Battery cell adhesive application system and method

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of batteries, and discloses a battery cell adhesive application system and method. The adhesive application system for the battery cell comprises: a welding device, configured to weld a tab of the battery cell to an adapter piece, to acquire a target battery cell; a battery detection apparatus, configured to detect the target battery cell, the battery detection apparatus comprising an image acquisition device, configured to acquire an image of a tab region of the target battery cell, and a light source, comprising multiple sub-light sources arranged along a circumferential direction of an image acquisition channel of the image acquisition device, and configured to project light to the tab region, at least one sub-light source having different switching states in different working modes of the light source; an adhesive application device, configured to carry out adhesive application treatment on the acquired target battery cell; and a conveying device configured to convey the target battery cell for which welding is completed to the battery detection apparatus, and to convey a target battery cell having a normal detection result to the adhesive application device.

Description

Battery cell gluing system and method

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202410108993.8, filed on January 26, 2024, entitled “Battery Production System and Method,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of batteries, and in particular to a battery cell gluing system and method. Background Art

[0004] Due to process and equipment reasons, lithium battery production will have certain defects. Various detection methods are needed to detect these defects to improve battery yield. For example, after the bare cells are paired, the tabs need to be welded. The welded tabs are then ultrasonically inspected. A charge-coupled device (CCD) visual inspection system is needed to identify various defects in the tab area to ensure the performance of the battery cells. Defects detected include the number of weld marks not meeting the requirements, the absence of blue glue, and the blue glue not 100% covering the tabs.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present application provides a battery cell gluing system and method, which can improve the accuracy of tab defect detection.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a battery cell gluing system, comprising: a welding device, configured to weld the tab of a battery cell to an adapter sheet to obtain a target battery cell; a battery detection device, configured to detect the target battery cell, the battery detection device comprising: an image acquisition device, configured to acquire an image of the tab area of ​​the target battery cell; and a light source, comprising a plurality of sub-light sources arranged circumferentially along an image acquisition channel of the image acquisition device, configured to project light onto the tab area, wherein the switching state of at least one sub-light source is different under different working modes of the light source; a gluing device, configured to perform gluing processing on the obtained target battery cell; and a conveying device, configured to convey the target battery cell with a normal detection result to the gluing device.

[0008] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the light source of the battery detection device has an image acquisition device and a plurality of sub-light sources arranged circumferentially along the image acquisition channel of the image acquisition device. The switching state of at least one sub-light source is different in different working modes, thereby realizing flexible control of the angle of light projected onto the tab area of ​​the battery cell through different working modes, so that the defects in the tab area are clearly presented in the image, thereby improving the accuracy of defect detection; in addition, the battery detection device is located between the welding equipment and the gluing equipment, and the battery cell is glued after the tab area is detected to be normal, thereby avoiding the glue blocking the tab area and the cracks caused by reflection after gluing that cannot be identified, thereby further improving the accuracy of defect detection.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least one sub-light source of the light source includes multiple light source modules at different distances from the image acquisition device. In the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, the sub-light sources include light modules at different distances from the image acquisition device. By controlling the switching of different light modules, at least one of the angle and intensity of the light projected onto the tab area of ​​the target battery cell can be flexibly controlled, further improving the flexibility of light source adjustment and the ability to expand the operating modes of the battery detection device.

[0010] In some embodiments, different light source modules belonging to the same sub-light source have different distances from the tab area. In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, different light source modules belonging to the same sub-light source have different distances from the tab area to avoid light between the light source modules being blocked by other light source modules when projecting light toward the tab area.

[0011] In some embodiments, the light source is a dome-shaped structure with a through hole on the top. In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the dome-shaped structure as a whole can improve the comprehensiveness of the light angle coverage and facilitate the maintenance of the relative position stability between the sub-light source and the light source module.

[0012] In some embodiments, the light source includes four sub-light sources, and the sub-light sources are fan-shaped ring areas with a central angle of 90 degrees, wherein the first sub-light source is adjacent to the second sub-light source and the fourth sub-light source; the first sub-light source and the third sub-light source respectively include two or more light source modules at different distances from the image acquisition device, and the projections of the second sub-light source and the fourth sub-light source are located in the extension direction of the pole ear; when the first sub-light source and the third sub-light source are in working state, the light source module farthest from the image acquisition device is turned on, and the light source module closest to the image acquisition device is turned off; when the second sub-light source and the fourth sub-light source are in working state, all light source modules are turned on.

[0013] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the sub-light sources in the light source are divided into four angles, including two directions in which the projections are located in the extension of the pole tab, and two directions in which the projections are perpendicular to the extension of the pole tab. The angle illumination direction matches the pole tab deployment direction of the battery cell. For the extension direction of the pole tab, the most comprehensive angle of light projection is adopted to increase the amount of projected light, reduce the impact of the side of the battery cell higher than the pole tab blocking the light, and improve the clarity of the defects at the root of the pole tab in the image; for the direction perpendicular to the extension of the pole tab, the amount of top light is reduced so that the pole tab defects corresponding to the side light direction can be presented more clearly, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of defect detection.

[0014] In some embodiments, in the first operating mode of the light source of the battery detection device, the light source modules of the first sub-light source except the light source module closest to the image acquisition device are turned on, and all light source modules of the second sub-light source, the third sub-light source, and the fourth sub-light source are turned off. In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, it is possible to control the projection of light in one of the directions perpendicular to the extension direction of the tab, so as to avoid the light in other directions affecting the presentation effect of the tab defects in the image, which is beneficial to the exposure of the tab defects corresponding to the light projection direction; by controlling the light source module closest to the image acquisition device to be turned off, the projection amount of the top light can be reduced, so as to avoid the excessive top light affecting the clarity of the defect presentation in the image, which is further beneficial to the exposure of the tab defects and improves the accuracy and comprehensiveness of defect detection.

[0015] In some embodiments, in the second operating mode of the light source of the battery detection device, all light source modules of the second sub-light source are turned on, and all light source modules of the first sub-light source, the third sub-light source, and the fourth sub-light source are turned off. In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, it is possible to control the projection of light in one direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the tab, thereby preventing light from other directions from affecting the presentation of tab defects in the image; for the extension direction of the tab, light projection is adopted at the most comprehensive angle, thereby increasing the amount of projected light, reducing the impact of the side of the battery cell being higher than the tab blocking light, and improving the clarity of the tab defects in the image.

[0016] In some embodiments, in the third operating mode of the light source of the battery detection device, the light source modules of the third sub-light source except the light source module closest to the image acquisition device are turned on, and all light source modules of the first sub-light source, the second sub-light source, and the fourth sub-light source are turned off. In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, it is possible to control the projection of light in one direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the tab, so as to avoid the light in other directions affecting the presentation effect of the tab defects in the image, which is beneficial to the exposure of the tab defects corresponding to the light projection direction; by controlling the light source module closest to the image acquisition device to be turned off, the projection amount of the top light can be reduced, so as to avoid excessive top light affecting the clarity of the defect presentation in the image, which is further beneficial to the exposure of the tab defects and improves the accuracy and comprehensiveness of defect detection.

