Flexible connection system for battery cell assembly and detection method for battery cell assembly

Abstract

The present application discloses a flexible connection system for a battery cell assembly and a detection method for a battery cell assembly. The system comprises: a superordinate computer used for sending image acquisition signals to a first camera and a second camera; a first prism used for imaging a first side of the battery cell assembly in a third direction; the first camera used for acquiring an image, of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, in the first prism on the basis of the image acquisition signal, so as to obtain a first image; a second prism used for imaging a second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction; and the second camera used for acquiring an image, of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, in the second prism on the basis of the image acquisition signal, so as to obtain a second image; wherein the superordinate computer is further used for receiving the first image and the second image, determining a first detection result of a cathode-end snap-fit member on the basis of the first image, and determining a second detection result of an anode-end snap-fit member on the basis of the second image. Thus, it is possible to detect whether snap-fit members are mounted in place.

Description

Soft connection system of battery cell assembly and detection method of battery cell assembly

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202410137217.0, filed on January 31, 2024, entitled “Soft connection system for battery cell assembly and detection method for battery cell assembly”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of visual inspection, and in particular to a soft connection system for a battery cell assembly and a method for inspecting a battery cell assembly. Background Art

[0004] The top bracket can be used to isolate the battery cell and the tab, support the end face of the battery cell, prevent the battery cell from decarbonization, and prevent the battery cell from squeezing the tab, causing the battery cell to short circuit and fail.

[0005] Currently, the top bracket and the top cover can be fixed together by means of a clip. However, if the clip is not installed properly, the battery cell will be damaged. Therefore, a solution is needed to detect whether the clip is installed properly. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a soft connection system for a battery cell assembly and a method for detecting a battery cell assembly, which can detect whether a fastener is properly installed.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a soft connection system for a battery cell assembly, the battery cell assembly comprising a top cover, a top bracket and two bare battery cells, the two bare battery cells are spaced apart in a first direction, the top cover and the top bracket are located between the two bare battery cells, the top bracket is arranged on one side of the top cover in a second direction, and is fixed to the top cover by a cathode end clip and an anode end clip, the cathode end clip is located at the edge of the first side of the battery cell assembly in a third direction, the anode end clip is located at the edge of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, the first direction, the second direction and the third direction intersect in pairs, the system comprises: a host computer, electrically connected to a first camera and a second camera, for sending image acquisition signals to the first camera and the second camera when the battery cell assembly arrives at a detection station; a first prism, Used to image the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction; the first camera is used to capture the image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a first image; the second prism is used to image the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction; the second camera is used to capture the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a second image; the upper computer is also used to receive the first image and the second image, determine the first detection result of the cathode end fastener based on the first image, and determine the second detection result of the anode end fastener based on the second image, the first detection result is used to characterize whether the cathode end fastener is installed in place, and the second detection result is used to characterize whether the anode end fastener is installed in place.

[0008] Therefore, the cathode end fastener is located at the edge of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, and the anode end fastener is located at the edge of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction. The first prism can image the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, and the second prism can image the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction. When the battery cell assembly arrives at the inspection station, the upper computer can send image acquisition signals to the first camera and the second camera. The first camera can capture the image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism to obtain a first image. The second camera can capture the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a second image. The upper computer can determine whether the cathode end fastener is installed in place based on the first image, and determine whether the anode end fastener is installed in place based on the second image, thereby realizing the detection of whether the fastener is installed in place.

[0009] In some embodiments, the system also includes: a light source controller, which is electrically connected to the host computer, the first light source module and the second light source module respectively; the host computer is used to send a brightness control signal to the light source controller when the battery cell assembly arrives at the inspection station; the light source controller is used to adjust the brightness of the first light source module and the second light source module based on the brightness control signal; the first light source module is used to illuminate the edge of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction; the first camera is used to capture the image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism when the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is illuminated by the first light source module, so as to obtain a first image; the second light source module is used to illuminate the edge of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction; the second camera is used to capture the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism when the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is illuminated by the second light source module, so as to obtain a second image.

[0010] In this way, by using the first light source module to illuminate the edge of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, and using the second light source module to illuminate the edge of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, it is convenient to capture clearer first and second images.

[0011] In some embodiments, the system also includes: a first diffuse reflection plate, located between the light-emitting side of the first light source module and the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, for diffusely reflecting the first light emitted by the first light source module to form a second light; a first camera, used to capture the image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism when the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is irradiated by the second light, to obtain a first image; a second diffuse reflection plate, located between the light-emitting side of the second light source module and the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, for diffusely reflecting the third light emitted by the second light source module to form a fourth light; and a second camera, used to capture the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism when the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is irradiated by the fourth light, to obtain a second image.

[0012] In this way, the light emitted by the first light source module is diffusely reflected by the first diffuse reflection plate, and the light emitted by the second light source module is diffusely reflected by the second diffuse reflection plate, forming low-angle diffuse reflection lighting, which can avoid the light of the two light source modules from interfering with each other, and can also avoid interference from other light, thereby enhancing the grayscale value contrast between the top cover and the top bracket, and facilitating accurate detection of whether the cathode end fasteners and the anode fasteners are installed in place.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first prism includes a first reflecting area, which is used to reflect the fifth light reflected by the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction to the first camera; the second prism includes a second reflecting area, which is used to reflect the sixth light reflected by the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction to the second camera.

[0014] In this way, the first prism is used to reflect the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction to the first camera, and the second prism is used to reflect the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction to the second camera. This can reduce the space occupied by the soft connection system of the battery cell assembly and save space utilization. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether the fastener is installed in place in a smaller space, which also increases the application scenarios of the soft connection system of the battery cell assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first light emitted by the first light source module is diffusely reflected by the first diffuse reflection plate to form a second light, and the second light is projected to the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction; the first camera is used to capture the position of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction illuminated by the second light, to obtain a first image; the third light emitted by the second light source module is diffusely reflected by the second diffuse reflection plate to form a fourth light, and the fourth light is projected to the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction; the second camera is used to capture the position of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction illuminated by the fourth light, to obtain a second image.

[0016] In this way, the light emitted by the first light source module is diffusely reflected by the first diffuse reflection plate, and the light emitted by the second light source module is diffusely reflected by the second diffuse reflection plate, forming low-angle diffuse reflection lighting, which can avoid the light of the two light source modules from interfering with each other, and can also avoid interference from other light, thereby enhancing the grayscale value contrast between the top cover and the top bracket, and facilitating accurate detection of whether the cathode end fasteners and the anode fasteners are installed in place.

[0017] In some embodiments, the system further includes: a lower computer, electrically connected to the upper computer, for sending a trigger signal to the upper computer when the battery cell assembly arrives at the inspection station and the first camera and the second camera are ready; the upper computer is used to send an image acquisition signal to the first camera and the second camera in response to the trigger signal.

[0018] In this way, the lower computer can determine whether the battery cell assembly is in place and whether the first camera and the second camera are ready, so as to accurately trigger the upper computer to control other modules, thereby successfully completing the visual inspection.

[0019] In some embodiments, the host computer is further used to send an exposure time control signal to the first camera and the second camera; the first camera is further used to adjust its own exposure time based on the exposure time control signal, and to capture the first image based on the adjusted exposure time; the second camera is further used to adjust its own exposure time based on the exposure time control signal, and to capture the second image based on the adjusted exposure time.

[0020] In this way, by controlling the exposure time of the first camera and the second camera through the host computer, the collected image can be made to better meet user needs.

[0021] In some embodiments, the lower computer is also used to send the identification of the battery cell component to the upper computer; the upper computer is also used to associate the detection results with the identification of the battery cell component, and the detection results include a first detection result and a second detection result; the lower computer is also used to search for detection results based on the identification of the battery cell component.

