Apparatus for inspecting a surface of a product having a coating on a carrier substrate, inspection system comprising such an apparatus, and machine

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (101; 102) for automatically optically inspecting a web-type or sheet-type product (001; 002) which has at least one coating (003) and is moved along a transport path, wherein a capture region (E) of a line scan camera (104) is or is being illuminated both by a first illumination device (106) and by the second illumination device (107). The first illumination device (106; 106') is arranged and oriented such that a central ray (Z106) of the radiation emitted by the first illumination device (106) impinges directly on radiation-sensing elements of the line scan camera (104; 104') by way of a direct reflection off a surface of the product (001; 002) to be inspected that lies in the capture region (E), according to the law of reflection with an angle of reflection equal to the angle of incidence, and the second illumination device (106; 106') is arranged and oriented such that only radiation from the second illumination device (107; 107') that is reflected diffusely in the capture region (E), i.e. no radiation emitted directly by the second illumination device (107) according to the law of reflection, reaches the radiation-sensing elements of the line scan camera (104; 104'), and wherein the line scan camera (104) is designed as a line scan camera (104) having contact image sensors. The invention furthermore relates to an inspection system (100) for inspecting the surfaces of a product (001; 002) on both sides.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Device for inspecting the surface of a product having a coating on a carrier substrate, inspection system with such a device and machine

[0003] The invention relates to a device for inspecting a surface, in particular the surface finish, of a product having a coating, in particular a material layer, on a carrier substrate, an inspection system with such a device, and a machine with such a device or such a system according to claim 1 or 11 or 26.

[0004] DE 20 2016 102 851 U1 discloses a device for the automatic optical inspection of sheet metal components moving along a transport track, wherein a first and a second light source and a line camera arranged between them are directed onto a viewing area of ​​the sheet metal component to be inspected. An angle of approximately 20° to 40°, preferably 30°, is provided between the optical plane of the first light source and the normal on the viewing area, and an angle of approximately 10° to 30°, preferably 20°, is provided between the optical plane of the line camera and the normal on the viewing area. The second light source forms an angle of 30° to 60°, preferably 45°, with the normal. The camera is arranged at a distance of 400 mm ± 200 mm, depending on the width to be detected.

[0005] CN 203838070 U discloses a linear imaging device used for multiple imaging of products to be inspected using illumination from different directions. In one embodiment, a line camera, a first light source directed at a first angle, a second light source directed at a second angle from above onto the product to be inspected, and a third light source directed vertically from below. The lighting devices are activated stroboscopically in successive phases, and the successively acquired images are separated into individual images. In one embodiment, the angle of the optical axis of the linear camera corresponds to the first angle of the first light source.

[0006] DE 601 33443 T2 discloses a sheet-fed printing press in whose delivery area a control device for checking print quality is provided. The control device comprises a light and a camera directed at a product path below. The light and camera are arranged on a common housing that can be moved out of the machine line transversely to the transport direction for maintenance.

[0007] DE 196 04241 A1 relates to a device for checking print quality, wherein a camera is directed at the circumference of a printing cylinder. In order to generate a fixed amount of light for the camera during the transport of the printed product over a rotation angle, two light sources inclined symmetrically to the camera are provided, which are rotated in the same direction by an angle 2a when the cylinder carrying the printed side is rotated by an angle α.

[0008] DE 100 56 783 A 1 discloses a device for detecting the properties of a moving paper web, which comprises an IR illumination device directed at the paper web and a detection device directed at the illuminated area. The IR illumination device and the detection device are arranged in a housing. By changing the angle setting of the IR emitter in the housing, the measuring device can be adjusted for different distances of the paper web from the housing.

[0009] The invention is based on the objective of providing a device for inspecting the surface of a product comprising a material layer on a support substrate, as well as an inspection system comprising such a device. This objective is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 or 11 or 26.

[0010] The advantages achievable with the invention consist in particular in that it provides a very precise and / or easy-to-handle and / or compact inspection device or an inspection system comprising such a device.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, the device for the automatic optical inspection of a linear or arc-shaped product having at least one coating, moving along a transport path, comprises at least one transport means supported by a one- or multi-part frame and transporting the product, as well as a line-scan camera, a first illumination device, and a second illumination device, wherein the transport path along which the product is moved traverses a detection area of ​​the line-scan camera, which is in particular a line-like area, and wherein the line-scan camera is arranged in the transport direction between the first illumination device and the second illumination device. The detection area of ​​the line-scan camera is illuminated or can be illuminated by both the first illumination device and the second illumination device.The first illumination device is arranged and aligned such that a central beam of radiation emitted by the first illumination device, via direct reflection from a surface of the product to be inspected located within the detection range, strikes the radiation-sensitive elements of the line camera at an angle of reflection equal to the angle of incidence, according to the law of reflection. The second illumination device is arranged such that only radiation diffusely reflected within the detection range from the second illumination device, i.e., no radiation emitted directly by the second illumination device according to the law of reflection, reaches the radiation-sensitive elements of the line camera. The line camera is designed as a line camera incorporating contact image sensors.

[0012] This makes it possible to generate a distortion-free image, such as those that can occur with cameras using a lens. A small distance of, for example, a maximum of 100 mm is required, thus enabling a compact design even for larger inspection widths.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the central beam of radiation emitted by the first illumination device strikes the surface of the product to be inspected in a line of impact points extending transversely to the transport direction of the product, wherein the central beam of the first illumination device forms an angle in the range between 10° and 30° with a normal located at the impact point, and / or wherein an angle is formed between a reflection beam emanating from the impact point and directed towards radiation-sensitive elements of the line camera and the normal located at the impact point, wherein this angle and the angle formed between the central beam (Z106) of the first illumination device and the normal located at the impact point are arranged symmetrically to the normal located at the impact point.and / or wherein the rays emitted by the second lighting device and striking the detection area form an angle in the range between 45° and 70° with the normal standing at the point of impact.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the central ray of radiation emitted by the first lighting device and the central ray of radiation emitted by the second lighting device have a common line of impact points extending transversely to the transport direction of the product on the surface of the respective coating of the product, wherein the central ray of the second lighting device forms an angle in the range between 45° and 70° with the normal standing on the impact point.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment, a control unit is provided for controlling the first lighting device and the second lighting device, wherein this control unit is designed in such a way that it sets a radiant intensity of the radiation emitted by the first lighting device to be lower than a radiant intensity of the radiation emitted by the second lighting device.

[0016] Alternatively to or in addition to the aforementioned first aspect, the device for inspecting the surface of an arc- or strand-shaped product having a coating on a carrier substrate comprises at least one transport means (103) mounted directly or indirectly in the side walls of a one- or multi-part frame, a transport path for the product to be inspected which leads over the at least one transport means at least on one transport path section, a line camera directed or to be directed operationally towards a detection area located in the transport path section - in particular a line-like area - and at least one first lighting device directed operationally towards the detection area and illuminating this detection area.The at least one first illumination device and the line scan camera are mounted on a common subframe, which is movable within the frame of the device between the working position and a maintenance position. The line scan camera is adjustable on the subframe by means of adjusting devices encompassed by the device with respect to its distance from the illuminated or to-be-illuminated detection area located in the transport path section in the direction of its optical axis and / or with respect to the inclination of its longitudinal extension, running transversely to the transport direction, with respect to the transport direction by means of an adjusting device encompassed by the device.