[0017] In some embodiments, in the fourth operating mode of the light source of the battery detection device, all light source modules of the fourth sub-light source are turned on, and all light source modules of the first sub-light source, the second sub-light source, and the third sub-light source are turned off. In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, it is possible to control the projection of light in one direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the tab, thereby preventing light from other directions from affecting the presentation of tab defects in the image. For the extension direction of the tab, light projection is adopted at the most comprehensive angle, thereby increasing the amount of projected light, reducing the impact of the side of the battery cell being higher than the tab blocking light, and improving the clarity of the tab defects in the image.

[0018] In some embodiments, each sub-light source includes two light source unit groups, each of which is a sector ring area with a central angle of 45 degrees; each light source unit group includes multiple light source units at different distances from the image acquisition device, wherein the light source units belonging to the same light source unit group of the sub-light source and at the same distance from the image acquisition device belong to the same light source module. In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the sub-light source includes two light source unit groups, the two light source unit groups have the same central angle as the sub-light source, and the light source unit groups can independently control the on / off state, further improving the flexibility of light angle and intensity control, and facilitating the expansion of working mode configuration methods and adaptability to the device under test.

[0019] In some embodiments, the battery detection device further includes: a main body bracket, including a support plate and a column fixed to the table, the support plate fixed to the end of the column away from the table, parallel to the tab area; and a transfer device, movably fixed to the support plate, and connected to the image acquisition device and the light source, and configured to drive the image acquisition device and the light source to move by moving along the support plate. In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the fixed transfer device that is movably fixed to the main body bracket facilitates stable adjustment of the position of the transfer device, thereby achieving stable adjustment of the position of the image acquisition device and the light source, without adjusting the position of the battery cell, and achieving detection of different positions of the battery cell, avoiding damage to the tab caused by adjusting the position of the battery cell, and reducing the scrap rate.

[0020] In some embodiments, the battery testing apparatus further includes a height adjustment bracket connected to the transfer device and the image acquisition device, and configured to adjust the distance between the image acquisition device and the tab area. In the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, the distance between the image acquisition device and the tab area can be adjusted by adjusting the height adjustment bracket, thereby enabling the battery testing apparatus to test battery cells of different sizes and accommodate differences in cell height.

[0021] In some embodiments, the battery detection device further includes a controller configured to: control the light source to sequentially switch operating modes, and control the image acquisition device to capture an image of a first region of the target battery cell at least once in each operating mode of the light source; after obtaining a signal indicating that image acquisition of the first region is complete, control the transfer device to move the image acquisition device from the first position to the second position; control the light source to sequentially switch operating modes, and control the image acquisition device to capture an image of a second region of the target battery cell at least once in each operating mode of the light source; after obtaining a signal indicating that image acquisition of the second region is complete, control the transfer device to move the image acquisition device from the second position to the first position. In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, it is possible to project light using a light source with multiple operating modes on the battery cell and capture an image of the tab region of the battery cell in each operating mode, thereby fully exposing defects in the tab region and improving the comprehensiveness of defect detection in the tab region; by automatically moving the position of the image acquisition device, it is possible to perform light projection and image acquisition on two parts of the tab region respectively, thereby improving the comprehensiveness of defect detection in the tab region and improving the degree of automation and efficiency of detection.

[0022] In some embodiments, the battery cell gluing system further includes an abnormality handling device configured to move target battery cells detected as abnormal to a predetermined disposal area. The technical solution of the embodiments of the present application can automatically handle defective battery cells and move them to a disposal area, avoiding subsequent processing such as gluing on abnormal battery cells and reducing processing costs.

[0023] In some embodiments, the battery cell gluing system further includes a host computer configured to receive images from the battery testing device and determine a test result for the target battery cell based on the images. In the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, using the host computer to process images captured by the battery testing device can fully utilize the host computer's computing power, reduce the computing power requirements of the battery testing device, and facilitate the host computer's coordinated control of other devices in the system based on the test results.

[0024] In some embodiments, the host computer is configured to determine that the detection result is abnormal if at least one of tab cracking, tab welding defects, or weld mark position shifting is determined to occur based on the image. In the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the host computer can detect tab defects including cracking, tab welding defects, and weld mark position shifting based on the image, thereby improving the comprehensiveness of tab defect detection and facilitating improved battery cell qualification rate and battery quality.

[0025] In the second aspect, the present application provides a method for gluing a battery cell, comprising: welding the tab of the battery cell to an adapter, obtaining a target battery cell, and transmitting it to a battery detection device; the battery detection device uses each working mode of the light source to project light to the tab area of ​​the target battery cell, and obtains an image of the target battery cell in each working mode through an image acquisition device, wherein the light source includes a plurality of sub-light sources arranged circumferentially at intervals along an image acquisition channel of the image acquisition device, and in different working modes, the switching state of at least one sub-light source is different; determining the detection result of the target battery cell based on the image; and transmitting the target battery cell with a normal detection result to the gluing device for gluing processing.

[0026] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, after the tab is welded, defect detection of the tab area can be performed first, and then glue is applied, thereby avoiding the glue blocking the tab area and the inability to identify cracks caused by reflection after gluing, thereby improving the accuracy of defect detection; the light source of the battery detection device has an image acquisition device and a plurality of sub-light sources arranged circumferentially along the image acquisition channel of the image acquisition device, and the switching state of at least one sub-light source is different in different working modes, thereby realizing flexible control of at least one of the angle and intensity of light projected onto the tab area of ​​the battery cell through different working modes, so that the defects in the tab area are more clearly presented in the image, thereby improving the accuracy of defect detection.

[0027] In some embodiments, the battery detection device uses each working mode of the light source to project light to the tab area of ​​the target battery cell, and obtains an image of the target battery cell in each working mode through an image acquisition device, including: using each working mode to project light to the first area of ​​the target battery cell; in each working mode of the light source, capturing an image of the first area of ​​the target battery cell at least once; moving the image acquisition device and the light source from a first position to a second position, wherein the first position corresponds to the first area and the second position corresponds to the second area of ​​the target battery cell; using each working mode to project light to the second area of ​​the target battery cell; in each working mode of the light source, capturing an image of the second area of ​​the target battery cell at least once; and moving the image acquisition device and the light source from the second position to the first position.

[0028] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, light can be projected onto the battery cell using light sources in multiple working modes, and images of the tab area of ​​the battery cell in each working mode can be obtained, so that defects in the tab area can be fully exposed, thereby improving the comprehensiveness of defect detection in the tab area; by automatically moving the position of the image acquisition device, light projection and image acquisition can be performed on two parts of the tab area respectively, thereby improving the comprehensiveness of defect detection in the tab area and improving the degree of automation and efficiency of detection.

