments of the present disclosure. The person skilled in the art can also obtain further drawings based on these without inventive work. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic top view of an exemplary embodiment of a stacking machine of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment of a stacking machine of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic view of a substructure of the connecting tab made of Fig. 1 after the ankle twists. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic structural view of another exemplary embodiment of a first marking section on a detection plate. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic view of the connection structure of electrical devices of a stacking machine of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic structural view of a step in the stacking process of a stacking machine of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic structural view of a further step in the stacking process of a stacking machine of the present disclosure. Reference symbol list:

[0010] 11-Detection plate; 11a-Detection edge; 111-First marking section; 112-Second marking section; 12-Image capture device; 13-Light source; 14-Control; 15-Alarm detector; 2a-press knife assembly; 2a1-first press knife assembly; 2a2-second press knife assembly; 21-press knife; 211-press knife edge; 21z-left press knife; 21y-right press knife; 22-Drive mechanism; 221-First drive; 222-Second drive; 23-Stacking table; 24-Press knife seat; 25-First connecting element; 26-Second connecting element; 31-Electrode blade; 311-Body; 312-Connecting tab; 32-Separator; X-first direction; Y-second direction; Z-height direction. Description of embodiments

[0011] Exemplary embodiments are now described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be considered limited to those presented herein. Rather, they are provided to ensure that the present disclosure is thorough and complete and that the concept of exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to the person skilled in the art. Identical reference numerals in the drawings denote identical or similar structures, and therefore their detailed descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the drawings are only schematic representations of the present disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0012] Although relative terms such as "above" and "below" are used in this description to describe the relative relationship of one component to another component indicated in the figures, these terms are used here only for convenience, for example, according to the exemplary direction shown in the figures. It is understood that if a device indicated in the figures is turned upside down, the component described as "above" becomes a "below" component. When a structure is "on" another structure, this can mean that the structure is formed integrally on the other structure, or that the structure is arranged "directly" on the other structure, or that the structure is arranged "indirectly" on the other structure via another structure.

[0013] The terms "one," "the," and "at least one" are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements or components, etc. The terms "include" and "have" are used to indicate open inclusion and mean that, in addition to the elements or components mentioned, further elements or components may be present. The terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used only as markers and do not limit the number of objects described by these terms.

[0014] In this application, the term "connection" is to be understood in its broadest sense unless expressly stated and defined otherwise. For example, the "connection" may be a fixed, detachable, or one-piece connection, a direct connection, or an indirect connection via an intermediary medium. The term "and / or" herein represents only an associative relationship describing related objects, and its use indicates that three relationships are possible. For example, the expression "A and / or B" can represent three possibilities: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Furthermore, the symbol " / " herein generally indicates that the related objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship.

[0015] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a stacking machine. With reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 The stacking machine can comprise a stacking table 23, four press knife assemblies 2a, at least two detection plates 11 and an image acquisition device 12; wherein the four press knife assemblies 2a are each arranged at four corners of the stacking table 23; wherein the at least two detection plates 11 are each connected to two diagonally arranged press knife assemblies 2a, wherein the detection plate 11 is used to support a part to be detected; wherein the image acquisition device 12 is arranged on one side of the detection plate 11 that supports the part to be detected.

[0016] The following explanations are given using the example of a connecting tab 312 as a recognizable part.

[0017] In the stacking machine of the present disclosure, the detection plate 11 can support the connecting tab 312 to prevent it from bending; furthermore, the detection plate 11 can provide a background for the connecting tab 312 to facilitate subsequent image recognition. After the image of the connecting tab 312 and the detection plate 11 has been captured by the image acquisition device 12, image recognition processing can be performed on the captured image to detect whether the connecting tab 312 is bent. It is also possible to view the image manually to detect whether the connecting tab 312 is bent, thus eliminating the need for personnel to be present and improving the working environment for the personnel.Furthermore, it is possible to detect during the process of forming battery cells by stacking whether the connecting tab 312 is bent, thus preventing a battery cell with a bent connecting tab 312 from entering the next work step, thereby avoiding a waste of labor and material resources.