[0022] In this way, by associating the identification of the battery cell assembly with the test result, it is convenient to index and read the test result of the battery cell assembly.

[0023] In some embodiments, when the first detection result indicates that the cathode end fastener is not installed in place, the first detection result also includes the reason why the cathode end fastener is not installed in place; the reason includes any one of a single-sided fastener not fastened, a double-sided fastener not fastened, and a fastener placed upside down.

[0024] In this way, not only can it be determined whether the cathode fastener is properly installed, but also the reason why the cathode fastener is not properly installed can be determined if the cathode fastener is not properly installed.

[0025] In the second aspect, the present application provides a method for detecting a battery cell assembly, wherein the battery cell assembly includes a top cover, a top bracket and two bare battery cells, the two bare battery cells are spaced apart in the first direction, the top cover and the top bracket are located between the two bare battery cells, the top bracket is arranged on one side of the top cover in the second direction, and is fixed to the top cover by a cathode end fastener and an anode end fastener, the cathode end fastener is located at the edge of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, and the anode end fastener is located at the edge of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, and the first direction, the second direction and the third direction intersect in pairs, and the system includes: sending an image acquisition signal to the first camera and the second camera by the upper computer when the battery cell assembly arrives at the detection station; using the first prism to focus on the battery cell assembly The first side of the battery component in the third direction is imaged; the first camera is used to capture the image of the first side of the battery component in the third direction in the first prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a first image; the second side of the battery component in the third direction is imaged by the second prism; the second camera is used to capture the image of the second side of the battery component in the third direction in the second prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a second image; the first image and the second image are received by the host computer, and a first detection result of the cathode end fastener is determined based on the first image, and a second detection result of the anode end fastener is determined based on the second image, the first detection result is used to characterize whether the cathode end fastener is installed in place, and the second detection result is used to characterize whether the anode end fastener is installed in place.

[0026] Therefore, the cathode end fastener is located at the edge of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, and the anode end fastener is located at the edge of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction. The first prism can image the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, and the second prism can image the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction. When the battery cell assembly arrives at the inspection station, the upper computer can send image acquisition signals to the first camera and the second camera. The first camera can capture the image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism to obtain a first image. The second camera can capture the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a second image. The upper computer can determine whether the cathode end fastener is installed in place based on the first image, and determine whether the anode end fastener is installed in place based on the second image, thereby realizing the detection of whether the fastener is installed in place.

[0027] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a brightness control signal to the light source controller by the host computer when the battery cell assembly arrives at the inspection station; adjusting the brightness of the first light source module and the second light source module by the light source controller based on the brightness control signal; illuminating the edge of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction by the first light source module; illuminating the edge of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction by the second light source module; the above-mentioned collecting the imaging of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism based on the image acquisition signal by the first camera to obtain the first image, including: when the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is illuminated by the first light source module, collecting the imaging of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain the first image; the above-mentioned collecting the imaging of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain the second image, including: when the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is illuminated by the second light source module, collecting the imaging of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain the second image.

[0028] In this way, by using the first light source module to illuminate the edge of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, and using the second light source module to illuminate the edge of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, it is convenient to capture clearer first and second images.

[0029] In some embodiments, the method further includes: diffusely reflecting the first light emitted by the first light source module through a first diffuse reflection plate to form a second light; diffusely reflecting the third light emitted by the second light source module through a second diffuse reflection plate to form a fourth light; in the above-mentioned case where the first side of the battery cell component in the third direction is illuminated by the first light source module, the imaging of the first side of the battery cell component in the third direction in the first prism is captured based on the image acquisition signal by the first camera to obtain the first image, including: in the case where the first side of the battery cell component in the third direction is illuminated by the second light, the imaging of the first side of the battery cell component in the third direction in the first prism is captured based on the image acquisition signal to obtain the first image; in the above-mentioned case where the second side of the battery cell component in the third direction is illuminated by the second light source module, the imaging of the second side of the battery cell component in the third direction in the second prism is captured based on the image acquisition signal to obtain the second image, including: in the case where the second side of the battery cell component in the third direction is illuminated by the fourth light, the imaging of the second side of the battery cell component in the third direction in the second prism is captured based on the image acquisition signal to obtain the second image.

[0030] In this way, the light emitted by the first light source module is diffusely reflected by the first diffuse reflection plate, and the light emitted by the second light source module is diffusely reflected by the second diffuse reflection plate, forming low-angle diffuse reflection lighting, which can avoid the light of the two light source modules from interfering with each other, and can also avoid interference from other light, thereby enhancing the grayscale value contrast between the top cover and the top bracket, and facilitating accurate detection of whether the cathode end fasteners and the anode fasteners are installed in place.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first prism includes a first reflective area, the second prism includes a second reflective area, and the method further includes: reflecting the fifth light reflected by the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction to the first camera through the first reflective area; and reflecting the sixth light reflected by the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction to the second camera through the second reflective area.

[0032] In this way, the first prism is used to reflect the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction to the first camera, and the second prism is used to reflect the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction to the second camera. This can reduce the space occupied by the soft connection system of the battery cell assembly and save space utilization. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether the fastener is installed in place in a smaller space, which also increases the application scenarios of the soft connection system of the battery cell assembly.

[0033] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned sending of image acquisition signals to the first camera and the second camera by the upper computer when the battery cell assembly arrives at the inspection station includes: sending a trigger signal to the upper computer by the lower computer when the battery cell assembly arrives at the inspection station and the first camera and the second camera are ready; and sending image acquisition signals to the first camera and the second camera by the upper computer in response to the trigger signal.

[0034] In this way, the lower computer can determine whether the battery cell assembly is in place and whether the first camera and the second camera are ready, so as to accurately trigger the upper computer to control other modules, thereby successfully completing the visual inspection.

[0035] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending an exposure time control signal to the first camera and the second camera through the host computer; collecting the imaging of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the first prism in the third direction to obtain a first image, including: adjusting the exposure time of the first camera based on the exposure time control signal, and collecting the imaging of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the first prism in the third direction based on the adjusted exposure time to obtain the first image; collecting the imaging of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the second prism in the third direction to obtain a second image, including: adjusting the exposure time of the second camera based on the exposure time control signal, and collecting the imaging of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the second prism in the third direction based on the adjusted exposure time to obtain the second image.

[0036] In this way, by controlling the exposure time of the first camera and the second camera through the host computer, the collected image can be made to better meet user needs.

[0037] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending the identification of the battery cell assembly to the upper computer through the lower computer; associating the detection result with the identification of the battery cell assembly through the upper computer, the detection result including the first detection result and the second detection result; and searching for the detection result based on the identification of the battery cell assembly through the lower computer.

[0038] In this way, by associating the identification of the battery cell assembly with the test result, it is convenient to index and read the test result of the battery cell assembly.

[0039] In some embodiments, when the first detection result indicates that the cathode end fastener is not installed in place, the first detection result also includes the reason why the cathode end fastener is not installed in place; the reason includes any one of a single-sided fastener not fastened, a double-sided fastener not fastened, and a fastener placed upside down.

[0040] In this way, not only can it be determined whether the cathode fastener is properly installed, but also the reason why the cathode fastener is not properly installed can be determined if the cathode fastener is not properly installed.

[0041] In some embodiments, determining a first detection result of the cathode end fastener based on the first image includes: performing cathode end fastener detection based on the first image using a fastener detection model to obtain the first detection result.

[0042] In this way, the cathode end fastener can be quickly and accurately detected through artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms.