[0029] In some embodiments, the maximum value of the angle between the light source projecting the light in the direction of extension of the tab of the target cell and the plane where the tab region is located is greater than the maximum value of the angle between the light source projecting the light in the plane where the tab region is located perpendicular to the direction of extension of the tab of the target cell and the plane where the tab region is located. In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, taking into account the height difference between the edge of the cell and the tab, for the extension direction of the tab, the most comprehensive angle of light projection is adopted to increase the amount of projected light, reduce the impact of the cell side being higher than the tab blocking the light, and improve the clarity of the defects at the base of the tab in the image; for the direction of projection perpendicular to the extension of the tab, the amount of top light is reduced, so that the tab defects corresponding to the side light direction can be more clearly presented, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of defect detection.

[0030] In some embodiments, the battery cell gluing method further includes: moving target battery cells detected as abnormal to a predetermined disposal area. The technical solution of the embodiments of the present application can automatically process defective battery cells and move them to a disposal area, avoiding subsequent processing such as gluing on abnormal battery cells and reducing processing costs.

[0031] In some embodiments, determining the detection result of the target battery cell based on the image includes: the battery detection device sends the image to a host computer, and the host computer determines the detection result of the target battery cell based on the image. In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, using the host computer to process the image collected by the battery detection device can fully utilize the computing power of the host computer, reduce the computing power requirements of the battery detection device, and facilitate the host computer to coordinate control of other devices in the system based on the detection results.

[0032] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present application. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present application, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiment below. The accompanying drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not to be considered as limiting the present application. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to represent the same components. In the drawings:

[0034] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a battery cell gluing system according to one or more embodiments of the present application;

[0035] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a welding process of a welding device in a battery cell gluing system according to one or more embodiments of the present application;

[0036] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of light source partitioning in a battery cell gluing system according to one or more embodiments of the present application;

[0037] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a light source in a battery cell gluing system according to one or more embodiments of the present application in working states in first to fourth working modes;

[0038] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a battery detection device according to one or more embodiments of the present application;

[0039] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a tab area defect in a battery cell gluing system according to one or more embodiments of the present application;

[0040] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of detection area switching in a battery cell gluing system according to one or more embodiments of the present application;

[0041] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a battery cell gluing system according to another embodiment or embodiments of the present application;

[0042] FIG9 is a flow chart of a method for gluing a battery cell according to one or more embodiments of the present application;

[0043] FIG10 is a flow chart of a method for gluing a battery cell according to another embodiment or embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The following embodiments of the technical solution of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application and are therefore only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned figure descriptions are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0046] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the quantity, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is more than two, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0047] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0048] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" is simply a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the following three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0049] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the term "multiple" refers to more than two (including two). Similarly, "multiple groups" refers to more than two groups (including two groups), and "multiple pieces" refers to more than two pieces (including two pieces).

[0050] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0051] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, technical terms such as "installed," "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; internal connections between two components or interactions between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application based on specific circumstances.

[0052] To inspect the tab area after welding, photos are taken after glue application. Defects in the tab area are identified based on the photographic results. Defects that can be detected include weld marks not meeting the requirements, absence of blue glue, or blue glue not 100% covering the tab. However, it cannot effectively detect tab cracking, so the automated inspection process does not include detection of tab cracking. Tab cracking and other defects can cause overcurrent problems. To prevent tab cracking defects in produced battery cells, manual visual inspection is performed on the logistics line. Because cracks are small, manual identification is difficult and can easily lead to omissions. Manual visual inspection also requires flipping the battery cell to check for defects, which can easily cause secondary tab cracking and increase the risk of tab cracking.

[0053] To overcome the problem that detecting tab defects requires manual intervention, has low accuracy, and can easily cause product damage, this application proposes automated detection of tab cracking defects by improving the clarity of the images captured in the tab area during the inspection process. Specifically, improvements are made to the battery inspection device to improve the clarity of the images captured in the tab area and the clarity of the defects in the tab area in the images. Furthermore, by adjusting the sequence of welding, gluing, and inspection processes and adjusting the relative positions of the battery inspection device, welding equipment, and gluing equipment, the clarity of the images captured by the battery inspection device is improved, thereby reducing the difficulty of identifying tab cracking defects from images and improving the accuracy of tab defect detection.

[0054] Based on the above considerations, in order to solve the problem of low accuracy in tab detection, the present application proposes a battery cell gluing system that can flexibly adjust the angle of light projected onto the tab area of ​​the battery cell so that defects in the tab area can be clearly presented in the image; the detection process of the tab area is set between welding and gluing, which avoids the glue blocking the tab area and the unrecognizable cracks caused by reflection after gluing, thereby improving the clarity of the tab area in the image and thus improving the accuracy of tab defect detection.

[0055] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in FIG1 , the battery testing system includes a welding device 11 , a battery testing apparatus 12 , a gluing device 13 , and a conveying device 14 .

[0056] Welding equipment 11 is used to weld the tabs of a battery cell to the adapter to obtain a target battery cell. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, when a battery cell 10a with tabs 10b arrives at the welding equipment, welding equipment 11 welds the tabs of the two battery cell units together via adapter 10c to form a target battery cell 100. The tab area 10d of the target battery cell includes the tabs and adapter of the two battery cell units.

[0057] A conveying device 14 is provided between the welding device 11 and the battery testing device 12 , and the conveying device 14 conveys the welded target battery cell to the battery testing device 12 .

[0058] The battery testing device 12 can detect a target battery cell and acquire an image of the target battery cell including the tab area. In some embodiments, each image acquired by the battery testing device 12 only includes the cathode tab area or the anode tab area, thereby narrowing the area of ​​each image acquisition and improving image clarity.

[0059] In some embodiments, the battery detection device 12 includes an image acquisition device and a light source, wherein the image acquisition device is capable of acquiring an image of the tab area of ​​the target battery cell. The light source includes a plurality of sub-light sources arranged circumferentially along an image acquisition channel of the image acquisition device, each sub-light source being capable of projecting light onto the tab area. In different operating modes of the light source, the on / off state of at least one sub-light source is different. In some embodiments, the different sub-light sources are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the image acquisition channel, so that in different operating modes, the light source is controlled to project light onto the tab area at different positions in the circumferential direction of the image acquisition channel.

[0060] In some embodiments, the structure of the light source is as shown in FIG3 , wherein the central area 21b is the cavity area of ​​the light source, which is located on the image acquisition channel of the image acquisition device, and is used to allow light to pass through the central area 21b to reach the image acquisition device, thereby preventing the light source from blocking the image acquisition device. The sub-light sources are arranged around the central area in a circumferential direction, as shown in 21a1-21a8 in the figure. One or multiple consecutively positioned parts of 21a1-21a8 belong to the same sub-light source, and the positions of different sub-light sources do not overlap, thereby ensuring that the relative angles of different sub-light sources to the tab area are different. The positions and shapes of the sub-light sources shown in the figure are feasible embodiments and do not constitute an undue limitation to the present application. In some embodiments, the sizes of different sub-light sources may be different. In some embodiments, the number of sub-light sources is greater than or equal to 2.

[0061] In some embodiments, the light source is a programmable light source, which can use pre-setting, real-time adjustment and other methods to determine the switching status of each sub-light source under different working modes of the light source, so that the switching status of the sub-light source can be adjusted by adjusting the working mode during use, thereby improving the convenience of control.