[0017] The movable frame allows settings and adjustments to be retained once made, for example when the camera is stopped for the insertion of a new track or for cleaning the camera or lighting.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, such a sub-frame can be equipped with one or two light sources or be equipped in the sense of a modular system.

[0019] Preferably, adjusting means for tilt adjustment are provided in the area of ​​one or each end face of the line scan camera, by means of which a corresponding or respective end-face bearing point of the line scan camera can be adjusted along a movement path that lies in a plane parallel to the transport path plane and runs perpendicular to the direction of the optical axis of the line scan camera. Additionally or instead, the line scan camera is mounted in or on the subframe in the area of ​​one or each end face via an adjusting device for adjusting the distance along the optical axis.

[0020] While the subframe can in principle be displaceable in any way, it is preferably mounted in the frame via a bearing that defines the movement between the working position and a maintenance position along a motion path of the product to be conveyed in a transport path plane. The transport path plane is defined by a plane perpendicular to the product surface and / or vertically, in which, on at least the transport path segment leading over the transport means, the motion vectors of a point conveyed along the transport path segment lie. This can be achieved, for example, by a deflection about an axis parallel to the roller.

[0021] A roller as a transport means is particularly advantageous for achieving the most compact design possible. The components can thus be arranged on a circular segment around the roller. In a further advantageous embodiment, the line camera is fixed axially to the frame or sub-frame of the device on one end face and, on the other end, is mounted with a clearance that allows relative movement in the axial direction between the line camera and the frame or sub-frame.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of an inspection system for the double-sided inspection of the surfaces of a product with coatings applied to both sides of a carrier substrate, the system comprises a first inspection device and a second inspection device, which are arranged one behind the other along a product path leading through the inspection system in the direction of transport, wherein the two inspection devices are arranged on the same or on a respective one- or multi-part frame and are designed with respect to their components and relative arrangements of these components according to one or more of the above embodiments or aspects.The transport means of the first inspection device is arranged on a first side of the transport path and the transport means of the second inspection device is arranged on a second side of the transport path, and the respective associated lighting devices and line cameras are located on the side of the transport path opposite the respective transport means.

[0023] Further advantageous embodiments and developments for the above-mentioned device or inspection system can be found individually or in combination in the claims and the following description.

[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a device for the automatic optical inspection of a product having at least one coating as it moves along a transport route;

[0026] Fig. 2 shows an exemplary image reproduction of an inspected section of the surface, in particular the surface finish, of the product;

[0027] Fig. 3 shows a side view of an inspection system designed for double-sided inspection;

[0028] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of an inspection device encompassed by the inspection system and designed in a frame construction in the form of a module with the inspection head swiveled away;

[0029] Fig. 5 shows a side view of an inspection device encompassed by the inspection system with the inspection unit pivoted;

[0030] Fig. 6 is a partial view from Fig. 6, but with the inspection unit swung away;

[0031] Fig. 7 shows a sectional view of the connection of the linear camera to the subframe;

[0032] Fig. 8 shows an adjustment device for adjusting the line camera in

[0033] Direction of the optical axis;

[0034] Fig. 9 shows an adjustment device for adjusting the line camera in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the optical axis.

[0035] An inspection system 100, for example as shown in Fig. 1, comprises at least one first device 101; 102, in particular an inspection device 101; 102, for the automatic optical inspection of a strand- or arc-shaped product 001; 002 moving along a transport path, which has a coating 003; 003' on one or both sides of a web- or arc-shaped carrier substrate 006. The product 001; 002 to be inspected can, in principle, be in the form of arc-shaped product sections 001 or, preferably, in the form of a web-shaped strand of product 002.

[0036] Such an inspection device 101; 102 comprises in a one- or multi-part frame 111 a line scan camera 104; 104', at least one lighting device 106; 106'; 107; 107' and at least one transport means 103; 103', e.g. in the form of a roller 103; 103', wherein the product 001; 002 is transported along the transport route via the transport means 103; 103'.

[0037] The coating 003; 003' on the product 001; 002 to be inspected can, in principle, be of any form, possibly including the application of dyes or varnishes. However, particularly when providing products 001; 002 which are coated on one or both sides of the web- or sheet-shaped carrier substrate 006 with coatings 003; 003', which are formed, for example, not merely with printing ink but by a material layer 003; 003', especially a material layer 003; 003' of a significant thickness of, for example, at least 20 pm, the surface quality and / or completeness of the material layer 003; 003' is often of particular interest for product quality. Such material layers 003; 003' can be, among other things, barrier layers on packaging, protective layers, or other coatings 003; 003' of appropriate thickness, for which continuity and / or uniformity within permissible limits is required.This applies in particular, for example, to the case of product 001; 002 in the form of an electrode string 002 to be provided or of electrode sections 001 with a carrier substrate 006 acting as a current collector 006, which has on one or preferably both sides a material layer 003; 003' formed by an active material layer 003; 003' for a battery electrode, in particular a secondary battery electrode.

[0038] In order to detect defects or flaws in the surface or surface quality of such coatings 003; 003', in particular those formed by material layers 003, and to react accordingly or at least mark them appropriately, a device 101 ; 102 for inspecting the surface of such a coated product 001; 002 and a system 100 comprising such a device 101 ; 102 are described in more detail below.

[0039] A coating 003; 003' formed in particular by a material layer 003; 003' forms, for example, a relief-like structure with unevenness on the surface of the support substrate 006, whereby tolerance limits or tolerance values ​​are usually specified for these unevennesses and also for a size and number of defects in the coating, which must be adhered to in the manufacturing process of the product 001; 002 and which determine a quality of the coating and thus ultimately also of the entire product 001 ; 002.

[0040] Not only, but especially in connection with the aforementioned applications, i.e., an inspection device 101; 102 for the automatic optical inspection of a strand or arc-shaped product 001; 002 with coatings 003, 003' applied to one or both sides of the carrier substrate 006, preferably formed by the aforementioned material layers 003; 003', the inspection device 101; 102, in a preferred embodiment as described below, comprises, in addition to the line camera 104; 104' and the transport means 103; 103', a first and a second illumination device 106; 106'; 107; 107'. The transport means 103; 103' can be driven by a motor or not. It can also, in principle, be guided by a stationary guide element with, for example, a... B. friction-reducing surface over which the product 001; 002 is guided or transported.The line scan camera 104; 104', the first illumination device 106; 106' and the second illumination device 107; 107 are generally arranged in the frame of the device 101; 102 with reference to the roller 103; 103' in a fixed position during operation, but preferably in a positionally variable and / or at least partially adjustable with respect to a position and / or orientation in the manner described in more detail below between a working position "A" and a maintenance position "W'" relative to the transport means 103; 103'.