[0043] In some embodiments, the fastener detection model includes a target detection network, a semantic segmentation network and a result judgment network; the fastener detection model is used to perform cathode end fastener detection based on the first image to obtain a first detection result, including: using the target detection network to perform target detection on the first image to obtain a first area corresponding to the battery cell component; using the semantic segmentation network to perform semantic segmentation on the first image based on the first area to obtain a mask image; using the result judgment network to determine the first detection result based on the width of a preset position of the first area in the mask image.

[0044] In this way, the first area is first determined through target detection, and then the mask image is obtained using the semantic segmentation network. Then, the result is determined based on the width of the preset position, which can quickly and accurately determine the first detection result.

[0045] In some embodiments, the preset position includes a first position, a second position, and a third position, the first position and the third position are the positions of the cathode end fastener, and the second position is located between the first position and the second position; using the result judgment network to determine the first detection result based on the width of the preset position of the first area in the mask image, including: when the widths of the first position, the second position, and the third position are all equal to the first threshold, determining that the first detection result indicates that the cathode end fastener is installed in place; when the width of the first position is greater than the first threshold and the width of the third position is equal to the first threshold, or when the width of the first position is equal to the first threshold and the width of the third position is greater than the first threshold, determining that the first detection result indicates that the cathode end fastener is not installed in place, and the reason is that the unilateral fastener is not fastened; when the widths of the first position, the second position, and the third position are all greater than the second threshold, determining that the first detection result indicates that the cathode end fastener is not installed in place, and the reason is that the bilateral fastener is not fastened, and the second threshold is greater than the first threshold; when the widths of the first position and the third position are both greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold, and the width of the second position is greater than the second threshold, determining that the first detection result indicates that the cathode end fastener is not installed in place, and the reason is that the fastener is placed upside down.

[0046] In this way, through the above process, it is possible to accurately determine whether the cathode end fastener is installed in place. If it is not installed in place, the reason for not installing in place can also be accurately determined, avoiding over-killing or missing killing when testing the battery cell assembly.

[0047] 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

[0048] 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:

[0049] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a battery cell assembly according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0050] FIG2 is a second schematic diagram of a battery cell assembly provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0051] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a flexible connection system of a battery cell assembly provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0052] FIG4 is a second schematic diagram of a flexible connection system for a battery cell assembly provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0053] FIG5 is a flow chart of a method for detecting a battery cell assembly according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0054] FIG6 is a second flowchart of a method for detecting a battery cell assembly provided in some embodiments of the present application.

[0055] In the accompanying drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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).

[0062] 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.

[0063] As mentioned in the background, during the flexible connection process of battery cell assemblies, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) adhesive was previously used as a protective measure. More recently, a top bracket has been adopted as a protective measure, with clips securing the top bracket and top cover. However, improper installation of the clips can damage the battery cell. Therefore, the flexible connection process of the battery cell assembly can include a step to detect whether the clips are properly installed. Therefore, a solution is needed to detect whether the clips are properly installed.

[0064] In response to the above technical problems, the present application provides a soft connection system for a battery cell assembly and a method for detecting a battery cell assembly, wherein the cathode end fastener is located at the edge of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, and the anode end fastener is located at the edge of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction. The first prism can image the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, and the second prism can image the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction. When the battery cell assembly arrives at the detection station, the upper computer can send an image acquisition signal to the first camera and the second camera. The first camera can capture the image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism to obtain a first image. The second camera can capture the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a second image. The upper computer can determine whether the cathode end fastener is installed in place based on the first image, and determine whether the anode end fastener is installed in place based on the second image, thereby realizing the detection of whether the fastener is installed in place.

[0065] The following is a detailed introduction to the soft connection system of the battery cell assembly and the detection method of the battery cell assembly provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0066] The present application provides a soft connection system for a battery cell assembly. As shown in Figure 1, the battery cell assembly 100 may include: a top cover 110, a top bracket 120 and two bare battery cells. The two bare battery cells may be spaced apart in the first direction. The top cover 110 and the top bracket 120 may be located between the two bare battery cells. The top bracket 120 may be arranged on one side of the top cover 110 in the second direction and fixed to the top cover 110 by a cathode end clip and an anode end clip. As shown in Figure 2, the cathode end clip 130 may be located at the edge of the first side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction, and the anode end clip 140 may be located at the edge of the second side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction. The first direction, the second direction and the third direction may intersect in pairs.

[0067] As shown in FIG3 , the soft connection system of the battery cell assembly may include: a host computer (not shown in the figure), a first prism 310 , a first camera 320 , a second prism 330 and a second camera 340 .

[0068] The host computer can be electrically connected to the first camera 320 and the second camera 340, and can be used to send image acquisition signals to the first camera 320 and the second camera 340 when the battery cell assembly 100 arrives at the inspection station;

[0069] The first prism 310 may be used to image a first side of the battery cell assembly 100 in a third direction;

[0070] The first camera 320 may be configured to capture an image of a first side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction in the first prism 310 based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a first image;

[0071] The second prism 330 may be used to image the second side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction;

[0072] The second camera 340 may be configured to capture an image of the second side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction in the second prism 330 based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a second image.

[0073] The host computer can also be used to receive the first image and the second image, determine the first detection result of the cathode end fastener based on the first image, and determine the second detection result of the anode end fastener based on the second image. The first detection result can be used to characterize whether the cathode end fastener is installed in place, and the second detection result can be used to characterize whether the anode end fastener is installed in place.

[0074] Here, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction may be perpendicular to each other.

[0075] The first camera 320 and the second camera 340 can both be 2D area array cameras. The first camera 320 and the second camera 340 can both take pictures in a fixed or flying manner, saving CT.

[0076] The top bracket 120 , the cathode end fastener 130 and the anode end fastener 140 can all be made of transparent polycarbonate (PC) material.

[0077] The cathode end clip 130 and the anode end clip 140 can have an anti-fool design to prevent the top bracket 120 from being installed in reverse. Specifically, it can be designed that when the top bracket 120 is installed in reverse, the cathode end clip 130 and the anode end clip 140 cannot be installed in place. For example, there can be two cathode end clips 130 and two anode end clips 140, and the distance between the two cathode end clips 130 is different from the distance between the two anode end clips 140. In this way, when the top bracket 120 is installed in reverse, the cathode end clip 130 and the anode end clip 140 cannot be installed in place.

[0078] Specifically, when the battery cell assembly 100 arrives at the inspection station, the host computer can send an image acquisition signal to the first camera 320 and the second camera 340. The first prism 310 can image the first side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction. The first camera 320 can capture the image of the first side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction in the first prism 310 based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a first image. The second prism 330 can image the second side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction. The second camera 340 can capture the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction in the second prism 330 based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a second image. Then, the host computer can receive the first image and the second image, determine the first detection result of the cathode end fastener 130 based on the first image, and determine the second detection result of the anode end fastener 140 based on the second image.

[0079] In some embodiments of the present application, when the first detection result indicates that the cathode end fastener is not installed in place, the first detection result may further include a reason why the cathode end fastener is not installed in place;

[0080] The reason may include any one of a single-side fastener not being fastened, a double-side fastener not being fastened, and a fastener being placed upside down.

[0081] Here, the number of cathode end fasteners may be 2. A single-side fastener not fastened may indicate that only one of the two cathode end fasteners is not fastened, a double-side fastener not fastened may indicate that both cathode end fasteners are not fastened, and a fastener placed upside down may indicate that the cathode end fastener is located at the installation position of the anode end fastener.

[0082] In this way, not only can it be determined whether the cathode fastener is properly installed, but also the reason why the cathode fastener is not properly installed can be determined if the cathode fastener is not properly installed.