[0018] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The stacking machine can be a Z-stacking machine, wherein the stacking machine can include an electrode sheet laying robot (not shown in the figures), a stacking table 23, a separator stacking mechanism (not shown in the figures), four press knife assemblies, and two drive mechanisms 22, etc.

[0019] The electrode sheet laying robot can be used to lay electrode sheets 31, which can be positive and / or negative. The electrode sheet 31 can comprise a body 311 and a connecting tab 312, which are connected to each other.

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the stacking table 23 can be used to support the electrode sheet 31 and the separator 32, etc., during a stacking process. Specifically, the stacking table 23 can comprise a support section and an edge section, wherein the support section is connected to the edge section.

[0021] The separator stacking mechanism can cause the separator 32 to move back and forth in the second direction Y, so that the separator 32 is folded in a Z-shape, with the electrode sheet 31 being arranged between two adjacent layers of separators 32.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the four press knife assemblies are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence at four corners of the stacking table 23 and are used to press and fix the four corner regions of the body 311 and the separator 32.

[0023] Specifically, the four press knife assemblies 2a are grouped in pairs, meaning that two press knife assemblies 2a form a group, so that the four press knife assemblies 2a form two groups. Each group of press knife assemblies 2a can comprise two press knife assemblies 2a arranged opposite each other in the first direction X. That is, two press knife assemblies 2a arranged opposite each other in a first direction X form a group and move simultaneously. For example, the two left-hand press knife assemblies 2a form a group and move simultaneously, while the two right-hand press knife assemblies 2a form a group and move simultaneously.

[0024] In a second direction Y, the two groups of press knife assemblies 2a are spaced apart, with two press knife assemblies 2a not belonging to the same group being arranged on the same side of the stacking table 23 extending in the second direction Y. That is, on the same side of the stacking table 23 extending in the second direction Y, two press knife assemblies 2a are arranged, these two press knife assemblies 2a not belonging to the same group and generally not moving simultaneously.

[0025] Each group of press knife assemblies 2a is connected to a detection plate 11, so that two detection plates 11 are connected to two diagonally arranged press knife assemblies 2a.

[0026] The drive mechanism 22 is connected to the press knife assembly 2a. In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a drive mechanism 22 is connected to two press knife assemblies 2a of the same group, so that one drive mechanism 22 can drive two press knife assemblies 2a of the same group to a back-and-forth movement.

[0027] Specifically, the drive mechanism 22 can comprise a first drive 221 and a second drive 222; wherein the first drive 221 has two first drive shafts, the two first drive shafts being connected in a one-to-one correspondence to the two press knife assemblies 2a of the same group, so that the first drive 221 can drive the two press knife assemblies 2a of the same group in such a way that they move in the first direction X.

[0028] The first drive 221 can comprise a drive motor, two lead screws, two nuts, and two limiting structures. The drive motor can be a dual-shaft motor; that is, the drive motor has two opposing rotating shafts. The two lead screws are connected to the two rotating shafts of the drive motor in a one-to-one correspondence, with the two nuts fitting to the two lead screws in a one-to-one correspondence, the directions of rotation of the two lead screws being opposite. The two limiting mechanisms fit to the two nuts in a one-to-one correspondence, with the limiting mechanism limiting the nut so that the nut cannot rotate with the lead screw but can perform a linear movement in the first direction X. The two first drive shafts are connected to the two nuts in a one-to-one correspondence.This configuration makes it possible for one drive motor to drive two press knife assemblies 2a of the same group in such a way that they achieve a simultaneous linear opening and closing movement, thereby ensuring the synchronicity of the movement of the two press knife assemblies 2a in the first direction X.

[0029] The second drive 222 has a second drive shaft, which is connected to the first drive 221. The second drive 222 is used to move the first drive 221 and the press knife assemblies 2a in a vertical direction Z. The second drive 222 can be an electric cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a linear motor, etc. This configuration allows two press knife assemblies 2a of the same group to be driven by a second drive 222 so that they move in the vertical direction Z, thus ensuring the synchronous movement of the two press knife assemblies 2a of the same group in the vertical direction Z.