[0041] The transport path or the underlying transport route, along which the product 001; 002 is moved, passes through or crosses an optical, in particular line-like, detection area E of the line camera 104; 104', wherein the detection area of ​​the line camera 104; 104' is illuminated or at least illuminable by both the first illumination device 106; 106' and the preferably also provided second illumination device 107; 107'. By means of the automatic optical inspection, production defects and / or defects that have occurred, in particular on a surface of the product 001; 002, are detected and reported or visualized by means of an image processing method implemented in an electronic, preferably digital, control unit, preferably during ongoing production of the relevant strand- or arc-shaped product 001; 002. The transport route orThe transport path of the moved product 001; 002 begins, for example, in the advantageous case of an inline inspection system 100, at its inlet to a machine arrangement coating a carrier substrate 006 of the product 002 in question and ends in the transport direction T of the moved product 002 behind its inspection point, e.g., at a point in or on the machine arrangement that collects or at least temporarily stores the inspected product 001, 002.

[0042] In the case of inspecting a carrier substrate 006 coated on both sides with a coating 003; 003', in particular a material layer 003; 003', a first device 101 for inspecting a first side of this product 001; 002 and a second device 102, which is generally essentially identical in construction to the first device 101, e.g., a second inspection device 102 for inspecting the second side of this product 001; 002, are provided. The first device 101 and the second device 102 together form a double-sided inspection system 100 and are arranged, for example, in a common frame 111 or housing. The inspection system 100 is preferably arranged, or at least can be arranged, as a module in a machine arrangement that coats the carrier substrate 006.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the device 101; 102, the coated product 001; 002 is guided along its transport path, lying flat on the outer surface of the roller 103; 103', along its circumferential line with a wrap angle α of, for example, at least 45°, e.g., in the range, e.g., between 45° and 180°, preferably at least 60°, wherein the wrap angle α defines a contact area K in which, in the present application, the product 001; 002 encloses the outer surface of the roller 103; 103'. A transport direction T of the product 001; 002 moving in contact with the roller 103; 103' and a direction of rotation of the roller 103; 103' – preferably driven by friction, particularly in the case of a strand-like product 002 – are also defined. 103' are indicated in Fig. 1 by a directional arrow.The product 001; 002 is moved in its transport direction T at a transport speed in the range of 1 m / min to 100 m / min and, in its web-like configuration, with a web tension in the range of 50 N to 600 N. The width b002 of the product 00T 002, extending transversely to the transport direction T, is in the range of 500 mm to 1,200 mm. The roller 103; 103' has a diameter d103 in the range of, for example, 100 mm to 400 mm and is preferably 200 mm. The runout error of the roller 103; 103' has a maximum value of 0.05 mm.

[0044] The line scan camera 104; 104', the first illumination device 106; 106', and the second illumination device 107; 107' provided in a preferred embodiment of the inspection device 101; 102 are arranged in the periphery of the roller 103, 103' in the respective frame 111 of the single- or double-sided inspection system 100, each on the coated side of the product 001; 002 and in their longitudinal extent transverse to the transport direction T of the product 001; 002, wherein the line scan camera 104; 104' is arranged in the transport direction T between the first illumination device 106; 106' and the second illumination device 107; 107'. The line scan camera 104; 104' is positioned in a detection area E – in particular a line-like area – on the

[0045] The transport path is directed transversely to the transport direction T, extending over at least the width to be inspected, e.g., at least over the width b003 of the coating 003; 003'. The line-like extent is not to be understood as strictly mathematically one-dimensional, but rather encompasses line widths typical for line scan cameras 104; 104', which, for example, can be up to several millimeters depending on the design and color of the line scan camera 104; 104'. Preferably, however, the line width of the detection area E is at most 1.0 mm. If reference is made below to a relative spatial or angular position of the line-like detection area E, then, in the case of a line width extending significantly in the transport direction T, its center is to be considered.

[0046] The detection area E of the line scan camera 104; 104' is illuminated or at least illuminable by both the first illumination device 106; 106' and the second illumination device 107; 107', which is preferably also provided.

[0047] The first lighting device 106; 106' is arranged and aligned such that an impact point AP 106' of a central ray Z106 of the radiation emitted by the first lighting device 106; 106' strikes the detection area E on the relevant coating 003; 003' or material layer 003; 003' of the product 001; 002. The central ray is understood to be the ray that represents the geometric center of the beam and is located, for example, in the region of the intensity maximum. The impact point AP forms a line transverse to the transport direction T of the product 001; 002, consisting of several points, preferably seamlessly connected. The impact point AP and / or the detection area E lies within the aforementioned area when viewed in the transport direction T.The transport path, in particular in a circular arc defined by the contact area K of this product 001; 002 with the outer surface of the roller 103; 103', is preferably arranged in a central region, e.g., a middle third, of the circular arc formed on the outer surface of the roller 103; 103' in a cross-sectional view of the device 101; 102 as shown in Fig. 1. The second lighting device 107; 107' is arranged such that the radiation emitted by this second lighting device 107; 107' illuminates at least the detection area E – fundamentally independent of whether with its central beam or with adjacent beams of the beam.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, however, the central beam Z106 of the radiation emitted by the first lighting device 106; 106' and the central beam Z107 of the radiation emitted by the second lighting device 107; 107' have, for example, a common point of impact AP or a common line of points of impact AP extending transversely to the transport direction T of the product 001; 002 on the relevant coating 003; 003' or material layer 003; 003' of the product 001; 002 in the circular arc defined by the contact area K of this product 001; 002 with the outer surface of the roller 103; 103'.

[0049] The central beam Z106 of the first lighting device 106; 106' forms an angle β in the range between 10° and 30° with a normal N standing on the point of impact AP, i.e. in particular with a radial beam R103 emanating from the center Z103 of the roller 103; 103' and intersecting the point of impact AP, wherein this angle β is preferably 17.5°.

[0050] The first illumination device 106; 106' is in an operational state, i.e., in a ready-to-use or operational state, arranged and aligned relative to the line camera 104; 104' such that its central beam Z106 strikes the radiation-sensitive elements of the line camera 104; 104' directly via direct reflection according to the law of reflection with an angle of reflection equal to the angle of incidence, while the second illumination device 107; 107' is arranged and aligned such that no radiation directly reflected from the central beam according to the law of reflection, but only diffusely reflected radiation from the second illumination device 107; 107' reaches the radiation-sensitive elements of the line camera 104; 104'.

[0051] In this process, a radiation directed towards the impact point AP – preferably common or at least associated with the first lighting device 106; 106' – preferably the central beam Z107 of the second lighting device 107; 107', forms an angle y in the range between 45° and 70° with the normal N standing on the impact point AP associated with the common or at least the first lighting device 106; 106', i.e., in particular with the radial beam R103 emanating from the center Z103 of the roller 103; 103' and intersecting the impact point AP, where this angle y is preferably 55°.