[0083] In some embodiments of the present application, when the second detection result indicates that the anode terminal fastener is not installed in place, the second detection result may further include a reason why the anode terminal fastener is not installed in place;

[0084] The reason may include any one of a single-side fastener not being fastened, a double-side fastener not being fastened, and a fastener being placed upside down.

[0085] Here, the number of anode terminal fasteners may be 2. A single-sided fastener not fastened may indicate that only one of the two anode terminal fasteners is not fastened, a double-sided fastener not fastened may indicate that both anode terminal fasteners are not fastened, and a fastener placed upside down may indicate that the anode terminal fastener is located at the installation position of the cathode terminal fastener.

[0086] In this way, not only can it be determined whether the anode fastener is properly installed, but also the reason why the anode fastener is not properly installed can be determined if the anode fastener is not properly installed.

[0087] In some embodiments of the present application, as shown in FIG3 , the first prism 310 may include a first light reflecting area, and the first light reflecting area may be used to reflect the fifth light reflected by the first side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction to the first camera 320 ;

[0088] The second prism 330 may include a second light reflecting area, and the second light reflecting area may be used to reflect the sixth light reflected from the second side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction to the second camera 340 .

[0089] For example, the first prism 310 and the second prism 330 may be 45° prisms, and the first reflective area and the second reflective area are arranged opposite each other in the third direction. The first camera 320 and the second camera 340 are spaced apart in the third direction. The first camera 320 and the first prism 310 are spaced apart in the second direction, with the lens of the first camera 320 facing the first prism 310. The second camera 340 and the second prism 330 are spaced apart in the second direction, with the lens of the second camera 340 facing the second prism 330.

[0090] In this way, the first prism is used to reflect the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction to the first camera, and the second prism is used to reflect the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction to the second camera. This can reduce the space occupied by the soft connection system of the battery cell assembly and save space utilization. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether the fastener is installed in place in a smaller space, which also increases the application scenarios of the soft connection system of the battery cell assembly.

[0091] Therefore, the cathode end fastener is located at the edge of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, and the anode end fastener is located at the edge of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction. The first prism can image the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, and the second prism can image the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction. When the battery cell assembly arrives at the inspection station, the upper computer can send image acquisition signals to the first camera and the second camera. The first camera can capture the image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism to obtain a first image. The second camera can capture the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a second image. The upper computer can determine whether the cathode end fastener is installed in place based on the first image, and determine whether the anode end fastener is installed in place based on the second image, thereby realizing the detection of whether the fastener is installed in place.

[0092] In some embodiments of the present application, as shown in FIG. 3 , the system may further include: a light source controller (not shown in the figure), a first light source module 350 and a second light source module 360 ​​.

[0093] The light source controller may be electrically connected to the host computer, the first light source module 350 and the second light source module 360 ​​respectively;

[0094] The host computer can be used to send a brightness control signal to the light source controller when the battery cell assembly 100 arrives at the inspection station;

[0095] The light source controller may be configured to adjust the brightness of the first light source module 350 and the second light source module 360 ​​based on the brightness control signal;

[0096] The first light source module 350 can be used to illuminate the edge portion of the first side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction;

[0097] The first camera 320 may be configured to capture an image of the first side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction through the first prism 310 when the first side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction is illuminated by the first light source module 350 to obtain a first image.

[0098] The second light source module 360 ​​can be used to illuminate the edge portion of the second side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction;

[0099] The second camera 340 can be used to capture the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction in the second prism 330 when the second side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction is illuminated by the second light source module 360 ​​to obtain a second image.

[0100] Here, the first light source module 350 and the second light source module 360 ​​can be set to be constantly on. The light emitted by the first light source module 350 and the second light source module 360 ​​can both be white strips of light. The distance between the first light source module 350 and the battery cell assembly 100 can be set based on the effect of the image captured by the first camera 320. The distance between the second light source module 360 ​​and the battery cell assembly 100 can also be set based on the effect of the image captured by the second camera 340.

[0101] Specifically, when the battery cell assembly 100 arrives at the inspection station, the upper computer can send a brightness control signal to the light source controller. The light source controller can adjust the brightness of the first light source module 350 and the second light source module 360 ​​based on the brightness control signal. The first light source module 350 can illuminate the edge of the first side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction. The first camera 320 can collect the image of the first side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction in the first prism 310 to obtain a first image when the first side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction is illuminated by the first light source module 350. The second light source module 360 ​​can illuminate the edge of the second side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction. The second camera 340 can collect the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction in the second prism 330 to obtain a second image when the second side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction is illuminated by the second light source module 360.

[0102] For example, the first light source module 350 and the second light source module 360 ​​are spaced apart in the third direction. An edge portion of a first side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction is spaced apart from the first light source module 350 in the second direction, and the light-emitting side of the first light source module 350 faces the edge portion of the first side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction. An edge portion of a second side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction is spaced apart from the second light source module 360 ​​in the second direction, and the light-emitting side of the second light source module 360 ​​faces the edge portion of the second side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction.

[0103] In this way, by using the first light source module to illuminate the edge of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, and using the second light source module to illuminate the edge of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, it is convenient to capture clearer first and second images.

[0104] In some embodiments of the present application, the system may further include: a first diffuse reflection plate and a second diffuse reflection plate.

[0105] The first diffuse reflection plate may be located between the light emitting side of the first light source module and the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, and may be used to diffusely reflect the first light emitted by the first light source module to form a second light;

[0106] The first camera may be configured to capture an image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism when the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is illuminated by the second light, thereby obtaining a first image;

[0107] The second diffuse reflection plate may be located between the light emitting side of the second light source module and the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, and may be used to diffusely reflect the third light emitted by the second light source module to form a fourth light;

[0108] The second camera can be used to capture the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism when the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is illuminated by the fourth light to obtain a second image.

[0109] Specifically, the first diffuse reflection plate can diffusely reflect the first light emitted by the first light source module to form a second light. The second light is irradiated on the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction to form low-angle diffuse reflection lighting. Then, the first camera can capture the image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism under the illumination of the second light to obtain a first image.

[0110] The second diffuse reflection plate can diffusely reflect the third light emitted by the second light source module to form a fourth light. The fourth light is irradiated on the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction to form low-angle diffuse reflection lighting. Then, the second camera can capture the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism under the illumination of the fourth light to obtain a second image.

[0111] In this way, the light emitted by the first light source module is diffusely reflected by the first diffuse reflection plate, and the light emitted by the second light source module is diffusely reflected by the second diffuse reflection plate, forming low-angle diffuse reflection lighting, which can avoid the light of the two light source modules from interfering with each other, and can also avoid interference from other light, thereby enhancing the grayscale value contrast between the top cover and the top bracket, and facilitating accurate detection of whether the cathode end fasteners and the anode fasteners are installed in place.

[0112] In some embodiments of the present application, as shown in FIG3 , the first light emitted by the first light source module 350 is diffusely reflected by the first diffuse reflection plate to form a second light, and the second light is projected onto the first side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction;

[0113] The first camera 320 may be used to capture a position of the first side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction illuminated by the second light to obtain a first image;

[0114] The third light emitted by the second light source module 360 ​​is diffusely reflected by the second diffuse reflection plate to form a fourth light, and the fourth light is projected onto the second side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction;

[0115] The second camera 340 can be used to capture the position of the second side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction illuminated by the fourth light to obtain a second image.

[0116] Specifically, the first light emitted by the first light source module 350 can form a second light after diffuse reflection by the first diffuse reflection plate. The second light can be projected onto the first side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction to form low-angle diffuse reflection lighting. Then the first camera 320 can capture the position of the first side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction illuminated by the second light to obtain a first image.