[0030] Of course, in some further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, four drive mechanisms 22 may be provided, wherein the four press knife assemblies 2a are connected to the four drive mechanisms 22 in a one-to-one correspondence and one drive mechanism 22 sets a press knife assembly 2a into a back-and-forth movement.

[0031] The drive mechanism 22 can comprise a first drive 221 and a second drive 222; wherein the first drive 221 has a first drive shaft, the first drive shaft being connected to the press knife assembly 2a, and wherein the first drive 221 is used to drive the press knife assembly 2a to move in the first direction X. The first drive 221 can be an electric cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a linear motor, etc.

[0032] The second drive 222 has a second drive shaft, the second drive shaft being connected to the first drive 221, the second drive 222 being used to move the first drive 221 and the press knife assemblies 2a in a vertical direction Z. The second drive 222 can be an electric cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a linear motor, etc.

[0033] It should be noted that the first direction X is perpendicular to the height direction Z, where the first direction X and the second direction Y can be horizontal directions and the first direction X and the second direction Y intersect, where, for example, the first direction X can be perpendicular to the second direction Y.

[0034] The press knife assembly 2a can comprise a press knife seat 24 and a press knife 21; wherein the press knife seat 24 is connected to the drive mechanism 22; wherein one end of the press knife 21 is connected to the press knife seat 24, wherein the press knife 21 extends towards a side close to the stacking table 23, i.e., that the press knife 21 extends in the first direction X.

[0035] To facilitate illustration, reference can be made to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 For example, the first direction X is the front-back direction and the second direction Y is the left-right direction. The four pressing knives 21 can comprise two left pressing knives 21z of the same group and two right pressing knives 21y of the same group, wherein the two left pressing knives 21z are used to press and fix two left corners of the body 311 and the separator 32, and wherein the two right pressing knives 21y are used to press and fix two right corners of the body 311 and the separator 32.

[0036] The specific stacking process is as follows: With reference to Fig. 6 The initial end of the separator 32 is pressed and fixed by the two right-hand pressing knives 21y; the separator stacking mechanism drives the separator 32 to move to the left, so that the separator 32 is placed from right to left on the stacking table 23; after the separator 32 has been placed in position, the electrode sheet laying robot places a layer of electrode sheet 31 (e.g., positive electrode sheet 31) onto the placed separator 32; at this time, the connecting tab 312 (e.g., the positive connecting tab 312) of the electrode sheet 31 (e.g., of the positive electrode sheet 31) is located on a side of the detection plate 11 connected to the right-hand pressing knife 21y that is close to the image acquisition device 12; The image acquisition device 12 can capture an image of the connecting tab 312 and at least part of the detection plate 11.For example, the image acquisition device 12 can capture an image of the connecting tab 312 and part of the detection plate 11; alternatively, the image acquisition device 12 can also capture an image of the connecting tab 312 and the entire detection plate 11. Then, the drive mechanism 22 drives the two left-hand press blades 21z so that they first move upwards in the vertical direction Z, then in the first direction X towards a side close to the stacking table 23, and subsequently downwards in the vertical direction Z to press and fix the two left-hand corners of the body 311 and the separator 32, thereby laying a layer of electrode sheet 31.