[0062] The gluing device 13 can perform gluing on the acquired target cells. A conveying device 14 is provided between the gluing device 13 and the battery testing device 12 to convey the target cells that are normal according to the test results of the battery testing device 12 to the gluing device.

[0063] Based on the scheme in the embodiment shown above, the light source of the battery detection device has an image acquisition device and a plurality of sub-light sources arranged circumferentially along the image acquisition channel of the image acquisition device. The switching state of at least one sub-light source is different in different working modes, thereby realizing flexible control of the angle of light projected onto the tab area of ​​the battery cell through different working modes, so that the defects in the tab area are clearly presented in the image, thereby improving the accuracy of defect detection; in addition, the battery detection device is located between the welding equipment and the gluing equipment, and the battery cell is glued after the tab area is detected to be normal, thereby avoiding the glue blocking the tab area and the cracks caused by reflection after gluing that cannot be identified, thereby further improving the accuracy of defect detection.

[0064] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG3 , at least one sub-light source of the light source includes a plurality of light source modules at different distances from the image acquisition device. In some embodiments, region 21a1 may be a sub-light source, and its sub-regions a1-1, a1-2, a1-3, and a1-4 may be a light source module respectively. In some embodiments, a plurality of continuous regions in regions 21a1 to 21a8 may be a sub-light source, for example, region 21a1 and region 21a2 may be a sub-light source, and the portion of a sub-light source that is at the same distance from the image acquisition channel may be a light source module. The number and shape of the light source modules included in the sub-light sources shown in FIG3 are feasible embodiments of the present application and do not constitute an undue limitation to the present application. In some embodiments, the number of light source modules in different sub-light sources may be different. In some embodiments, different light source modules in a sub-light source may be switched on and off separately, and in different working modes of the light source, the switching state of at least one light source module is different, thereby enabling light source adjustment with the light source module as the control unit. In some embodiments, the light source is a programmable light source, which can be pre-set, adjusted in real time, etc. to determine the switching status of each light source module under different working modes of each sub-light source, so that the switching status of the light source module can be adjusted by adjusting the working mode during use, thereby improving the convenience of control.

[0065] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the sub-light source has optical modules at different distances from the image acquisition device. By controlling the switches of different optical modules, it is possible to further flexibly control at least one of the angle and intensity of the light projected onto the tab area of ​​the target battery cell, so that the defects in the tab area are more clearly presented in the image, thereby improving the accuracy of defect detection.

[0066] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG3 , different light source modules belonging to the same sub-light source have different distances from the tab region. In some embodiments, the distance is the minimum distance between the light source module and the table surface supporting the tab region. In some embodiments, the distance from the tab region gradually decreases from the light source module closer to the image acquisition device to the light source module farther away from the image acquisition device. As shown in the sub-regions a1-1, a1-2, a1-3, and a1-4 in the figure, the distance between sub-region a1-1 and the table surface supporting the tab region is greater than the distance between sub-region a1-2 and the table surface supporting the tab region. The distance between sub-region a1-3 and the table surface supporting the tab region is greater than the distance between sub-region a1-4 and the table surface supporting the tab region, thereby preventing light between light source modules from being blocked by other light source modules when projecting light toward the tab region.

[0067] In some embodiments, the light source is a dome-shaped structure with a through hole at the top. For example, in the light source structure shown in FIG3 , 21b represents the top through hole region, and 21a1-21a8 represent the dome-shaped structure surrounding the top through hole region. In the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the dome-shaped structure as a whole can improve the comprehensiveness of light angle coverage and facilitate maintaining the stability of the relative positions of the sub-light sources and the light source module.

[0068] In some embodiments, the light source includes four sub-light sources, each of which is a sector ring area with a central angle of 90 degrees, and the first sub-light source is adjacent to the second sub-light source and the fourth sub-light source. Taking the light source structure shown in Figure 3 as an example, the first sub-light source includes area 21a1 and area 21a2, the second sub-light source includes area 21a3 and area 21a4, the third sub-light source includes area 21a5 and area 21a6, and the fourth sub-light source includes area 21a7 and area 21a8. The light source structure in the above embodiment can ensure that light is projected toward the tab area at every angle in the circumferential direction, improving the comprehensiveness of the angles that can be projected.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first sub-light source and the third sub-light source respectively include two or more light source modules at different distances from the image acquisition device. The projections of the second sub-light source and the fourth sub-light source are located in the extension direction of the pole lug. When the first sub-light source and the third sub-light source are in working state, the light source module farthest from the image acquisition device is turned on, and the light source module closest to the image acquisition device is turned off; when the second sub-light source and the fourth sub-light source are in working state, all light source modules are turned on. In some embodiments, the projection of the sub-light source in the above text is located in the extension direction of the pole lug, which may refer to the symmetry axis or center of the projection of the sub-light source in the pole lug area being located in the extension direction of the pole lug; in some embodiments, the projection of the sub-light source in the above text is located perpendicular to the extension direction of the pole lug, which may refer to the symmetry axis or center of the projection of the sub-light source in the pole lug area being located perpendicular to the extension direction of the pole lug.

[0070] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the sub-light sources in the light source are divided into four angles, including two directions of extension of the pole tab, and two directions perpendicular to the extension of the pole tab on a plane parallel to the table carrying the target battery cell. The angle illumination direction matches the pole tab deployment direction of the battery cell. For the extension direction of the pole tab, the most comprehensive angle of light projection is adopted to increase the amount of projected light, reduce the impact of the side of the battery cell higher than the pole tab blocking the light, and improve the clarity of the defects at the root of the pole tab in the image; for the direction perpendicular to the extension of the pole tab, the amount of top light is reduced so that the pole tab defects corresponding to the side light direction can be presented more clearly, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of defect detection.

[0071] In some embodiments, taking the light source structure shown in FIG3 as an example, the switching status of each light source module in different working modes is shown in FIG4 , where the black part indicates that the light module is turned on and the white part indicates that the light module is turned off.

[0072] FIG4 (1) shows the switching state of the battery detection device in the first working mode of the light source. The light source modules of the first sub-light source 211, except for the light source module closest to the image acquisition device, are turned on, and all the light source modules of the second sub-light source 212, the third sub-light source 213 and the fourth sub-light source 214 are turned off. In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, it is possible to control the projection of light in one of the directions perpendicular to the extension direction of the tab, so as to avoid the light in other directions affecting the presentation effect of the tab defects in the image, which is beneficial to the exposure of the tab defects corresponding to the light projection direction. In the case of defects such as cracks in the tab, the light can pass through the crack position and illuminate the shadow area that should be blocked by the tab, and the shadow area will not be illuminated by the light from other sub-light sources, so that the tab defects are fully exposed in the image captured by the image acquisition device. By controlling the light source module closest to the image acquisition device to be turned off, the projection amount of the top light can be reduced, and the excessive top light can be avoided from affecting the clarity of the defect presentation in the image, which is further beneficial to the exposure of the tab defects and improves the accuracy and comprehensiveness of defect detection.