[0117] The third light emitted by the second light source module 360 ​​can form a fourth light after diffuse reflection by the second diffuse reflection plate. The fourth light can be projected onto the second side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction to form low-angle diffuse reflection lighting. Then the second camera 340 can capture the position of the second side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction illuminated by the fourth light to obtain a second image.

[0118] In this way, the light emitted by the first light source module is diffusely reflected by the first diffuse reflection plate, and the light emitted by the second light source module is diffusely reflected by the second diffuse reflection plate, forming low-angle diffuse reflection lighting, which can avoid the light of the two light source modules from interfering with each other, and can also avoid interference from other light, thereby enhancing the grayscale value contrast between the top cover and the top bracket, and facilitating accurate detection of whether the cathode end fasteners and the anode fasteners are installed in place.

[0119] In some embodiments of the present application, if there is sufficient space, the first prism and the second prism may not be used. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the first camera 320 and the second camera 340 are spaced apart in the third direction, the lens of the first camera 320 and the lens of the second camera 340 are arranged opposite each other, the battery cell assembly 100 is located between the first camera 320 and the second camera 340, the lens of the first camera 320 is facing the edge of the first side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction, and the lens of the second camera 340 is facing the edge of the second side of the battery cell assembly 100 in the third direction. The arrangement of the first light source module 350 and the second light source module 360 ​​can refer to other embodiments.

[0120] In some embodiments of the present application, the system may further include: a lower computer.

[0121] The lower computer can be electrically connected to the upper computer and can be used to send a trigger signal to the upper computer when the battery cell assembly arrives at the inspection station and the first camera and the second camera are ready;

[0122] The host computer can be used to send an image acquisition signal to the first camera and the second camera in response to the trigger signal.

[0123] Here, the lower computer may be a controller, specifically a programmable logic controller (PLC), and the upper computer may be a visual upper computer.

[0124] Specifically, when the battery cell assembly arrives at the inspection station, the PLC can send an arrival signal to the host computer. When the first camera and the second camera are ready, the host computer can send a reset success signal to the PLC. Then the PLC can send a trigger signal to the host computer. The host computer can respond to the trigger signal and send an image acquisition signal to the first camera and the second camera.

[0125] In addition, after the first camera and the second camera complete image acquisition, the host computer can also send a photo completion signal to the PLC. After the first camera and the second camera are successfully reset, the host computer can also send a reset success signal to the PL.

[0126] In this way, the lower computer can determine whether the battery cell assembly is in place and whether the first camera and the second camera are ready, so as to accurately trigger the upper computer to control other modules, thereby successfully completing the visual inspection.

[0127] In some embodiments of the present application, the host computer may also be used to send an exposure time control signal to the first camera and the second camera;

[0128] The first camera may also be configured to adjust its own exposure time based on the exposure time control signal, and capture the first image based on the adjusted exposure time;

[0129] The second camera may also be configured to adjust its own exposure time based on the exposure time control signal, and capture a second image based on the adjusted exposure time.

[0130] Specifically, the host computer can send an exposure time control signal to the first camera and the second camera in response to the trigger signal, so that the first camera adjusts its own exposure time based on the exposure time control signal and captures the first image based on the adjusted exposure time, and the second camera adjusts its own exposure time based on the exposure time control signal and captures the second image based on the adjusted exposure time.

[0131] In this way, by controlling the exposure time of the first camera and the second camera through the host computer, the collected image can be made to better meet user needs.

[0132] In some embodiments of the present application, the lower computer may also be used to send an identification of the battery cell assembly to the upper computer;

[0133] The host computer can also be used to associate the test results with the identification of the battery cell component;

[0134] The lower computer can also be used to search for test results based on the identification of the battery cell component.

[0135] Here, the detection result may include a first detection result and a second detection result.

[0136] The identification of the battery cell assembly may be a battery cell code or a serial number (SN) of the battery cell assembly.

[0137] Specifically, upon receiving the cell code of the cell assembly read by the code reader, the PLC can send the cell code to the host computer. After receiving the cell code, the host computer can associate the test result of the cell assembly with the cell code. In this way, the lower computer can search for the test result of the cell assembly based on the cell code of the cell assembly.

[0138] In this way, by associating the identification of the battery cell assembly with the test result, it is convenient to index and read the test result of the battery cell assembly.

[0139] An embodiment of the present application further provides a method for detecting a battery cell assembly. The execution body of the method for detecting a battery cell assembly may be a soft connection system of the battery cell assembly. The method for detecting a battery cell assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application is introduced below.

[0140] FIG5 is a flow chart of a method for detecting a battery cell assembly according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0141] As shown in FIG5 , the battery cell assembly detection method may include the following steps:

[0142] S510, sending an image acquisition signal to the first camera and the second camera via the host computer when the battery cell assembly arrives at the inspection station;

[0143] S520, imaging a first side of the battery cell assembly in a third direction using a first prism;

[0144] S530, capturing, by the first camera based on the image acquisition signal, an image of a first side of the battery cell assembly in the first prism in the third direction to obtain a first image;

[0145] S540, imaging the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction using a second prism;

[0146] S550, capturing, by a second camera based on the image acquisition signal, an image of a second side of the battery cell assembly in the second prism in the third direction to obtain a second image;

[0147] S560: Receive the first image and the second image through the host computer, determine a first detection result of the cathode terminal fastener based on the first image, and determine a second detection result of the anode terminal fastener based on the second image.

[0148] Among them, the battery cell assembly may include a top cover, a top bracket and two bare battery cells, the two bare battery cells may be spaced apart in the first direction, the top cover and the top bracket may be located between the two bare battery cells, the top bracket may be arranged on one side of the top cover in the second direction, and fixed to the top cover by a cathode end clip and an anode end clip, the cathode end clip may be located at the edge of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, the anode end clip may be located at the edge of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, and the first direction, the second direction and the third direction may intersect in pairs.

[0149] The first detection result can be used to indicate whether the cathode end fastener is installed in place, and the second detection result can be used to indicate whether the anode end fastener is installed in place.

[0150] The specific process of S510-S560 can be found in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0151] Therefore, the cathode end fastener is located at the edge of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, and the anode end fastener is located at the edge of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction. The first prism can image the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, and the second prism can image the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction. When the battery cell assembly arrives at the inspection station, the upper computer can send image acquisition signals to the first camera and the second camera. The first camera can capture the image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism to obtain a first image. The second camera can capture the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a second image. The upper computer can determine whether the cathode end fastener is installed in place based on the first image, and determine whether the anode end fastener is installed in place based on the second image, thereby realizing the detection of whether the fastener is installed in place.

[0152] In some embodiments of the present application, when the first detection result indicates that the cathode end fastener is not installed in place, the first detection result may further include a reason why the cathode end fastener is not installed in place;

[0153] The reason may include any one of a single-side fastener not being fastened, a double-side fastener not being fastened, and a fastener being placed upside down.

[0154] Here, the number of cathode end fasteners may be 2. A single-side fastener not fastened may indicate that only one of the two cathode end fasteners is not fastened, a double-side fastener not fastened may indicate that both cathode end fasteners are not fastened, and a fastener placed upside down may indicate that the cathode end fastener is located at the installation position of the anode end fastener.

[0155] In this way, not only can it be determined whether the cathode fastener is properly installed, but also the reason why the cathode fastener is not properly installed can be determined if the cathode fastener is not properly installed.