[0037] With reference to Fig. 7 The separator stacking mechanism drives a separator 32 to move to the right, so that the separator 32 is placed from left to right on the electrode sheet 31 (e.g., the positive electrode sheet 31); after the separator 32 is in place, the electrode sheet laying robot places another layer of electrode sheet 31 (e.g., negative electrode sheet 31) on top of the placed separator 32; at this time, the connecting tab 312 (e.g., the negative connecting tab 312) of the electrode sheet 31 (e.g., of the negative electrode sheet 31) is located on the side of the detection plate 11 connected to the left press knife 21z that is closest to the image acquisition device 12; the image acquisition device 12 can capture an image of the connecting tab 312 and at least part of the detection plate 11.For example, the image acquisition device 12 can capture an image of the connecting tab 312 and part of the detection plate 11; alternatively, the image acquisition device 12 can also capture an image of the connecting tab 312 and the entire detection plate 11. Referring to the arrows in . Fig. 7. The two right-hand press knives 21y are driven by the drive mechanism 22 such that they are first moved upwards in the vertical direction Z, then moved in the first direction X towards a side away from the stacking table 23 until the two right-hand press knives 21y are separated from the electrode sheet 31, and subsequently moved in the first direction X towards a side near the stacking table 23, and then moved downwards in the vertical direction Z to press and fix the right two corners of the body 311 and the separator 32, thereby enabling the placement of another layer of separator 32. This is repeated cyclically to complete the stack manufacturing process of the battery cell.

[0038] During this process, the negative terminal tab 312 and the positive terminal tab 312 tend to fold over. A folded terminal tab 312 would lead to the rejection of the battery cell, resulting in a low battery cell yield. If the folding of the terminal tab 312 is not detected in time and battery cells that should be rejected proceed to the next processing step, errors will occur during detection in the next step, which in turn necessitates reject handling and thus leads to a waste of labor and material resources.

[0039] In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the stacking machine can comprise at least two detection plates 11. For example, the stacking machine can comprise two detection plates 11. The stacking machine can also comprise three or more detection plates 11.

[0040] The at least two detection plates 11 are each connected to two diagonally arranged press knife assemblies 2a. In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, with reference to Fig. 1. The stacking machine comprises two detection plates 11, wherein the two detection plates 11 are connected to the press knife seats 24. For example, the at least two detection plates 11 are connected to a left press knife seat 24 and a right press knife seat 24, wherein the left press knife seat 24 and the right press knife seat 24 are arranged at two opposite corners of the stacking table 23. Since the two right press knife seats 24 move simultaneously on the right side and the two left press knife seats 24 move simultaneously on the left side, the two connecting tabs 312, which are located on two sides of the second direction Y, can be detected by connecting the detection plates 11 to the two diagonally arranged press knife assemblies 2a.

[0041] This configuration makes it possible for the detection plate 11 to be driven to a back-and-forth movement during a process in which the drive mechanism 22 drives the press knife assembly 2a to a back-and-forth movement.

[0042] The detection plate 11 is connected to a side of the press knife assembly 2a that is located near the other press knife assembly 2a. Specifically, the two press knife assemblies 2a arranged on the same side of the stacking table 23 are a first press knife assembly 2a1 and a second press knife assembly 2a2, wherein one end of the detection plate 11 is connected to the press knife seat 24 of the first press knife assembly 2a1 and the detection plate 11 extends towards the second press knife assembly 2a2, so that the detection plate 11 is located between the first press knife assembly 2a1 and the second press knife assembly 2a2, with a gap being provided between the detection plate 11 and the second press knife assembly 2a2, i.e.The detection plate 11 does not extend far enough to touch the second press knife assembly 2a2, which can also mean that a gap is provided between the detection plate 11 and the press knife seat 24, as well as between the press knife of the second press knife assembly 2a2. Since the first press knife assembly 2a1 and the second press knife assembly 2a2 cannot move simultaneously, this configuration prevents the first press knife assembly 2a1 from interfering with the second press knife assembly 2a2 when it moves the detection plate 11, and similarly prevents the second press knife assembly 2a2 from interfering with the detection plate 11 during its movement.

[0043] With reference to Fig. 1. The stacking machine can comprise a first connecting element 25 and a second connecting element 26, wherein one end of the first connecting element 25 is connected to the side of the press knife seat 24 of the first press knife assembly 2a1 that is close to the second press knife assembly 2a2, and the first connecting element 25 extends towards the second press knife assembly 2a2; wherein one end of the second connecting element 26 is connected to a free end of the first connecting element 25, and the second connecting element 26 extends towards the stacking table 23. One end of the detection plate 11 is connected to the side of the second connecting element 26 that is close to the second press knife assembly 2a2.