[0073] Figure 4 (2) shows the on / off state of the battery detection device in the second working mode of the light source. All light source modules of the second sub-light source 212 are turned on, and all light source modules of the first sub-light source 211, the third sub-light source 213 and the fourth sub-light source 214 are turned off. In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, it is possible to control the light projection in one of the extension directions of the tab to avoid the light in other directions affecting the presentation effect of the tab defects in the image; for the extension direction of the tab, the most comprehensive angle of light projection is adopted to increase the amount of projected light, reduce the impact of the side of the battery cell being higher than the tab blocking the light, and improve the clarity of the tab defects in the image.

[0074] FIG4 (3) shows the switching state of the battery detection device in the third working mode of the light source. The light source modules of the third sub-light source 213, except for the light source module closest to the image acquisition device, are turned on, and all the light source modules of the first sub-light source 211, the second sub-light source 212 and the fourth sub-light source 214 are turned off. In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, it is possible to control the projection of light in one of the directions perpendicular to the extension direction of the tab, so as to avoid the light in other directions affecting the presentation effect of the tab defects in the image, which is beneficial to the exposure of the tab defects corresponding to the light projection direction; by controlling the light source module closest to the image acquisition device to be turned off, the projection amount of the top light can be reduced, so as to avoid the excessive top light affecting the clarity of the defect presentation in the image, which is further beneficial to the exposure of the tab defects and improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of defect detection.

[0075] FIG4 (4) shows the on / off state of the battery detection device in the fourth working mode of the light source. All light source modules of the fourth sub-light source 214 are turned on, and all light source modules of the first sub-light source 211, the second sub-light source 212, and the third sub-light source 213 are turned off. In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, it is possible to control the light projection in one of the extension directions of the tab to avoid the light in other directions affecting the presentation effect of the tab defects in the image. For the extension direction of the tab, the most comprehensive angle of light projection is adopted to increase the amount of projected light, reduce the impact of the side of the battery cell being higher than the tab blocking the light, and improve the clarity of the tab defects in the image.

[0076] In some embodiments, the battery detection device sequentially uses each working mode to project light to the same tab area, thereby achieving comprehensive light projection to the same tab area, improving the comprehensiveness of defect detection, and improving the reliability of the battery.

[0077] In some embodiments, each sub-light source includes two light source unit groups, and the light source unit group is a fan ring area with a central angle of 45 degrees. Taking the light source structure shown in Figure 3 as an example, 21a1 to 21a8 in the figure are 8 light source unit groups, light source unit groups 21a1 and 21a2 constitute the first sub-light source 211, light source unit groups 21a3 and 21a4 constitute the second sub-light source 212, light source unit groups 21a5 and 21a6 constitute the third sub-light source 213, and light source unit groups 21a7 and 21a8 constitute the fourth sub-light source 214. Each light source unit group, taking light source unit group 21a1 as an example, includes multiple light source units at different distances from the image acquisition device, wherein the light source units belonging to the same light source unit group of the same sub-light source and at the same distance from the image acquisition device belong to the same light source module. In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the sub-light source includes two light source unit groups, the two light source unit groups are equal to the central angle of the sub-light source, and the light source unit groups can independently control the switching state, further improving the flexibility of light angle and intensity control, which is conducive to expanding the working mode configuration method and adaptability to the device under test.

[0078] In some embodiments, the light source is a programmable light source, which can be pre-set, adjusted in real time, etc. to determine the switching status of each light source unit group or the light source unit in the light source unit group under different working modes of the light source, so that the switching status of the light source unit can be adjusted by adjusting the working mode during use, thereby improving the convenience of control.

[0079] In some embodiments, a battery testing device is shown in Figure 5. The battery testing device includes a light source 21 and an image acquisition device 22. In some embodiments, the image acquisition device 22 includes a 1200W color camera and a 25mm FA lens. The battery testing device also includes a main frame 23 and a transfer device 24. The main frame 23 includes a column fixed to a tabletop and a support plate fixed to the end of the column away from the tabletop. The support plate is parallel to the tab area. The transfer device 24 is movably fixed to the support plate of the main frame 23. The transfer device 24 is connected to the image acquisition device and the light source and can move the image acquisition device and the light source by moving along the support plate. The target battery cell 100 is placed on the tabletop of the battery testing device for holding the target battery cell. In the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, the transfer device, which is fixed and movable on the main frame, facilitates stable adjustment of the transfer device's position, thereby achieving stable adjustment of the image acquisition device and the light source. This eliminates the need to adjust the battery cell's position, enabling detection of different battery cell positions, avoiding damage to the tabs caused by adjusting the battery cell's position, and reducing the scrap rate.

[0080] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG5 , the battery testing apparatus further includes a height adjustment bracket 25 connected to the transfer device and the image acquisition device, capable of adjusting the distance between the image acquisition device and the tab area. In the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, the distance between the image acquisition device and the tab area can be adjusted by adjusting the height adjustment bracket, thereby enabling the battery testing apparatus to test battery cells of different sizes and accommodate differences in cell height.

[0081] In some embodiments, the battery testing device further includes a controller. In some embodiments, the controller can be located anywhere within the battery testing device and be electrically or signal-connected to the transfer device 24, image acquisition device 22, and light source 21 of the battery testing device. In some embodiments, the controller can be deployed within the transfer device 24. This deployment location can shorten the distance between the controller and the controlled object, thereby improving control efficiency.

[0082] In some embodiments, the image capture device is located in a first position, capable of capturing an image of a first region of a target battery cell. A controller is capable of controlling the light source to sequentially switch operating modes and controlling the image capture device to capture at least one image of the first region of the target battery cell in each operating mode. In some embodiments, the first region is either the anode tab region or the cathode tab region within the tab region. In some embodiments, the operating modes of the light source include the first through fourth operating modes mentioned above. In some embodiments, each time the light source switches operating modes, the image capture device captures at least one image of the tab region. Upon completing image capture in each operating mode, the image capture device transmits an acquisition completion signal. Upon receiving the acquisition completion signal from the image capture device for capturing images of the first region, the controller controls the transfer device to move the image capture device from the first position to a second position. The light source is controlled to sequentially switch operating modes and control the image capture device to capture at least one image of the second region of the target battery cell in each operating mode. In some embodiments, the first region is either the anode tab region or the cathode tab region within the tab region, a region different from the first region. In some embodiments, each time the light source switches its working mode, the image acquisition device takes at least one image of the tab area, and after completing the image acquisition in each working mode, the image acquisition device sends a capture completion signal. After obtaining the second area image acquisition completion signal, the transfer device is controlled to move the image acquisition device from the second position to the first position. In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, it is possible to project light using a light source with multiple working modes on the battery cell, and obtain an image of the tab area of ​​the battery cell in each working mode, so that the defects in the tab area can be fully exposed, thereby improving the comprehensiveness of the defect detection in the tab area; by automatically moving the position of the image acquisition device, light projection and image acquisition can be performed on the two parts of the tab area respectively, thereby improving the comprehensiveness of the defect detection in the tab area, further improving the image clarity, and improving the degree of automation and efficiency of the detection.