[0156] In some embodiments of the present application, when the second detection result indicates that the anode terminal fastener is not installed in place, the second detection result may further include a reason why the anode terminal fastener is not installed in place;

[0157] The reason may include any one of a single-side fastener not being fastened, a double-side fastener not being fastened, and a fastener being placed upside down.

[0158] Here, the number of anode terminal fasteners may be 2. A single-sided fastener not fastened may indicate that only one of the two anode terminal fasteners is not fastened, a double-sided fastener not fastened may indicate that both anode terminal fasteners are not fastened, and a fastener placed upside down may indicate that the anode terminal fastener is located at the installation position of the cathode terminal fastener.

[0159] In this way, not only can it be determined whether the anode fastener is properly installed, but also the reason why the anode fastener is not properly installed can be determined if the anode fastener is not properly installed.

[0160] In some embodiments of the present application, determining the first detection result of the cathode terminal fastener based on the first image may include:

[0161] The cathode end fastener detection is performed based on the first image using the fastener detection model to obtain a first detection result.

[0162] Specifically, the first image may be input into a fastener detection model, and the fastener detection model may perform cathode end fastener detection based on the first image and output a first detection result.

[0163] In this way, the cathode end fasteners can be quickly and accurately detected through AI algorithms.

[0164] In some embodiments of the present application, determining the second detection result of the anode terminal fastener based on the second image may include:

[0165] The anode terminal fastener detection is performed based on the second image using the fastener detection model to obtain a second detection result.

[0166] Specifically, the second image may be input into a fastener detection model, and the fastener detection model may perform a fastener detection on the anode terminal based on the second image and output a second detection result.

[0167] In this way, the anode terminal fasteners can be quickly and accurately detected through AI algorithms.

[0168] In some embodiments of the present application, the fastener detection model may include a target detection network, a semantic segmentation network, and a result determination network;

[0169] The above-mentioned method of performing cathode end fastener detection based on the first image using the fastener detection model to obtain a first detection result may include:

[0170] Performing target detection on the first image using a target detection network to obtain a first region corresponding to the battery cell component;

[0171] Performing semantic segmentation on the first image based on the first region using a semantic segmentation network to obtain a mask image;

[0172] A result determination network is used to determine a first detection result based on a width of a preset position of a first region in the mask image.

[0173] Here, the first area may be the area where the top cover and the top bracket are located in the first image. The preset position may be the position where the cathode end fastener is located. In the case where there are multiple cathode end fasteners, each cathode end fastener corresponds to a preset position.

[0174] The width of the preset position is different when the cathode terminal fastener is installed in place and when it is not installed in place, so the first detection result can be determined based on the width of the preset position.

[0175] Specifically, when the cathode end fastener is installed in place, the top cover and the top bracket are parallel, and the width of the preset position meets the standard width. When the cathode end fastener is not installed in place, the top bracket is tilted, and the width of the preset position is greater than the standard width.

[0176] Exemplarily, the traditional Halcon algorithm may be used to process the first image.

[0177] In this way, the first area is first determined through target detection, and then the mask image is obtained using the semantic segmentation network. Then, the result is determined based on the width of the preset position, which can quickly and accurately determine the first detection result.

[0178] In some embodiments of the present application, the preset position may include a first position, a second position, and a third position. The first position and the third position may be positions where the cathode end fastener is located, and the second position may be located between the first position and the second position.

[0179] The above-mentioned determination of the first detection result by using the result determination network based on the width of the preset position of the first area in the mask image may include:

[0180] When the widths at the first position, the second position, and the third position are all equal to the first threshold, determining that the first detection result indicates that the cathode terminal fastener is installed in place;

[0181] When the width at the first position is greater than the first threshold and the width at the third position is equal to the first threshold, or when the width at the first position is equal to the first threshold and the width at the third position is greater than the first threshold, it is determined that the first detection result indicates that the cathode end fastener is not properly installed, and the reason is that the unilateral fastener is not fastened;

[0182] When the widths at the first position, the second position, and the third position are all greater than the second threshold, it is determined that the first detection result indicates that the cathode end fastener is not properly installed, and the reason is that the double-sided fasteners are not fastened;

[0183] When the widths at the first position and the third position are both greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold, and the width at the second position is greater than the second threshold, it is determined that the first detection result indicates that the cathode end fastener is not installed in place, and the reason is that the fastener is placed upside down.

[0184] Here, when the number of cathode end fasteners is two, the preset positions may include a first position, a second position, and a third position. The first position and the third position may be the positions of the two cathode end fasteners, respectively. The second position may be located between the first position and the second position, for example, the second position may be located at the center of the first position and the second position.

[0185] The first threshold value may be a standard width of the first position, the second position, and the third position. The second threshold value may be greater than the first threshold value. Both the first threshold value and the second threshold value may be set according to actual needs.

[0186] Specifically, if the widths at the first position, the second position, and the third position are all equal to the first threshold, it can be determined that the first detection result indicates that the cathode end fastener is installed in place; if the width at the first position is greater than the first threshold and the width at the third position is equal to the first threshold, or the width at the first position is equal to the first threshold and the width at the third position is greater than the first threshold, it can be determined that the first detection result indicates that the cathode end fastener is not installed in place, and the reason is that the unilateral fastener is not fastened; if the widths at the first position, the second position, and the third position are all greater than the second threshold, it can be determined that the first detection result indicates that the cathode end fastener is not installed in place, and the reason is that the bilateral fastener is not fastened; if the widths at the first position and the third position are both greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold, and the width at the second position is greater than the second threshold, it can be determined that the first detection result indicates that the cathode end fastener is not installed in place, and the reason is that the fastener is placed upside down.

[0187] In this way, through the above process, it is possible to accurately determine whether the cathode end fastener is installed in place. If it is not installed in place, the reason for not installing in place can also be accurately determined, avoiding over-killing or missing killing when testing the battery cell assembly.

[0188] The specific process of using the fastener detection model to perform anode end fastener detection based on the second image to obtain the second detection result is the same as the specific process of using the fastener detection model to perform cathode end fastener detection based on the first image to obtain the first detection result, and will not be repeated here.

[0189] In some embodiments of the present application, the distance between the two cathode end fasteners may be different from the distance between the two anode end fasteners. Based on this, the preset position corresponding to the cathode end fasteners may be different from the preset position corresponding to the anode end fasteners.

[0190] In some embodiments of the present application, the method may further include:

[0191] When the battery cell assembly arrives at the inspection station, the host computer sends a brightness control signal to the light source controller;

[0192] adjusting the brightness of the first light source module and the second light source module based on the brightness control signal by the light source controller;

[0193] lighting an edge portion of a first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction by using a first light source module;

[0194] lighting an edge portion of a second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction by using a second light source module;

[0195] S530 may include:

[0196] When the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is illuminated by the first light source module, the first camera captures an image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a first image;

[0197] The S550 can include:

[0198] When the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is illuminated by the second light source module, the second camera is used to capture the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a second image.

[0199] The specific process can be found in the above embodiment and will not be described again here.

[0200] In this way, by using the first light source module to illuminate the edge of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, and using the second light source module to illuminate the edge of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, it is convenient to capture clearer first and second images.

[0201] In some embodiments of the present application, the method may further include:

[0202] diffusely reflecting the first light emitted by the first light source module through the first diffuse reflection plate to form a second light;

[0203] diffusely reflecting the third light emitted by the second light source module through the second diffuse reflection plate to form a fourth light;

[0204] In the case where the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is illuminated by the first light source module, capturing the image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism based on the image acquisition signal by the first camera to obtain the first image may include:

[0205] When the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is illuminated by the second light, the first camera captures an image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a first image;

[0206] In the case where the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is illuminated by the second light source module, capturing the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism based on the image acquisition signal by the second camera to obtain the second image may include:

[0207] When the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is irradiated by the fourth light, the second camera captures the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a second image.