[0044] A detection edge 11a of the detection plate 11, located near the stacking table 23, does not project beyond a pressing knife edge 211 of the pressing knife 21, which is also located near the stacking table 23. For example, the detection edge 11a of the detection plate 11, located near the stacking table 23, and the pressing knife edge 211 of the pressing knife 21, located near the stacking table 23, can be arranged coplanarly; alternatively, the pressing knife edge 211 of the pressing knife 21, located near the stacking table 23, can project beyond the detection edge 11a of the detection plate 11, which is also located near the stacking table 23. This configuration prevents the detection plate 11 from remaining on the separator 32 after the pressing knife 21 has been removed from the separator 32, thus avoiding interference between the detection plate 11 and the separator 32 as well as the electrode sheet 31.

[0045] When the clamping knife 21 clamps the body 311 of the lower electrode sheet 31 and the separator 32p, the detection plate 11 does not cover the body 311. The connecting tab 312 of the upper electrode sheet 31 is located on the side of the detection plate 11 closest to the image acquisition device 12. The detection plate 11 can support the connecting tab 312 to prevent it from bending. Furthermore, the detection plate 11 can provide a background for the connecting tab 312 to facilitate the subsequent image recognition process.

[0046] After the image capture device 12 has captured the image of the connecting tab 312 and the detection plate 11, image recognition processing can be performed on the captured image to detect whether the connecting tab 312 is bent. It is also possible to view the image manually to detect whether the connecting tab 312 is bent, thus eliminating the need for personnel to be present and improving the working environment for staff.

[0047] In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. A stacking machine further comprising a first marking section 111, wherein the first marking section 111 is arranged on the detection plate 11, and wherein the first marking section 111 is covered by a part to be detected when the part to be detected is supported on the detection plate 11. Specifically, the first marking section 111 is covered by the connecting tab 312 when the press knife 21 clamps the body 311 of the lower electrode sheet 31 and the connecting tab 312 of the upper electrode sheet 31 is not folded over; when the press knife 21 clamps the body 311 of the lower electrode sheet 31 and the connecting tab 312 of the upper electrode sheet 31 is folded over, at least a part of the first marking section 111 is not covered by the connecting tab 312.

[0048] With reference to Fig. Therefore, if the first marking section 111 is covered by the connecting tab 312, the image acquisition device 12 cannot acquire an image of the first marking section 111, which allows it to be determined that the connecting tab 312 is not folded over. With reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 In the case where at least part of the first marking section 111 is not covered by the connecting tab 312, the image acquisition device 12 captures an image of at least part of the first marking section 111, which makes it possible to determine that the connecting tab 312 is bent over.

[0049] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. Optionally, several first marking sections 111 can be provided, wherein the several first marking sections 111 can be arranged along an edge line of the part to be detected, i.e., that the several first marking sections 111 can be arranged along an edge line of the connecting tab 312. The edge line of the connecting tab 312 does not include an edge line on the side connected to the body 311. In the case where the connecting tab 312 is rectangular, the several first marking sections 111 can, for example, be arranged such that they form three consecutively connected straight lines, i.e., that the several first marking sections 111 can be arranged so that they can approximately enclose a “[” shape.

[0050] With reference to Fig. 3. In general, the connecting tab 312 is folded over along a straight line. With this configuration, the folded part and the folded surface of the connecting tab 312 can be determined from the image of the first marking section 111 captured by the image acquisition device 12.

[0051] Of course, in some further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, with reference to Fig. 4. It is provided that the multiple first marking sections 111 are uniformly distributed in an area covered by the part to be detected, i.e., that the multiple first marking sections 111 are uniformly distributed in an area covered by the connecting tab 312. In particular, multiple first marking sections 111 can be arranged not only along the edge line of the connecting tab 312, but also within the area surrounded by multiple first marking sections 111 forming the shape of the connecting tab 312. Furthermore, the multiple first marking sections 111 are uniformly distributed, i.e., the distance between two adjacent first marking sections 111 is constant. For example, multiple first marking sections 111 can be arranged in an array on the detection plate 11.The multiple first marking sections 111 can also be arranged in a row in the first direction X. The multiple first marking sections 111 can also be arranged in at least two rows, wherein the two rows of first marking sections 111 can be offset from each other. By calculating the number and position of the first marking sections 111 detected by the image acquisition device 12, it is possible to determine the size of the folded area of ​​the connecting tab 312 and which part of it is folded.