[0052] A central reflection beam Z104, originating from the point of impact AP – preferably shared with or at least associated with the first illumination device 106; 106' – and directed towards radiation-sensitive elements of the line scan camera 104; 104', runs along an optical axis of the line scan camera 104; 104' and forms an angle 0 in the range between 10° and 30° with the radial beam R103, which originates from the center Z103 of the roller 103; 103' and intersects the point of impact AP. This angle 0 is preferably 17.5°. In the case of a significant extension of the radiation-sensitive elements in the transport direction T, the reference point is their center, i.e., the location of the imaginary optical axis. In the case of CIS technology, the "optical axis" of the linear camera 104; 104' is, for example, configured as an optical plane by a plurality of adjacent optical axes.This angle 0 is advantageously equal in magnitude to the angle β formed between the central beam Z106 of the first illumination device 106; 106' and the radial beam R103 emanating from the center Z103 of the cylinder 103; 103' and intersecting the point of impact AP. The angle 0 formed between the central reflection beam Z104 emanating from the point of impact AP and directed towards the line scan camera 104; 104' and the radial beam R103 emanating from the center Z103 of the cylinder 103; 103' and intersecting the point of impact AP, and the angle β formed between the central beam Z106 of the first illumination device 106; 106' and the radial beam R103 emanating from the center Z103 of the cylinder 103; 103' and intersecting the point of impact AP, are symmetrical to the angle β formed from the center Z103 of the cylinder 103; radial beam R103 is arranged 103' outgoing and intersecting the point of impact AP.The radiation emitted by the first illumination device 106; 106' and reflected at the point of incidence AP on the coated product 001; 002 thus strikes the radiation-sensitive elements of the line camera 104; 104' with its core ray, i.e., its central ray Z106, according to the optical law of reflection "angle of incidence equals angle of reflection". In contrast, the radiation-sensitive elements of the line camera 104; 104' detect only diffuse scattered light from radiation emitted by the second illumination device 107; 107' and reflected at the point of incidence AP on the coated product 001; 002, because the arrangement of the second illumination device 107; 107' and the line camera 104; 104', and thus the associated beam path, does not conform to the rule formulated by the optical law of reflection "angle of incidence equals angle of reflection". It is preferably provided that an intensity, i.e.a radiation intensity of the radiation emitted by the first lighting device 106; 106' is set lower by a control unit controlling the lighting devices 106; 106'; 107; 107' than a radiation intensity of radiation emitted by the second lighting device 107; 107'.

[0053] The first illumination device 106; 106' is arranged at a first peripheral distance a from the point of impact AP of the radiation it emits on the surface of the coated product 001; 002, wherein this first peripheral distance a is preferably at most 100 mm, e.g., in a range between 60 mm and 100 mm, and preferably at about 80 mm. The second illumination device 107; 107' is arranged at a second peripheral distance b from the point of impact AP of the radiation it emits on the surface of the coated product 001; 002, wherein this second peripheral distance b is in a range between 60 mm and 100 mm, and preferably at about 80 mm. The first peripheral distance a and the second peripheral distance b are preferably of equal magnitude. The radiation-sensing elements of the line scan camera 104; 104' have a third peripheral distance c from the detection area E orfrom the point of impact AP of the radiation emitted by the first illumination device 106; 106' and / or by the second illumination device 107; 107' on the coated product 001; 002 of, for example, at most 50 mm, preferably at most 40 mm, for example in a range between 20 mm and 40 mm, preferably in the range between 25 mm and 30 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the line scan camera 104; 104' is designed as a line scan camera 104; 104' having contact image sensors (CIS), i.e., as a camera 104; 104' based on CIS technology or, in short, CIS camera 104; 104'. The CIS camera 104; 104' extends transversely to the transport direction T over the entire width to be inspected, in particular at least over the width b003 of the coating 003 to be inspected. 003', and is preferably inclined perpendicular to the transport direction T in its longitudinal extent for operational purposes.In the preferred embodiment, the line scan camera 104; 104' has three rows of CMOS sensors, each extending transversely to the transport direction T of the product 001; 002, with each row being assigned a color filter in one of the colors red, green, or blue. Three consecutive rows of CMOS sensors in the transport direction T of the product 001; 002 thus generate a signal corresponding to the current image acquisition, in particular an RGB signal, wherein this RGB signal is preferably evaluated in the inline image processing system belonging to the machine arrangement coating the substrate 006. The image acquisition and / or image reproduction preferably takes place continuously. The radiation-sensitive elements of the line scan camera 104; 104', i.e., their typicallySemiconductor-based photosensors, also called pixels, are arranged in a uniform grid both in the transport direction T of the product 001 ; 002 and transversely thereto in both directions, each with a distance of 42.3 pm from each other, so that the line camera 104; 104' has an optical resolution of 600 dpi.

[0054] In the preferred embodiment, the radiation from the first lighting device 106; 106' and the radiation from the second lighting device 107; 107' are each designed as white light. Here, white light is defined as polychromatic light with a wavelength, for example, in the range between 360 nm and 760 nm. The first lighting device 106; 106' and the second lighting device 107; 107' each preferably have both a cooling device operated with cooling water and a lens that focuses the respective radiation and homogenizes it over the width b002 of the product 001; 002. The light sources of the first lighting device 106; 106' and the light sources of the second lighting device 107; 107' are preferably each implemented by LEDs, for example, by one or at most two rows of LEDs arranged one behind the other.This is preferably not a large-area lighting device 106; 106'; 107; 107' with a greater extent when viewed in the transport direction T, but rather a narrow light source with, for example, an extent of its single- or multi-row radiation source in the transport direction T of, for example, a maximum width of 20 mm, and in particular a maximum width of 10 mm. The control unit controlling the first lighting device 106; 106' and the second lighting device 107; 107' operates the respective light sources of both lighting devices 106; 106'; 107; 107' in a sequential manner, such that the light sources of the first lighting device 106; 106' and the light sources of the second lighting device 107; 107' are switched on simultaneously in each exposure period, but remain switched on for different durations.It is thus provided that the on-time of the light sources of the first lighting device 106; 106' is shorter in each exposure period than that of the light sources of the second lighting device 107; 107'. In the preferred embodiment, the on-time of the light sources of the first lighting device 106; 106' is only one-fifth to one-tenth of the on-time of the light sources of the second lighting device 107; 107'. For example, the on-time of the light sources of the first lighting device 106; 106' is 5 ps and the on-time of the light sources of the second lighting device 107; 107' is 35 ps. However, it can also be provided that the light sources of the first lighting device 106; 106' and the light sources of the second lighting device 107; 107' are operated alternately by the control unit and the respective recorded image lines are calculated together in the inline image processing system.

[0055] Fig. 2 shows, in a top view, an exemplary image reproduction on a display device or monitor of a section of the surface of the strand- or arc-shaped product 001; 002 inspected with the proposed inspection system 100. The image acquired by the line-scan camera 104; 104' was evaluated using the inline image processing system. The product 001; 002 is moved along the transport means 103; 103', which is designed, for example, as a roller. A first beam emitted by the first illumination device 106; 106' and a second beam emitted by the second illumination device 107; 107' preferably illuminate together or alternately a line extending transversely to the transport direction T on the surface of this moving product 001; 002. The line is measured with respect to the circumference of the rotating roller 103; 103' The operationally fixed position of this illuminated line is shown in Fig.Figure 2 is shown as the point of impact AP. The first illumination device 106; 106' provides direct reflective illumination, whereas the second illumination device 107; 107' provides diffuse illumination that generates scattered light. By means of the preferably continuous image acquisition using the line scan camera 104; 104', the surface of the coated product 001; 002 moving in the transport direction T is successively and completely photographically captured.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 2, which is preferable, for example, in the manufacture of battery electrodes, the coating 003; 003' or material layer 003; 003' on the surface of the support substrate 006 to be inspected does not extend over the entire width b003 running transversely to the transport direction T, but rather the product 001; 002 has at least one uncoated edge region 108 along its transport direction T. Preferably, an uncoated edge region 108 is formed on both sides of the transport direction T, and in the case of a double-sided coating with such a material layer 003; 003', preferably on both sides of the respective support substrate 006. In an embodiment preferred in the manufacture of battery electrodes, the support substrate 006 forms a current conductor and is preferably made of an electrically conductive, i.e., electrically conductive, material. B.made of a metal, especially copper or aluminum or an electrically conductive alloy.