[0083] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the image includes the tab area of ​​the target battery cell and the adjacent portions of the two battery cells. The tab area includes the adapter 10c and the tab. For the right-side cell tab, for example, the head 10b1 is welded to the adapter 10c, and the base 10b2 is welded to the battery cell. Tab cracking can occur at any location on the tab, and cracking in any direction can impact battery performance. Furthermore, the head 10b1 and base 10b2 of the tab may experience missing welds or misaligned weld marks, resulting in loose connections between the tab and the adapter, or between the tab and the battery cell, which can also impact battery performance. In some embodiments, reducing top light and increasing the proportion of side light perpendicular to the tab's extension direction can help to more clearly depict loose connections between the tab and the adapter, or between the tab and the battery cell. In some embodiments, increasing top light in the direction of the tab's extension can help to more clearly depict tab cracking defects in the image.

[0084] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 7, the tab area includes a first area 10d1 and a second area 10d2. The projection of the light source onto the tab area is shown as the circular area in Figure 7. The markers 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the circular area respectively represent the positions of the first, second, third, and fourth sub-light sources. After the target battery cell is moved to the battery testing device, as shown on the left side of Figure 7, the first sub-light source projects light onto the first area 10d1, and an image is captured using an image capture device. Then, the second sub-light source projects light onto the first area 10d1, and an image is captured using an image capture device. Furthermore, the third sub-light source projects light onto the first area 10d1, and an image is captured using an image capture device. Finally, the fourth sub-light source projects light onto the first area 10d1, and an image is captured using an image capture device. The specific order in which the sub-light sources are used can be set or adjusted as needed. After completing the above operations, the tab image of the first area 10d1 is captured. The transfer device drives the image acquisition device and the light source to move in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG7 , and arrives at the position shown in the right figure in FIG7 , and detects the second area 10d2. The first sub-light source is used to project light onto the second area 10d2, and the image acquisition device is used to capture an image; then, the second sub-light source is switched to project light onto the second area 10d2, and the image acquisition device is used to capture an image; further, the third sub-light source is switched to project light onto the second area 10d2, and the image acquisition device is used to capture an image; finally, the fourth sub-light source is switched to project light onto the second area 10d2, and the image acquisition device is used to capture an image. In some embodiments, after the above process is completed, the transfer device drives the image acquisition device and the light source to move in the opposite direction to the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG7 , and returns to the position shown in the left figure, so as to detect the next target battery cell.

[0085] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the tab area of ​​a target battery cell is divided into two parts, and each working mode is used for light irradiation and image acquisition respectively, which improves the degree of light convergence of the light source on the detection position, which is conducive to further exposing the defects of the tab; improves the clarity of each part of the image, further reduces the image processing burden of identifying defects in the image, and is conducive to improving the accuracy of defect detection.

[0086] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG8 , the welding equipment 81, battery testing device 82, gluing equipment 83, and conveying equipment 84 are the same as or similar to the welding equipment 11, battery testing device 12, gluing equipment 13, and conveying equipment 14 in the embodiment shown in FIG1 . The battery cell gluing system includes a host computer 85, which is signal-connected to the battery testing device and capable of receiving images from the battery testing device and determining the inspection results of the target battery cell based on the images. In some embodiments, the battery cell gluing system transmits the inspection results to conveying equipment 84. If the inspection results are normal, conveying equipment 84 transfers the target battery cell to the gluing equipment. In some embodiments, the host computer 85 uses a built-in image detection algorithm to determine the inspection results of the target battery cell based on the received images. In some embodiments, the image detection algorithm can be a pre-trained machine learning algorithm trained on images of normal and defective tab areas. The algorithm can output inspection results based on the input images, including normal or defective. In some embodiments, the host computer can obtain the identification of the target battery cell, such as the barcode of the target battery cell. The host computer associates the identification of the target chip with the inspection results of the target chip, generates and stores battery cell inspection records. In some embodiments, the host computer can associate the detection items with the identification of the target chip and the detection results of the target chip, generate and store the battery cell detection record information, and improve the comprehensiveness of the stored information.

[0087] In some embodiments, host computer 85 can detect defects based on images, including at least one of tab cracking, tab welding defects, or weld mark displacement. If at least one of these occurs, host computer 85 determines the detection result as abnormal, thereby improving the quality and reliability of target battery cells that have normal detection results. In some embodiments, host computer 85 and the light source and image acquisition device in battery testing device 82 are CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) machine vision systems.

[0088] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the host computer is used to process the images collected by the battery detection device, which can fully utilize the computing power of the host computer, reduce the computing power requirements of the battery detection device, and facilitate the host computer to coordinate control of other devices in the system based on the detection results.

[0089] In some embodiments, after each image is captured, the image acquisition device sends it to the host computer for defect identification. The host computer then processes the image and provides real-time feedback on the abnormality after the defect is discovered. The battery detection device does not need to perform subsequent detection, thereby improving the efficiency of detection.

[0090] In some embodiments, the image acquisition device can send each image it captures to the host computer for defect identification. The host computer performs image detection after obtaining the entire image of an area (such as the anode tab area) and provides real-time feedback on abnormalities after defects are discovered. The battery detection device does not need to perform subsequent detection, which improves the efficiency of detection while reducing the number of image processing times of the host computer and reducing the processing burden of the host computer.

[0091] In some embodiments, the image acquisition device can send the image acquisition of an area to the host computer after completing the acquisition of all images. The host computer immediately performs defect detection based on the image and provides real-time feedback on the abnormality after the defect is found. The battery detection device does not need to perform subsequent detection. While improving the efficiency of detection, it reduces the number of communications between the host computer and the battery detection device and reduces the communication pressure.

[0092] In some embodiments, the image acquisition device can send the image to the host computer after completing the acquisition of all images of an area. The host computer performs defect detection after obtaining all images of the tab area of ​​the same target battery cell, and provides real-time feedback on the abnormality after discovering the defect. This reduces the number of communications between the host computer and the battery detection device, reduces the communication pressure, and reduces the number of image processing times of the host computer, thereby reducing the processing burden of the host computer.

[0093] In some embodiments, the image acquisition device can send the entire image of the tab area of ​​a target battery cell to the host computer after completing the acquisition. The host computer performs defect detection after obtaining the image, thereby further reducing the number of communications between the host computer and the battery detection device and reducing communication pressure.

[0094] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 8, the welding equipment 81, the battery detection device 82, the gluing equipment 83 and the conveying equipment 84 are the same as or similar to the welding equipment 11, the battery detection device 12, the gluing equipment 13 and the conveying equipment 14 in the embodiment shown in Figure 1. The battery cell gluing system also includes an abnormality handling device 85, which can move the target battery cell with an abnormal detection result to a predetermined waste area. In some embodiments, the abnormality handling device 84 may include a conveying device located between the battery detection device 12 and the predetermined waste area, which can move the target battery cell on the battery detection device 12 to the waste area. In some embodiments, the abnormality handling device 86 can be connected to the host computer signal and determine to move the target battery cell to the predetermined waste area based on the control signal from the host computer. In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the battery detection system can automatically process the battery cells that have been detected to be defective and move them to the waste area, avoiding subsequent processing such as gluing on the abnormal battery cells, thereby reducing processing costs.