[0208] The specific process can be found in the above embodiment and will not be described again here.

[0209] In this way, the light emitted by the first light source module is diffusely reflected by the first diffuse reflection plate, and the light emitted by the second light source module is diffusely reflected by the second diffuse reflection plate, forming low-angle diffuse reflection lighting, which can avoid the light of the two light source modules from interfering with each other, and can also avoid interference from other light, thereby enhancing the grayscale value contrast between the top cover and the top bracket, and facilitating accurate detection of whether the cathode end fasteners and the anode fasteners are installed in place.

[0210] In some embodiments of the present application, the first prism may include a first light reflecting area, the second prism may include a second light reflecting area, and the method may further include:

[0211] reflecting the fifth light reflected by the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction to the first camera through the first light reflecting area;

[0212] The sixth light reflected by the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is reflected to the second camera through the second reflective area.

[0213] The specific process can be found in the above embodiment and will not be described again here.

[0214] In this way, the first prism is used to reflect the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction to the first camera, and the second prism is used to reflect the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction to the second camera. This can reduce the space occupied by the soft connection system of the battery cell assembly and save space utilization. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether the fastener is installed in place in a smaller space, which also increases the application scenarios of the soft connection system of the battery cell assembly.

[0215] In some embodiments of the present application, S510 may include:

[0216] When the battery cell assembly arrives at the inspection station and the first camera and the second camera are ready, the lower computer sends a trigger signal to the upper computer;

[0217] The host computer responds to the trigger signal and sends an image acquisition signal to the first camera and the second camera.

[0218] The specific process can be found in the above embodiment and will not be described again here.

[0219] In this way, the lower computer can determine whether the battery cell assembly is in place and whether the first camera and the second camera are ready, so as to accurately trigger the upper computer to control other modules, thereby successfully completing the visual inspection.

[0220] In some embodiments of the present application, the method may further include:

[0221] Sending an exposure time control signal to the first camera and the second camera through the host computer;

[0222] The above-mentioned collecting the image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism to obtain the first image includes:

[0223] adjusting, by the first camera, its own exposure time based on the exposure time control signal, and capturing, based on the adjusted exposure time, an image of a first side of the battery cell assembly in the first prism in the third direction to obtain a first image;

[0224] The above-mentioned collecting the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism to obtain the second image includes:

[0225] The second camera adjusts its exposure time based on the exposure time control signal, and captures the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the second prism in the third direction based on the adjusted exposure time to obtain a second image.

[0226] The specific process can be found in the above embodiment and will not be described again here.

[0227] In this way, by controlling the exposure time of the first camera and the second camera through the host computer, the collected image can be made to better meet user needs.

[0228] In some embodiments of the present application, the method may further include:

[0229] Send the identification of the battery cell assembly to the host computer through the lower computer;

[0230] Associating the test result with the identification of the battery cell assembly through the host computer, the test result including the first test result and the second test result;

[0231] The lower computer searches for the test results based on the identification of the battery cell components.

[0232] The specific process can be found in the above embodiment and will not be described again here.

[0233] In this way, by associating the identification of the battery cell assembly with the test result, it is convenient to index and read the test result of the battery cell assembly.

[0234] In order to better describe the entire solution, based on the above embodiments, a specific example is given. As shown in FIG6 , the detection method of the battery cell assembly may include S601 - S610 , which is explained in detail below.

[0235] S601: When the battery cell assembly arrives at the inspection station, the PLC can send an arrival signal to the host computer.

[0236] In step S602, the PLC may send the cell code of the cell assembly to the host computer.

[0237] S603: When both the first camera and the second camera complete the last round of image acquisition, the host computer may send a reset success signal to the PLC.

[0238] S604: The PLC sends a trigger signal to the host computer.

[0239] S605: The host computer triggers the light source controller to control the brightness of the first light source module and the second light source module.

[0240] S606: The host computer triggers the first camera and the second camera to adjust their exposure times, and capture images based on the adjusted exposure times.

[0241] S607: The host computer uses AI algorithms to process the image and obtain the detection results.

[0242] S608: The host computer associates the test result with the cell code.

[0243] S609, the PLC detects the result according to the cell code index of the cell assembly.

[0244] S610: The PLC excludes the battery cell components that have failed the test based on the test results of the battery cell components.

[0245] The specific process of S601-S610 can be found in the above embodiment and will not be described again here.

[0246] Therefore, the cathode end fastener is located at the edge of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, and the anode end fastener is located at the edge of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction. The first prism can image the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, and the second prism can image the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction. When the battery cell assembly arrives at the inspection station, the upper computer can send image acquisition signals to the first camera and the second camera. The first camera can capture the image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism to obtain a first image. The second camera can capture the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a second image. The upper computer can determine whether the cathode end fastener is installed in place based on the first image, and determine whether the anode end fastener is installed in place based on the second image, thereby realizing the detection of whether the fastener is installed in place.

[0247] Although the present application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications may be made thereto and components may be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present application. In particular, the various technical features described in the various embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as there are no structural conflicts. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A soft connection system for a battery cell assembly, the battery cell assembly comprising a top cover, a top bracket, and two bare battery cells, the two bare battery cells being spaced apart in a first direction, the top cover and the top bracket being located between the two bare battery cells, the top bracket being located on one side of the top cover in a second direction, and being fixed to the top cover by a cathode end clip and an anode end clip, the cathode end clip being located at an edge portion of a first side of the battery cell assembly in a third direction, the anode end clip being located at an edge portion of a second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction intersecting in pairs, the system comprising: a host computer, electrically connected to the first camera and the second camera, and configured to send an image acquisition signal to the first camera and the second camera when the battery cell assembly arrives at the inspection station; a first prism, configured to image a first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction; The first camera is configured to capture an image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a first image; a second prism, configured to image a second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction; The second camera is configured to capture an image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a second image; The host computer is also used to receive the first image and the second image, determine the first detection result of the cathode end fastener based on the first image, and determine the second detection result of the anode end fastener based on the second image, the first detection result is used to characterize whether the cathode end fastener is installed in place, and the second detection result is used to characterize whether the anode end fastener is installed in place.

2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: a light source controller, electrically connected to the host computer, the first light source module, and the second light source module respectively; The host computer is used to send a brightness control signal to the light source controller when the battery cell assembly reaches the detection station; The light source controller is configured to adjust the brightness of the first light source module and the second light source module based on the brightness control signal; The first light source module is used to illuminate the edge portion of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction; The first camera is configured to capture an image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism when the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is illuminated by the first light source module to obtain a first image; The second light source module is used to illuminate the edge portion of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction; The second camera is used to collect the imaging of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism to obtain a second image when the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is illuminated by the second light source module.