[0052] In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The stacking machine further comprises a second marking section 112, wherein the second marking section 112 is arranged on a side of the detection plate 11 furthest from the stacking table 23, such that the second marking section 112 is located on a side of the first marking section 111 furthest from the body 311, whereby the second marking section 112 is not covered by the connecting tab 312. The image acquisition device 12 can capture an image of the second marking section 112. The position of the second marking section 112 is stored in the image acquisition device 12.In the event that the position of the second marking section 112 detected by the image acquisition device 12 differs from the position of the second marking section 112 stored therein, the position detected by the image acquisition device 12 can be automatically adjusted so that the position of the second marking section 112 detected by the image acquisition device 12 corresponds to the position of the second marking section 112 stored therein, in order to ensure that the image acquisition device 12 is positioned so that it can detect the image of the connecting tab 312 and at least part of the detection plate 11.

[0053] In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the color of the detection plate 11 and the color of the connecting tab 312 are contrasting colors. Contrasting colors are two colors that are clearly distinguishable. In color theory, contrasting colors typically refer to two colors that are at a certain angle to each other on the color wheel (e.g., 120° ± 40°). These colors exhibit a strong contrast effect due to differences in hue, brightness, saturation, etc. Common combinations of contrasting colors include violet and yellow, orange and blue, red and green, etc.

[0054] Optionally, the color of the detection plate 11 and the color of the connecting tab 312 can be complementary colors. Complementary colors represent a special case of contrasting colors and refer to two colors that are 180° apart on the color wheel. Because they are opposite each other on the color wheel, they exhibit the strongest contrast effect. The combination of complementary colors can create a strong visual impact and a sharp color contrast.

[0055] For example, if the electrode sheet 31 is made of aluminum foil, which is usually silvery-white, the detection plate 11 can be black, blue, etc. If the electrode sheet 31 is made of copper foil, which is usually yellow, the detection plate 11 can be violet, blue, etc.

[0056] In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, with reference to Fig. 2 the stacking machine further comprises a light source 13, wherein the light source 13 is arranged on a side of the detection plate 11 which carries the part to be detected, i.e. that the light source 13 is arranged on a side of the detection plate 11 which carries the connecting tab 312, so that the light emitted by the light source 13 shines onto the detection plate 11 and the connecting tab 312.

[0057] Optionally, the light source 13 can be a flat light source 13. Flat light sources 13 offer advantages such as uniform light, no shadows, no glare, etc., which is why the use of a flat light source 13 is advantageous for the image acquisition of the connecting tab 312 and at least part of the detection plate 11 by the image acquisition device 12, avoiding the detection of shadows, glare, etc., which would impair the accuracy of the subsequent determination of the bending of the connecting tab 312.

[0058] The light source 13 can be arranged on the side of the connecting tab 312 facing away from the detection plate 11, so that the light emitted by the light source 13 shines onto the detection plate 11 and the connecting tab 312, increasing the illuminance of the detection plate 11 and the connecting tab 312 and being advantageous for the image acquisition device 12 to capture the image of the connecting tab 312 and at least part of the detection plate 11. For example, the light source 13 can be annular, with the annular light source 13 being arranged circumferentially outside the image acquisition device 12. Of course, the light source 13 can also be a planar light source 13 of a different shape, arranged on one side of the image acquisition device 12.

[0059] In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, with reference to Fig. 5 the stacking machine further comprises a control 14 and an alarm detector 15, wherein an input terminal of the control 14 is electrically connected to an output terminal of the image capture device 12, and wherein a control terminal of the alarm detector 15 is electrically connected to an output terminal of the control 14.