[0057] This results in a device 101; 102 for the automatic optical inspection of a product 001; 002 moving along a transport path in a path-shaped or arc-shaped manner and having at least one coating 003; 003', in particular a material layer 003; 003', comprising at least one transport means 103 for transporting the product 001; 002, as well as a line scan camera 104; 104', a first illumination device 106; 106' and a second illumination device 107; 107', wherein the transport path along which the product 001; 002 is moved crosses a detection area of ​​the line scan camera 104; 104', wherein the line scan camera 104; 104' is located in the transport direction T between the first illumination device 106; 106' and the second illumination device 107; 107' is arranged, wherein the detection range of the line camera 104; 104' is protected by both the first illumination device 106; 106' and the second illumination device 107;107' is illuminated, wherein a central ray Z106 of the radiation emitted by the first illumination device 106; 106' and a central ray Z107 of the radiation emitted by the second illumination device 107; 107' have a common point of impact AP extending transversely to the transport direction T of the product 001; 002, wherein the central ray Z106 of the first illumination device 106; 106' has an angle β in the range between 10° and 30° to a normal N standing on the point of impact AP and the central ray Z107 of the second illumination device 107; 107' to the normal N standing on the point of impact AP form an angle y in the range between 45° and 70°, wherein between a radiation-sensitive element of the line camera 104 emanating from the point of impact AP;An angle 0 is formed between the central reflection beam Z104 directed at the first lighting device 106; 106' and the normal N at the point of impact AP, wherein this angle 0 and the angle β formed between the central beam Z106 of the first lighting device 106; 106' and the normal N at the point of impact AP are arranged symmetrically to the normal N at the point of impact AP. Preferably, a control unit is provided for controlling the first lighting device 106; 106' and the second lighting device 107; 107', wherein this control unit is configured such that it sets the radiant intensity of the radiation emitted by the first lighting device 106; 106' to be lower than the radiant intensity of the radiation emitted by the second lighting device 107; 107'. The radiation emitted by the first lighting device 106; 106' and the radiation emitted by the second lighting device 107;The emitted radiation from the 10' is designed to illuminate, either jointly or alternately, a line extending transversely to the transport direction T on the surface of the product 001; 002. In the preferred embodiment, the control unit is configured such that, during ongoing production of the product 001; 002, it performs an image processing method and evaluates a signal from the line camera 104; 104' corresponding to a current image acquisition. The control unit generates a virtual 3D image acquisition using the image processing method implemented within it and displays this image acquisition by means of a display device or on a monitor.

[0058] As a result, the first illumination device 106; 106' is arranged and aligned such that, during operation – for example, in a working position “A” as described in more detail below – the central beam Z106 strikes the radiation-sensitive elements of the line camera 104; 104' directly via direct reflection according to the law of reflection with an angle of reflection equal to the angle of incidence, and the second illumination device 107; 107' is arranged and aligned such that, during operation – for example, in working position “A” – no radiation directly reflected from the central beam Z107 according to the law of reflection, but only diffusely reflected radiation from the second illumination device 107; 107' reaches the radiation-sensitive elements of the line camera 104; 104'.

[0059] The inspection system 100, or an inspection device 101; 102 comprised therein, proposed in the preferred embodiment with the first and second lighting devices 106; 106'; 107; 107', enables and thus generates a virtual 3D image capture by means of the image processing method implemented in the control unit. In this process, a relief of the surface of the product 001; 002 is captured and displayed or visualized by means of a display device connected to the control unit, e.g., on a monitor. The shadows cast by irregularities on the surface of the product 001; 002 and / or by defects in the coating 003; 003' – formed in particular by a material layer 003; 003' – create a three-dimensional visual impression in the image reproduction. This impression is intended to highlight undesirable defects 109 on the surface of the product 001; 002 formed by irregularities and / or defects. 002 makes it easily recognizable.The proposed inspection system 100 is therefore suitable for, among other applications, the above.

[0060] Material layers 003; 003' are also ideally suited for quality control of the surface of a product 001; 002 coated, in particular, with an active material layer 003; 003' for a battery electrode, especially a secondary battery electrode, where the manufacturing process requires the most homogeneous possible coating with the material layer 003; 003' without intolerable defects 109 on its surface. Furthermore, the edge profile of the coating 003; 003' can also be monitored with regard to its position and / or continuity in relation to at least one uncoated edge area 108, if present.

[0061] In the following, e.g., in conjunction with Figures 3 to 9, a preferred embodiment with advantageous further developments for a single- or double-sided inspection system 100 is described, which comprises a first and optionally a second inspection device 101; 102 arranged in or on a one- or multi-part frame 111, which has at least one, but preferably as described above, a first and a second illumination device 106; 107; 106'; 107'. An inspection device 102; 103 comprised of the inspection system 100 has a line scan camera 104; 104', at least one, but preferably a first and a second illumination device 106; 107; 106'; 107', and a transport means 103; 103'.The term "transport means" 103; 103' is to be understood in the broadest sense as both a transport means 103; 103' that actively conveys the product 001; 002 by means of its own drive means, and a transport means 103; 103' that merely supports and / or guides the transported product 001; 002, as may be the case, for example, with a roller 103; 103' driven solely by friction with the product 001; 002, or, in the extreme case, even with a stationary guide element with a friction-reducing surface. For the preferred embodiment of the inspection device 101; 102 with two lighting devices 106; 107; 106'; 107', the above description in connection with the first and second lighting devices 106; 107 shall also apply in whole or in part.

[0062] The product 001; 002 passes through the inspection system 100 along a transport path that leads over at least one contact area K, e.g., a transport path section K, over the at least one transport means 103; 103'. In the configuration of a roller 103; 103', the transport path section K is defined by the contact area K, which is enclosed by the transport path at the relevant wrap angle α. At each point on the transport path, the respective transport direction T is defined by the direction of movement present there, as well as a transverse direction horizontal to the transport direction T in the direction of the width b002 of the product 001; 002, referred to as product width b002. During the passage through the transport path section K leading over the transport means 103; 103', the product 001; 002 and the transport path do not experience any lateral, i.e., vertical, change in direction, thus maintaining the direction of movement along the transport path.The transport directions T of the transport path section K, located centrally with respect to the product width b002, lie in the same plane, in particular perpendicular to the product surface and / or vertically extending, which is also referred to here as a transport path plane. The transport directions T given by the directions of movement of the same point of a product 001 ; 002 to be conveyed or conveyed along the transport path thus lie, at least in this transport path section K, in such a same plane.