3. The system according to claim 2, further comprising: a first diffuse reflection plate, located between the light-emitting side of the first light source module and the first side of the battery core assembly in the third direction, for diffusely reflecting the first light emitted by the first light source module to form a second light; The first camera is configured to capture an image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism when the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is illuminated by the second light, so as to obtain a first image; a second diffuse reflection plate, located between the light-emitting side of the second light source module and the second side of the battery core assembly in the third direction, for diffusely reflecting the third light emitted by the second light source module to form a fourth light; The second camera is used to collect the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism when the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is illuminated by the fourth light to obtain a second image.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first prism includes a first reflecting area, and the first reflecting area is used to reflect the fifth light reflected by the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction to the first camera; The second prism includes a second reflecting area, and the second reflecting area is used to reflect the sixth light reflected by the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction to the second camera.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The first light emitted by the first light source module is diffusely reflected by the first diffuse reflection plate to form the second light, and the second light is projected onto the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction; The first camera is used to capture a position of the battery cell assembly at the first side in the third direction illuminated by the second light to obtain the first image; The third light emitted by the second light source module is diffusely reflected by the second diffuse reflection plate to form the fourth light, and the fourth light is projected onto the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction; The second camera is used to capture the position of the battery cell assembly at the second side in the third direction illuminated by the fourth light to obtain the second image.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a lower computer, electrically connected to the upper computer, and configured to send a trigger signal to the upper computer when the battery cell assembly arrives at the inspection station and the first camera and the second camera are both ready; The host computer is configured to send the image acquisition signal to the first camera and the second camera in response to the trigger signal.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The host computer is further configured to send an exposure time control signal to the first camera and the second camera; The first camera is further configured to adjust its own exposure time based on the exposure time control signal, and capture the first image based on the adjusted exposure time; The second camera is further configured to adjust its own exposure time based on the exposure time control signal, and capture the second image based on the adjusted exposure time.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The lower computer is further configured to send the identification of the battery cell assembly to the upper computer; The host computer is further configured to associate a detection result with an identifier of the battery cell assembly, the detection result including the first detection result and the second detection result; The lower computer is further configured to search for the detection result based on the identification of the battery cell assembly.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: In the case where the first detection result indicates that the cathode end fastener is not installed in place, the first detection result further includes a reason why the cathode end fastener is not installed in place; The reasons include any one of a single-side fastener not being fastened, a double-side fastener not being fastened, and a fastener being placed upside down.

10. A method for detecting a battery cell assembly, the battery cell assembly comprising a top cover, a top bracket, and two bare battery cells, the two bare battery cells being spaced apart in a first direction, the top cover and the top bracket being located between the two bare battery cells, the top bracket being located on one side of the top cover in a second direction, and being fixed to the top cover by a cathode terminal fastener and an anode terminal fastener, the cathode terminal fastener being located at an edge portion of a first side of the battery cell assembly in a third direction, the anode terminal fastener being located at an edge portion of a second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction intersecting in pairs, comprising: When the battery cell assembly arrives at the inspection station, the host computer sends an image acquisition signal to the first camera and the second camera; Imaging a first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction using a first prism; Based on the image acquisition signal, the first camera captures an image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the first prism in the third direction to obtain a first image; Imaging the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction using a second prism; capturing, by the second camera based on the image acquisition signal, an image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the second prism in the third direction to obtain a second image; The first image and the second image are received by the host computer, and a first detection result of the cathode end fastener is determined based on the first image, and a second detection result of the anode end fastener is determined based on the second image. The first detection result is used to characterize whether the cathode end fastener is installed in place, and the second detection result is used to characterize whether the anode end fastener is installed in place.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: When the battery cell assembly reaches the detection station, the host computer sends a brightness control signal to the light source controller; adjusting the brightness of the first light source module and the second light source module based on the brightness control signal by the light source controller; lighting an edge portion of the battery cell assembly on a first side in the third direction by using the first light source module; lighting an edge portion of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction by using the second light source module; The step of capturing an image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the first prism in the third direction based on the image acquisition signal by the first camera to obtain a first image includes: When the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is illuminated by the first light source module, capturing, by the first camera based on the image acquisition signal, an image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism to obtain a first image; The step of capturing an image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the second prism in the third direction based on the image acquisition signal by the second camera to obtain a second image includes: When the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is illuminated by the second light source module, the second camera is used to capture the imaging of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a second image.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: diffusely reflecting the first light emitted by the first light source module through a first diffuse reflection plate to form a second light; diffusely reflecting the third light emitted by the second light source module through the second diffuse reflection plate to form a fourth light; The method further comprises: capturing, by the first camera based on the image acquisition signal, an image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism, to obtain a first image when the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is illuminated by the first light source module, including: When the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is illuminated by the second light, the first camera captures an image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the first prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a first image; When the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is illuminated by the second light source module, capturing, by the second camera based on the image acquisition signal, an image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism to obtain a second image, comprising: When the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is illuminated by the fourth light, the second camera captures the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism based on the image acquisition signal to obtain a second image.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first prism comprises a first light reflecting area, the second prism comprises a second light reflecting area, and the method further comprises: reflecting the fifth light reflected by the battery cell assembly at the first side in the third direction to the first camera through the first light reflecting area; The sixth light reflected by the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction is reflected to the second camera through the second reflecting area.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein: The host computer sends an image acquisition signal to the first camera and the second camera when the battery cell assembly arrives at the inspection station, including: When the battery cell assembly arrives at the inspection station and the first camera and the second camera are ready, the lower computer sends a trigger signal to the upper computer; The host computer sends the image acquisition signal to the first camera and the second camera in response to the trigger signal.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising: Sending an exposure time control signal to the first camera and the second camera through the host computer; The collecting the image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the first prism in the third direction to obtain a first image includes: adjusting, by the first camera, its own exposure time based on the exposure time control signal, and capturing, based on the adjusted exposure time, an image of the first side of the battery cell assembly in the first prism in the third direction to obtain a first image; The collecting the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the third direction in the second prism to obtain a second image includes: The second camera adjusts its own exposure time based on the exposure time control signal, and captures the image of the second side of the battery cell assembly in the second prism in the third direction based on the adjusted exposure time to obtain a second image.

16. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: Sending the identification of the battery cell assembly to the host computer through the slave computer; Associating the detection result with the identifier of the battery cell assembly through the host computer, the detection result including the first detection result and the second detection result; The detection result is searched for by the lower computer based on the identification of the battery cell assembly.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein: In the case where the first detection result indicates that the cathode end fastener is not installed in place, the first detection result further includes a reason why the cathode end fastener is not installed in place; The reasons include any one of a single-side fastener not being fastened, a double-side fastener not being fastened, and a fastener being placed upside down.

18. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein The determining a first detection result of the cathode terminal fastener based on the first image includes: The cathode end fastener detection is performed based on the first image using a fastener detection model to obtain the first detection result.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The fastener detection model includes a target detection network, a semantic segmentation network and a result judgment network; The method of performing cathode end fastener detection based on the first image using the fastener detection model to obtain the first detection result includes: Performing target detection on the first image using the target detection network to obtain a first area corresponding to the battery cell component; Performing semantic segmentation on the first image based on the first region using the semantic segmentation network to obtain a mask image; The first detection result is determined by using the result determination network based on the width of the preset position of the first area in the mask image.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein The preset positions include a first position, a second position and a third position, the first position and the third position are where the cathode end fastener is located, and the second position is located between the first position and the second position; The determining the first detection result based on the width of the preset position of the first area in the mask image by using the result determination network includes: When the widths of the first position, the second position, and the third position are all equal to a first threshold, determining that the first detection result indicates that the cathode terminal fastener is installed in place; When the width at the first position is greater than the first threshold and the width at the third position is equal to the first threshold, or when the width at the first position is equal to the first threshold and the width at the third position is greater than the first threshold, it is determined that the first detection result indicates that the cathode terminal fastener is not properly installed, and the reason is that the unilateral fastener is not fastened; When the widths at the first position, the second position, and the third position are all greater than a second threshold, it is determined that the first detection result indicates that the cathode terminal fastener is not properly installed and the reason is that the bilateral fasteners are not fastened, and the second threshold is greater than the first threshold; When the widths of the first position and the third position are both greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold, and the width of the second position is greater than the second threshold, it is determined that the first detection result indicates that the cathode end fastener is not installed in place, and the reason is that the fastener is placed upside down.

Images