[0095] The present application also provides a method for gluing a battery cell. In some embodiments, the method for gluing a battery cell is shown in FIG9 and includes steps S91 to S94.

[0096] In step S91, the tabs of the battery cell are welded to the adapter, the target battery cell is obtained, and the target battery cell is transferred to a battery testing device. In some embodiments, the welded target battery cell is transferred from the welding device to the battery testing device via a transfer device, thereby improving the smoothness of the target battery cell's movement and avoiding damage to the target battery cell.

[0097] In step S92, the battery testing device projects light onto the tab area of ​​the target battery cell using each operating mode of the light source, and acquires an image of the target battery cell in each operating mode using an image acquisition device. The light source includes multiple sub-light sources spaced circumferentially along an image acquisition channel of the image acquisition device, and at least one sub-light source has a different on / off state in different operating modes. In some embodiments, the battery testing device can be any of the above-mentioned devices.

[0098] In step S93 , the detection result of the target battery cell is determined according to the image.

[0099] In step S94 , the target battery cells whose detection results show that they are normal are transferred to a gluing device for gluing.

[0100] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, after the tab is welded, defect detection of the tab area can be performed first, and then glue is applied, thereby avoiding the glue blocking the tab area and the inability to identify cracks caused by reflection after gluing, thereby improving the accuracy of defect detection; the light source of the battery detection device has an image acquisition device and a plurality of sub-light sources arranged circumferentially along the image acquisition channel of the image acquisition device, and the switching state of at least one sub-light source is different in different working modes, thereby realizing flexible control of at least one of the angle and intensity of light projected onto the tab area of ​​the battery cell through different working modes, so that the defects in the tab area are more clearly presented in the image, thereby improving the accuracy of defect detection.

[0101] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG9 , the battery testing method further includes step S95 . If the test result of the target battery cell is determined to be abnormal in step S93 , the target battery cell is moved to a predetermined disposal area. The technical solution of the embodiments of the present application can automatically process defective battery cells and move them to a disposal area, avoiding subsequent processing such as gluing on the abnormal battery cells and reducing processing costs.

[0102] In some embodiments, in the above step S92, the image acquisition device and the light source are located in the first position, and light is projected onto the first area of ​​the target battery cell using each operating mode; in each operating mode of the light source, an image of the first area of ​​the target battery cell is captured at least once. After completing image capture of the first area, the image acquisition device and the light source are moved from the first position to the second position, wherein the first position corresponds to the first area and the second position corresponds to the second area of ​​the target battery cell. After the image acquisition device and the light source are moved to the second position, light is projected onto the second area of ​​the target battery cell using each operating mode; in each operating mode of the light source, an image of the second area of ​​the target battery cell is captured at least once. In some embodiments, after completing image capture of the second area, the image acquisition device and the light source are moved back from the second position to the first position to inspect the next target battery cell.

[0103] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, light can be projected onto the battery cell using light sources in multiple working modes, and images of the tab area of ​​the battery cell in each working mode can be obtained, so that defects in the tab area can be fully exposed, thereby improving the comprehensiveness of defect detection in the tab area; by automatically moving the position of the image acquisition device, light projection and image acquisition can be performed on two parts of the tab area respectively, thereby improving the comprehensiveness of defect detection in the tab area and improving the degree of automation and efficiency of detection.

[0104] In some embodiments, in step S92, the maximum angle between the light source projecting light in the direction of the target cell's tab extension and the plane containing the tab region is greater than the maximum angle between the light source projecting light perpendicular to the plane containing the tab region and the plane containing the tab region. In the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, considering the height difference between the cell edge and the tab, the projection of top light in the direction of the tab extension is reduced, making the effect of side light more prominent, which is beneficial for exposing defects at the tab weld root location and improving the accuracy and comprehensiveness of defect detection.

[0105] In some embodiments, in step S93 above, the battery testing device transmits the image to a host computer. The host computer then uses a built-in image detection algorithm based on the image to determine the test result for the target battery cell. In some embodiments, the image detection algorithm can be a pre-trained machine learning algorithm, trained and generated using images of normal and defective tab areas. The algorithm can output a test result based on the input image, including either normal or defective. In some embodiments, the host computer transmits the test result to the battery testing device, or to a subsequent device of the battery testing device in a battery testing system. In some embodiments, the host computer transmits the test result to a conveying device, thereby controlling the conveying direction of the conveying device.

[0106] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the host computer is used to process the images collected by the battery detection device, which can fully utilize the computing power of the host computer, reduce the computing power requirements of the battery detection device, and facilitate the host computer to coordinate control of other devices in the system based on the detection results.

[0107] In some embodiments, taking the welding process of a bare lithium battery cell as an example, the battery detection method disclosed herein is shown in FIG10 .

[0108] In step 1011, after the bare lithium battery cell tabs are ultrasonically welded, the tabs are welded to the adapter sheet, and the welding is completed.

[0109] In step 1021, the welded product arrives at the photographing position of the battery inspection device. The image acquisition device and light source of the battery inspection device are located at the anode tab photographing position.

[0110] In step 1022, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) serving as a controller triggers a camera anode photographing signal, and the camera performs photographing.

[0111] In step 1023, after the image is taken, the CCD machine vision system including the image acquisition device feeds back a signal indicating that the anode image is taken to the PLC. In some embodiments, step 1024 is also included in which the CCD machine vision system sends the anode image taken by the image acquisition device to the host computer.

[0112] In step 1025, the PLC receives the anode photography completion signal and controls the transfer device to move the image acquisition device and the light source to the cathode photography position.

[0113] In step 1026, the PLC triggers the camera cathode photo signal, and the camera performs photo taking.

[0114] In step 1027, after the image is taken, the CCD machine vision system feeds back a cathode image taking completion signal to the PLC. In some embodiments, step 1028 is also included in which the CCD machine vision system sends the cathode image taken by the image acquisition device to the host computer.

[0115] In step 1031, the host computer processes the collected image, determines the detection result, and feeds it back to the transmission device. If the detection result is normal, step 1041 is executed; if the detection result is abnormal, step 1051 is executed.

[0116] In some embodiments, the test results can also be output to a display connected to a host computer for staff viewing. In some embodiments, the test results can be uploaded to an MES (Manufacturing Execution System) for backup and subsequent use. In some embodiments, at least one of the displayed or uploaded information includes, in addition to the test results, the identification of the target chip and at least one of the test items.

[0117] In step 1041, the product with a normal test result is transferred to the next workstation through the logistics line, such as the gluing equipment.

[0118] In step 1051, products with abnormal detection results are discharged to a waste tank.