[0060] The control unit 14 can be used to determine, based on the image of the connecting tab 312 captured by the image acquisition device 12 and at least part of the detection plate 11, whether the connecting tab 312 is bent. If the control unit 14 determines that the connecting tab 312 is bent, an alarm signal is issued.

[0061] Since the color difference between the detection plate 11 and the connecting tab 312 is relatively large, the controller 14 can obtain a real-time image of the connecting tab 312 by processing the captured image, with a target image of the connecting tab 312 being stored in the controller 14. The controller 14 can compare the real-time image of the connecting tab 312 with the target image. If the real-time image and the target image are identical, it is determined that the connecting tab 312 is not bent. If the real-time image and the target image are not identical, it is determined that the connecting tab 312 is bent.

[0062] If a first marking section 111 is arranged on the detection plate 11, the controller 14 can obtain an image of the first marking section 111 by image processing of the captured image. If the image acquisition device 12 cannot capture an image of the first marking section 111, the controller 14 does not receive an image of the first marking section 111 and can determine that the connecting tab 312 is not bent. If the image acquisition device 12 captures an image of at least part of the first marking section 111, the controller 14 can obtain the image of at least part of the first marking section 111 and determine that the connecting tab 312 is bent.

[0063] If several first marking sections 111 are arranged along the edge line of the connecting tab 312, the controller 14 can obtain an image of the first marking sections 111 by image processing of the captured image. If, with reference to Fig. 1. If the image capture device 12 cannot capture an image of the first marking sections 111, the controller 14 does not receive an image of the first marking sections 111 and can determine that the connecting tab 312 is not bent. If, with reference to Fig. 3. If the image acquisition device 12 acquires an image of at least part of the first marking sections 111, the controller 14 can receive an image of at least part of the first marking sections 111, wherein the controller 14, in conjunction with the image of the first marking sections 111 acquired by the image acquisition device 12, calculates the folded part and the folded surface of the connecting tab 312 (which is shown in Fig. 3 dashed circled area) can determine whether the connecting tab 312 is completely or partially folded over.

[0064] If several first marking sections 111 are evenly distributed in an area covered by the connecting tab 312, the controller 14 can obtain an image of the first marking sections 111 by image processing of the captured image. If the image acquisition device 12 cannot capture an image of the first marking sections 111, the controller 14 does not receive an image of the first marking sections 111 and can determine that the connecting tab 312 is not bent. If the image acquisition device 12 captures an image of at least part of the first marking sections 111, the controller 14 can obtain an image of at least part of the first marking sections 111, with reference to Fig.4 the control 14 can determine, by calculating the number and position of the first marking sections 111 detected by the image acquisition device 12, how large the folded area of ​​the connecting tab 312 is and which part of it is folded over, thereby determining whether the connecting tab 312 is completely or partially folded over.

[0065] If it is determined that the terminal tab 312 is completely bent over, the corresponding battery cell can be treated as scrap; if it is determined that the terminal tab 312 is partially bent over, the corresponding battery cell can undergo manual rework. This reduces the outflow rate of bent terminal tabs to zero and increases the overall yield of the production line.

[0066] The alarm detector 15 can be used to trigger an alarm depending on an alarm signal issued by the controller 14. The alarm detector 15 can be a buzzer. The alarm detector 15 can also be a light alarm detector 15. The alarm detector 15 can also be a structure that combines a buzzer 15 and a light alarm detector 15.

[0067] It should be noted that the first marking section 111 and the second marking section 112 may be marking patterns.

[0068] The terms “parallel” and “perpendicular” used in the present application can mean not only perfect parallelism and perpendicularity, but can also include a certain degree of deviation. For example, two elements are considered to be parallel to each other if the angle between them is greater than or equal to 0° and less than or equal to 5°; and two elements are considered to be perpendicular to each other if the angle between them is greater than or equal to 85° and less than or equal to 95°.

[0069] Considering the description and implementation of the invention disclosed herein, a person skilled in the art can readily imagine further embodiments of the present disclosure. The present application aims to cover all variations, applications, or adaptive modifications of the present disclosure that follow the general principle of the present disclosure and include known technical knowledge or customary measures in the technical field of the present disclosure that are not disclosed herein. The description and embodiments are to be considered merely exemplary. The true scope and spirit of the present disclosure are specified by the accompanying claims.