[0063] In an advantageous embodiment of the inspection system 100, in which a double-sided inspection of a double-sided coated product 001; 002 can be carried out in a single operation, the inspection system 100 comprises two inspection devices 101; 102, which are arranged one behind the other on the two opposite sides of the product path, viewed in the transport direction T. The two rollers 103; 103', the associated lighting devices 106; 107; 106'; 107' and the line scan cameras 104; 104' are supported either in two different or, preferably, by the same one- or multi-part frame 111. In a preferred further development, the inspection system 100 is designed as a modular unit, which can also be integrated as a whole, i.e., without prior disassembly, into the product path of a dedicated inspection machine or a machine for the production and inline inspection of a coated product 001; 002 or product string 002 can be used.

[0064] The frame 111 comprises, for example, end-facing side walls 112 and one or more crossbeams 113 connecting the side walls 112, e.g. at least one crossbeam 113 connecting the side walls 112 in the lower area and designed, for example, in the form of a base plate, as well as possibly further cross connections not shown here.

[0065] A detailed design of the inspection device 101; 102 is set out below using only a first inspection device 101 and is to be applied accordingly to a second inspection device 102 in the case of a double-sided inspection system 100.

[0066] Regardless of whether the inspection system 100 is designed as a single-sided or double-sided system, and regardless of whether each inspection device 101; 102 is provided with one or, preferably, two lighting devices 106; 107; 106'; 107' as described above, in a preferred embodiment the line scan camera 104: 104' and the at least one, preferably the first and the second, lighting device 106; 107; 106'; 107' associated with the same inspection device 101; 102 are mounted on a partial frame 114, which in turn is mounted by means of a bearing that determines the movement, directly or indirectly in or on the frame 111 between a working position "A" and a different maintenance position "W'".In principle, the subframe 114 can be guided in any suitable manner along a predetermined path of movement in line with the device or transversely thereto, and / or be displaceable translationally or pivotally along a fixed path of movement. Preferably, however, the subframe 114 is mounted so that it can be moved along a path of movement between the working position "A" and the maintenance position "W'", which runs in or parallel to the aforementioned transport path plane. The mounting is preferably designed such that the subframe 114 is or can be moved along a defined path of movement by a guided translational or rotational movement.

[0067] Preferably, the subframe 114 is pivotably mounted about a pivot axis S extending perpendicular to the transport direction T and / or to the transport path plane and / or parallel to the axis of rotation D103 of the transport means 103; 103' designed as a roller 103; 103' between the working position "A" and the maintenance position "W". This allows cleaning or setup of the line scan camera 104; 104' and / or the associated first and preferably second illumination device 106; 107; 106'; 107' without requiring removal of the relevant component. Furthermore, unlike removal and installation, no readjustment of the illumination devices 106; 107; 106'; 107' and / or the line scan camera 104; 104' is necessary.

[0068] The pivotable bearing of the sub-frame 114 can be mounted on the frame 111 or on a frame construction 118, as described in more detail below, or on its steps 117 or side parts 117, via axles 116 or axle stubs 116 and corresponding bearing bushings on the sub-frame 114, or axle stubs 116 provided at the end face of the sub-frame 114 can be pivotably mounted in bearing bushings of the frame 111 or the frame construction 118 or its side parts 117.

[0069] Preferably, the fixed or rotatable bearing is provided via the axle stubs 116 or the axle 116 in or on shoulders 117 projecting from a flat surface of the side walls 112 towards the transport path. These shoulders may, for example, project from the respective side wall 112 as part of it, or preferably be designed as side parts 117, e.g., side plates 117, attached to the side wall 112. In an advantageous embodiment, the side parts 117 can be parts of a frame structure 118 that directly or indirectly supports the subframe 114 with the first and / or second lighting device 106; 107; 106'; 107' and the line scan camera 104; 104' and / or is arranged between the side walls 112. Such a frame structure 118 comprises, for example, B. also one or more stiffeners 119 connecting the side parts 117, e.g. crossbeams 119.The frame construction 118 makes it possible to use the frame construction 118 together with the first and / or second lighting device 106; 107; 106'; 107' as well as the line camera 104; 104' and, if applicable, the transport means 103; 103' e.g. as a module or as an inspection unit 103; 104, 106, 107, 117, 118, 119 (103', 104', 106', 107', 117, 118, 119) as a whole.

[0070] Preferably, the subframe 114 is pivoted into working position “A” against a fixed stop 121, which acts as an abutment 121, limiting the movement of the subframe 114 in the direction of working position “A” and thereby defining its position in working position “A”. Such a stop 121 can be formed by any fixed stop element that limits the pivoting movement, but here it is preferably formed by a surface 121 of the aforementioned paragraph 117, preferably by a side part 117, which points in the direction of the pivotable subframe 114 and forms an abutment 121 for the subframe 114.

[0071] In an advantageous embodiment, a fitting element 122, e.g. a dowel pin 122, is provided in the subframe 114 or in the side part 126, which acts between the pivotable subframe 114, in particular a side part 126 of the subframe 114, and the abutment 121 limiting the pivoting movement, and which engages in a complementary recess 123 in the other part, i.e. in the first case in the side part 126 or in the second case in the subframe 114, and defines at least one axial position of the subframe 114 in working position “A”. Additionally, a screw connection 124 can be provided between the sub-frame 114 and a positioned component, in particular between the sub-frame 114 and the shoulder 117 or side part 117 serving as a support 121 for the sub-frame 114, by which the sub-frame 114 can be fixed in working position “A”, and which can be released for pivoting.In the illustrated and advantageous embodiment, the pivot axis S or axis 116 is arranged off-center with respect to the extension of the subframe 114 in the transport direction T, i.e., with respect to the extension towards the adjacent line scan cameras 104; 104' and the first and / or second illumination units 106; 107; 106'; 107', particularly in the region of one end of the respective side panel 126. In a variant in which, for example, lower torques result when pivoting the subframe 114, the pivot axis S or axis 116 can also be arranged approximately centrally, i.e., lying in the plane of the optical axis of the line scan camera 104; 104', or at most a few mm away from it, e.g., at most ± 50 mm.

[0072] The roller 103; 103', which also serves as a guide for the product 001; 002 during inspection, can be rotatably mounted on the frame 111 of the inspection system 100 by means of a roller journal 127 directly on the side wall 112 or indirectly in the aforementioned side plate 117. In the latter case, an aforementioned inspection module 103; 104, 106, 107, 117 (103', 104', 106', 107'; 117) can include the roller 103; 103' in addition to the first and / or second illumination device 106; 107; 106'; 107' and the line scan camera 104; 104'.

[0073] As a result, the subframe 114, and thus the first and / or second lighting device 106; 107; 106'; 107' supported by it, as well as the associated line camera 104; 104', can be repositioned relative to the roller 103; 103' from a working position "A" to a maintenance position "W', in particular pivoted, wherein, for example, at least one correct axial position of the subframe 114 in working position "A" is defined by a fitting element 122 and / or the subframe 114 can be fixed in working position "A" by a screw connection 124. In the case of an inspection module 103; 104, 106, 107, 117 (103', 104', 106', 107'; 117) this can be inserted as a whole into the frame 111 while maintaining the relative positions and distances between the relevant components and can be replaced if necessary.