[0119] In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the tab area detection is carried out immediately after the welding is completed, which improves the image contrast of the collected tab area image. For example, in the experiment, compared with the image collected after gluing, the image contrast is increased from 25 to 100, and the interference caused by the reflection of the glue is effectively removed, thereby improving the effect of image-based detection of tab defects, making it possible to identify problems such as tab cracking, tab welding leakage, and weld mark position offset based on the image, thereby improving the degree of automation of defect detection, avoiding secondary damage caused by manual detection, and improving the product qualification rate.

[0120] The above description of the various embodiments tends to emphasize the differences between the various embodiments. The same or similar aspects can be referenced with each other and will not be repeated herein for the sake of brevity.

[0121] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and they should all be included in the scope of the claims and specification of the present application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any way. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions that fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A core pasting system, comprising: A welding device configured to weld the tab of the core to the adapter plate to obtain a target core; A battery detection device configured to detect the target core, the battery detection device comprising: An image acquisition device configured to acquire an image of the tab area of the target core; and A light source, including a plurality of sub-light sources circumferentially arranged along the image acquisition channel of the image acquisition device, configured to project light onto the tab area, wherein, in different working modes of the light source, the on-off states of at least one of the sub-light sources are different; A pasting device configured to perform a pasting process on the obtained target core; and A conveying device configured to convey the target core that has completed welding to the battery detection device and convey the target core with a normal detection result to the pasting device.

2. The cell pasting system according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the sub-light sources includes a plurality of light source modules at different distances from the image acquisition device; Different light source modules belonging to the same sub-light source are at different distances from the tab area.

3. The cell pasting system according to claim 1, wherein, The light source is a dome-shaped structure with a through hole at the top.

4. The cell gluing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The light source includes 4 sub-light sources, and the sub-light sources are fan-shaped ring areas with a central angle of 90 degrees, wherein, The first sub-light source is adjacent to the second sub-light source and the fourth sub-light source; The first sub-light source and the third sub-light source each include two or more light source modules at different distances from the image acquisition device, and the projections of the second sub-light source and the fourth sub-light source are in the extending direction of the tab; In the working state of the first sub-light source and the third sub-light source, the light source module farthest from the image acquisition device is turned on, and the light source module closest to the image acquisition device is turned off; In the working state of the second sub-light source and the fourth sub-light source, all the light source modules are turned on.

5. The core pasting system according to claim 4, wherein, In the first working mode of the light source, the light source modules of the first sub-light source except the light source module closest to the image acquisition device are turned on, and all the light source modules of the second sub-light source, the third sub-light source and the fourth sub-light source are turned off.

6. The core pasting system according to claim 4, wherein, In the second working mode of the light source, all the light source modules of the second sub-light source are turned on, and all the light source modules of the first sub-light source, the third sub-light source and the fourth sub-light source are turned off.

7. The core pasting system according to claim 4, wherein, In the third working mode of the light source, the light source modules of the third sub-light source except the light source module closest to the image acquisition device are turned on, and all the light source modules of the first sub-light source, the second sub-light source and the fourth sub-light source are turned off.

8. The core pasting system according to claim 4, wherein, In the fourth working mode of the light source, all the light source modules of the fourth sub-light source are turned on, and all the light source modules of the first sub-light source, the second sub-light source and the third sub-light source are turned off.

9. The core pasting system according to claim 4, wherein, ​ Each of the sub-light sources includes two light source unit groups, and each light source unit group is a fan-shaped ring area with a central angle of 45 degrees; Each of the light source unit groups includes a plurality of light source units with different distances from the image acquisition device. Among them, the light source units with the same distance from the image acquisition device and belonging to the same light source unit group of the same sub-light source belong to the same light source module.

10. The battery cell pasting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the battery detection device further includes: A main body bracket, including a support plate and a column fixed to the table board, and the support plate is fixed to one end of the column away from the table board and is parallel to the tab area; And A transfer device, movably fixed to the support plate, and connected to the image acquisition device and the light source, and is configured to drive the image acquisition device and the light source to move by moving along the support plate.

11. The battery cell pasting system according to claim 10, wherein the battery detection device further includes: A height adjustment bracket, connected to the transfer device and the image acquisition device, and is configured to Adjust the distance between the image acquisition device and the tab area.

12. The battery cell pasting system according to claim 10, wherein the battery detection device further includes a controller, which is configured to: Control the light source to sequentially switch working modes, and control the image acquisition device to acquire images of at least one first area of the target battery cell in each working mode of the light source; After obtaining the signal that the image acquisition of the first area is completed, control the transfer device to move the image acquisition device from the first position to the second position; Control the light source to sequentially switch working modes, and control the image acquisition device to acquire images of at least one second area of the target battery cell in each working mode of the light source; After obtaining the signal that the image acquisition of the second area is completed, control the transfer device to move the image acquisition device from the second position to the first position.

13. The battery cell pasting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further includes: An abnormal handling device, configured to move the target battery cell with an abnormal detection result to a predetermined waste area.

14. The battery cell pasting system according to claim 13, further includes: A host computer, configured to receive images from the battery detection device and determine the detection result of the target battery cell according to the images.

15. The cell gluing system according to claim 14, wherein, The host computer is configured to determine that the detection result is abnormal when it is determined according to the images that at least one of the following occurs: tab cracking, tab welding omission, or offset of the welding mark position.

16. A method for pasting battery cells, including: Welding the tabs of the battery cell to the adapter plate, obtaining a target battery cell, and transporting it to the battery detection device; The battery detection device projects light onto the tab area of the target battery cell respectively in each working mode of the light source, and acquires images of the target battery cell in each working mode through the image acquisition device, wherein the light source includes a plurality of sub-light sources arranged circumferentially and at intervals along the image acquisition channel of the image acquisition device, and in different working modes, the on-off states of at least one of the sub-light sources are different; Determine the detection result of the target battery cell according to the image; Transfer the target battery cells with normal detection results to a taping device for taping processing.

17. The battery cell taping method according to claim 16, wherein The battery detection device projects light onto the tab area of the target battery cell in each working mode of the light source, and obtains images of the target battery cell in each working mode through an image acquisition device, including: Project light onto the first area of the target battery cell in each working mode respectively; In each working mode of the light source, acquire images of the first area of the target battery cell at least once; Move the image acquisition device and the light source from the first position to the second position, where the first position corresponds to the first area and the second position corresponds to the second area of the target battery cell; Project light onto the second area of the target battery cell in each working mode respectively; In each working mode of the light source, acquire images of the second area of the target battery cell at least once; Move the image acquisition device and the light source from the second position to the first position.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein The maximum value of the angle between the light projected by the light source in the extending direction of the tab of the target battery cell and the plane where the tab area is located is greater than the maximum value of the angle between the light projected by the light source perpendicular to the extending direction of the tab of the target battery cell on the plane where the tab area is located and the plane where the tab area is located.

19. The method according to claim 16 or 17 further includes: Move the target battery cells with abnormal detection results to a predetermined waste area.

20. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein The determining the detection result of the target battery cell according to the image includes: The battery detection device sends the image to a host computer, and the host computer determines the detection result of the target battery cell according to the image.

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