[0070] The present disclosure relates to the field of battery technology and discloses a stacking machine. The stacking machine comprises a stacking table, four press knife assemblies, at least two detection plates, and an image acquisition device. The four press knife assemblies are arranged at four corners of the stacking table. The at least two detection plates are each connected to two diagonally arranged press knife assemblies, and the detection plates are used to support a part to be detected. The image acquisition device is arranged on one side of the detection plate that supports the part to be detected. The stacking machine can detect, even during a single operation to form the battery cell by stacking, whether a terminal tab is bent, thereby reducing the outflow rate of bent terminal tabs to zero and increasing the overall yield of the production line.

Claims

[1] Stacking machine, comprising: a stacking table; four press knife assemblies, each arranged at one of the four corners of the stacking table; at least two detection plates, wherein the at least two detection plates are each connected to two diagonally arranged press knife assemblies of the press knife assemblies, and wherein the detection plate is used to support a part to be detected; an image capture device that is located on one side of the detection plate which carries the part to be detected. [2] Stacking machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a first marking section provided on the detection plate, wherein when the part to be detected is carried by the detection plate, the first marking section is covered by the part to be detected. [3] Stacking machine according to claim 2, characterized by, that several first marking sections are provided which are arranged along an edge line of the part to be detected; or, that several first marking sections are provided which are evenly distributed in an area covered by the part to be detected. [4] Stacking machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a second marking section located on a side of the detection plate furthest from the stacking table. [5] Stacking machine according to claim 1, characterized by , that the press knife assembly includes: a press-fit seat; a press knife, wherein one end of the press knife is connected to the press knife seat and the press knife extends towards a side close to the stacking table. [6] Stacking machine according to claim 5, characterized bythat the four press knife assemblies are divided into two groups, each group of press knife assemblies comprising two press knife assemblies arranged opposite each other in a first direction; wherein in a second direction the two groups of press knife assemblies are spaced apart, and two press knife assemblies not belonging to the same group are arranged on the same side of the stacking table extending in the second direction; wherein one of the detection plates is connected to each group of press knife assemblies, such that two of the detection plates are connected to two diagonally arranged press knife assemblies of the press knife assemblies, the second direction and the first direction intersecting. [7] Stacking machine according to claim 6, characterized by, that the two press knife assemblies arranged on the same side of the stacking table are a first press knife assembly and a second press knife assembly, wherein one end of the detection plate is connected to the press knife seat of the first press knife assembly, the detection plate extending towards the second press knife assembly and a gap being provided between the detection plate and the second press knife assembly. [8] Stacking machine according to claim 7, characterized by , that a detection edge of the detection plate located near the stacking table does not extend beyond a press knife edge of the press knife located near the stacking table. [9] Stacking machine according to claim 6, further comprising: a drive mechanism connected to the press knife assembly, wherein the drive mechanism is used to drive the press knife assembly to a back-and-forth motion. [10] Stacking machine according to claim 9, characterized by that two drive mechanisms are provided, one of the drive mechanisms being connected to the two press knife assemblies of the same group; the drive mechanism comprising: a first drive comprising two first drive shafts, wherein the two first drive shafts are connected in a one-to-one correspondence to the two press knife assemblies of the same group, the first drive being used to move the two press knife assemblies in the first direction; a second drive comprising a second drive shaft, wherein the second drive shaft is connected to the first drive, wherein the second drive is used to move the first drive and the press knife assembly in a vertical direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the vertical direction. [11] Stacking machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a controller, wherein an input terminal of the controller is electrically connected to an output terminal of the image acquisition device, wherein the controller is used to determine, based on an image of the part to be detected captured by the image acquisition device and at least a part of the detection plate, whether the part to be detected is bent; an alarm detector, wherein a control terminal of the alarm detector is electrically connected to an output terminal of the controller, the alarm detector being used to trigger an alarm based on an alarm signal issued by the controller.

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