[0074] In an advantageous embodiment, the first and / or the second lighting device 106; 107; 106'; 107' in the subframe 114 is adjustable with respect to a direction of radiation about a rotational axis perpendicular to the transport direction T. This allows the angle α at which the central beam Z106; Z107 of the respective lighting device 106; 107; 106'; 107 strikes the roller 103; 103' in working position "A", and the point of impact on the circumference, to be varied. This is achieved, for example, by mounting the respective lighting device 106; 107; 106'; 107' on axles 128; 129, in particular axle stubs 128; 129, at both ends. 129, which are rotatably mounted in the side parts 126 of the subframe 114 (see, for example, double arrows in Fig. 5). To fix the respective lighting device 106; 107; 106'; 107 in a specific position, a releasable clamping device 131; 132 is provided, for example.

[0075] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the line camera 104; 104' is not fixedly attached to the subframe 114, but is moved via at least one adjusting device 134, 136, 137,

[0076] 138, 139, 141, 142, 143 or via actuators 134, 136, 137, 138 encompassed by this,

[0077] 139, 141, 142, 143 are mounted to allow adjustment with respect to the distance to the associated roller 103; 103', and in particular in the direction RF of the optical axis or in the direction of focus. This allows the focus to be set directly on the surface of the product 001; 002 to be inspected, thus obtaining a sharp image. The direction of movement along this direction RF coincides—with correct positioning and alignment—for example, with the direction of the reflection beam Z104 in Fig. 1. This allows the focus to be set on the surface of the roller 103; 103' without changing the overall arrangement, i.e., the position of the first and / or second illumination device 106; 107; 106'; 107'.

[0078] For the aforementioned adjustment of the line scan camera 104; 104', it is preferably supported on at least one bracket, preferably on two end-face brackets 133, which in turn are mounted on at least one, e.g., centrally located, but preferably on two end-face adjusting devices 134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141, 142, 143 for adjusting the line scan camera 104; 104' in the direction of the optical axis, hereinafter also referred to as first adjusting devices 134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141, 142, 143 for better distinction. For this purpose, the brackets 133 are each attached to at least one slide 134, which can perform a guided movement along a single or multiple linear guide 136 in a direction either in the aforementioned direction or parallel to it. For example, the slide 134 has at least one bore which is located in the aboveThe linear guide 136 comprises a round bar 136 extending in the direction of movement and forming the linear guide 136, and is movable along this bar in its longitudinal direction (see, for example, Fig. 8). Preferably, several, e.g., two, such guide pairs of round bar 136 and bore are provided. The carriage 134, and thus the mount 133 together with any line scan camera 104; 104' attached thereto, is adjustable by an adjusting mechanism 137, in particular comprising a gear. In an advantageous embodiment, a threaded drive 138, 139 is provided as the gear, for example, a screw 138, e.g., an adjusting screw 138, whose threaded shank extends in the aforementioned direction of movement and engages in a thread 139 provided on or in the carriage 134. The at least one linear guide 136 and the adjusting screw 138 can be supported by a frame 141, e.g., B. in the form of a frame or a housing, in or on which at least one slide 134 is movable along the guide.The adjusting screw 138 can, for example, have a screw head 142 at its free end that can be actuated manually or by a tool, and / or a scale that interacts with a mark on the frame 141 (see, for example, Fig. 9), or vice versa. In an advantageous embodiment, the gear is spring-loaded against any backlash that may be present. In the present case of a threaded drive 138, 139, for example, a spring 143 surrounding the linear guide, e.g., a compression spring 143, is provided, which is repelled at one end by the frame 141 and presses at the other end against the slide 134 in the direction of the screw head 142.

[0079] The positioning device 134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141, 142, 143, which enables the positioning of the line camera 104; 104' in the focus direction, or its frame 141, can in principle be fixedly arranged on the pivotable partial frame 114 or on its side part 117.

[0080] The line scan camera 104; 104' is mounted on the subframe 114 in a manner that is generally independent of its position in the direction RF of the optical axis, but preferably also adjustable with respect to the inclination of its longitudinal extension, which runs transversely to the transport direction T, relative to the transport direction T. It should be inclined at 90° to the transport direction T during operation and is preferably adjustable accordingly. In an embodiment of the transport means 103 as a roller 103, the longitudinal extension should run parallel to the axis of the roller 103. In particular, it is adjustable with respect to an inclination projected onto a plane perpendicular to the optical axis between the longitudinal extension and the transport direction T. In the desired state, an inclination angle of 90° should be present, i.e., the line scan camera 104; 104' and thus the line-like detection area E should run perpendicular to the transport direction T.In the design of the transport means 103 as a roller 103, the longitudinal extent should preferably run parallel to the axis of the roller 103 during operation or be adjusted accordingly.

[0081] For this purpose, at least one actuating device 144, 146, 147, 148, 149 is required on one end face.

[0082] 151, 152, 153 or the actuating means 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153 encompassed therein, preferably, however, one actuating device 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151 on each end face.

[0083] 152, 153 or the actuating means 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153 encompassed therein, by which a relevant or respective end of the line camera 104; 104' is adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the direction RF of the optical axis and at least nearly, i.e. with a deviation of a maximum of 2°, perpendicular to the axis of rotation D103 of the roller 103; 103'. These adjusting devices 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153 are, for the sake of simplicity, also referred to below as second adjusting devices 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153 or, for better differentiation, as adjusting means 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153. In this context, each adjusting means 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153 has at least one linear guide 146 extending, for example, in the direction R± perpendicular to the optical axis and the roller axis, e.g., in the form of a round rod 146, on which, respectively,a carriage 144 is linearly movable along a direction R± perpendicular to the direction RF of the optical axis and perpendicular to the axis of rotation D103 (see, for example, Fig. 9). The carriage 144 thus acts as a bearing 144 for the line scan camera 104; 104', which is adjustable along a path of movement that lies in a plane parallel to the plane of the transport path and perpendicular to the direction RF of the optical axis. The adjusting means 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153 provided on the two end faces of the line scan camera 104; 104' for positioning perpendicular to the direction RF of the optical axis can be set independently of one another and thus make it possible to correct any tilting of the line scan camera 104; 104' that may be present. The carriage 144 - and with it the line scan camera 104 attached directly or indirectly to it; 104' - is adjustable by means of an adjusting mechanism 147, which in particular includes a gearbox.In an advantageous embodiment, a threaded drive 148, 149 is provided as the transmission, for example, a screw 148, e.g., an adjusting screw 148, whose threaded shank extends, e.g., in the direction R± perpendicular to the optical axis and the roller axis and engages in a thread 149 provided on or in the slide 144. The at least one linear guide 146 is supported by a frame 151, e.g., in the form of a frame or a housing, in or on which the at least one slide 144 is movable along the linear guide 146. In an advantageous further development, the transmission is spring-loaded against any backlash that may be present. The adjusting screw 148 engaging in the thread 149 is supported, e.g., with its screw head 152, on one side of the slide 146 against the frame 151, while on the opposite side of the slide 144... B. a spring 153 surrounding the linear guide 146, e.g.Compression spring 153 is supported against the opposite side of the frame 151 and biases the slide 146 towards the adjusting screw 148. The screw head 152 of the adjusting screw 148 can be accessed, for example, through a recess in the frame 151 using a suitable tool, e.g., an Allen key.

[0084] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, each end face is provided with both a first adjusting device 134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141, 142, 143 for adjusting the line camera 104; 104' in the direction RF of the optical axis, and a second adjusting device 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153 for adjusting in a direction R± perpendicular to this. The frame 141 of the first actuating device 134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141, 142, 143 is preferably arranged on the slide 144 of the second actuating device 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153, or, if applicable, the frame 151 of the second actuating device 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153 is arranged on the slide 141 of the first actuating device 134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141, 142, 143.

[0085] Since positioning by the front-facing second positioning devices 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153 can cause a slight rotational movement of the arrangement, i.e. a non-linear movement of the respective line camera end, this end does not move exactly, but only "almost" linearly, as indicated above.To prevent torsional stress in the direct or indirect connections between the second actuating device 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153 and the line camera 104; 104', the connection of the carriage 144 of the second actuating device 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153 with the side bracket 133 of the line camera 104; 104' or - in the case of an intermediate first actuating device 134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141, 142, 143 - with the frame 141 of the first actuating device 134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141, 142, 143 realized by a screw connection 154, which simultaneously creates a pivot point for relative rotation as a degree of freedom. Preferably, a connection via a floating bearing mentioned below is provided on one of the end faces.

[0086] In an advantageous embodiment of the inspection device 101; 102, which, for example, prevents thermal stresses resulting from heating of the line camera 104; 104' and / or from mechanical stresses resulting from the alignment of the line camera 104; 104', the axial connection of the line camera 104; 104' to the subframe 114 or its side panel 126 is not rigidly formed on both end faces, but rather on one of the two sides as a so-called floating bearing, i.e., with axial play Ax. This can be provided in principle in the area of ​​various connections of components that are provided between the line camera 104; 104' and the side panel 126.In an advantageous embodiment, illustrated here by way of example, the axial play Ax is already in the connection between the side part 126 of the pivotable partial frame 114 and the frame 141; 151 of the next – first or second – actuating device 134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141, 142, 143; 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153 in the direction of the line camera 104; 104', preferably the frame 151 of the second actuating device 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153 acting perpendicular to the optical axis. For example,a blind hole in the frame 141; 151 of the respective adjusting device 134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141, 142, 143; 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153, which is larger in diameter than a threaded bore 158, dimensioned in length such that a stronger section 156, designed in the manner of a bolt, of a screw 157, which is guided from the outside through a bore in the side part 126 and tightened in the threaded bore 158, abuts with an annular end region against the annular step of the blind hole before the frame 141; 151 of the relevant actuating device 134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141, 142, 143; 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153 against the inside of the side part 126.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, an inspection system 100 is provided in the substrate path of a machine arrangement for the production of a product 001; 002, with a material layer 003; 003' applied to a carrier substrate 006 – preferably on both sides. In a machine arrangement comprising an inspection system 100, a device for marking defects and / or flaws can be located downstream of the inspection system 100 in the product path. This device can be, for example, a printing device, such as an inkjet printhead, that applies a corresponding marking, or an insertion device, the latter being able to insert or apply a marking element, such as a marking flag or a marking label, onto the strand- or arc-shaped product 001.For example, such a device receives a corresponding error signal from inspection device 100 if there is a deviation from the required surface and / or web edge quality.

[0088] As mentioned above, the single- or double-sided inspection system 100 can also be part of a stand-alone machine for inspecting and, if necessary, marking defective areas in the product 001; 002, which includes, for example, a substrate feed, e.g., a roll unwinder, the inspection system 100, preferably a device downstream in the product strand path for marking defects and / or flaws, and an output-side product intake through which the product can be rewound into product packages, e.g., into product rolls, or bundled into stacks after cross-cutting.

[0089] The described inspection device 101; 102 or inspection system 100 is particularly advantageous for those applications in which a web- or arc-shaped carrier substrate 006 – for example, thin, e.g., at most 250 pm thick and / or possibly non-torsionally rigid – has a material layer 006 on one or both sides – e.g., of a significant thickness of at least 20 pm, for example, a thickness in the range of e.g., between 20 pm and 250 pm. For carrier substrates 006 that may be made of paper or cardboard, the thickness can also be greater. Preferably, these are applications or products 001; 002 to be inspected in which the coating applied to the carrier substrate 006 is significantly different and / or thicker than a printing fluid applied using printing technology, such as...a printing ink or a printing ink and / or in which a continuous coating 003; 003' is provided over the entire width b003 of the coating 003; 003', for which, for example, as explained above, continuity and / or a thickness that is as uniform as possible is required. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the inspection device 101; 102 or the inspection system 100 relates to the inspection of the surface of an electrode section 001 or electrode strand 002 comprising an active material layer 003; 003' on one or both sides for a secondary battery, also referred to as an accumulator, or for the manufacture of one such battery.

[0090] A coating 003; 003' formed by a material layer 003; 003' in the above sense can, for example, be a barrier or protective layer applied over a large area and continuously across the width b003 with a corresponding thickness, e.g. in the form of a large continuous lacquer or plastic layer, from which a defect-free and / or uniform surface quality is required.

[0091] For the aforementioned advantageous case of the design of the inspection device 101; 102 or the inspection system 100 for inspecting the surface of an electrode section 001 or electrode string 002 comprising an active material layer 003; 003' on one or both sides for a secondary battery or for the manufacture of such a battery, the active material layer 003; 003' to be inspected can, in principle, be designed at the inspection site as an active material layer 003; 003' that is still moist, i.e., initially applied moist, e.g., in the form of a slurry, i.e., in particular a viscous suspension or paste, and still containing solvent, which is then dried, for example, in a subsequent process step, e.g., inline by a dryer.In another advantageous embodiment and / or at another point in the process, the active material layer 003; 003' can be present at the inspection site as a dry material layer 003; 003', wherein, in a first variant, the active material layer 003; 003' is formed, for example, by an active material layer 003 that is initially applied to the support substrate 006 in a moist state, e.g., as a slurry, and subsequently dried, or, in an advantageous second variant, the coating 003; 003' formed by an active material layer 003 is formed by a dry film, i.e., a coating 003; 003' that is already present as a dry film applied to the support substrate 006. In the context of this application, a dry film is to be understood as a coating that is applied to the support substrate 006 in a solvent-free state.

[0092] An active material layer 003; 003', designed and / or effective for a battery, in particular a secondary battery, comprises, for example, at least one active material for a secondary battery, i.e., a chemical substance for energy storage, e.g., a lithium metal oxide, and optionally a binder and / or – e.g., in the case of wet application – a solvent. The support substrate 006 is, for example, designed as a metal foil or as a metal mesh and has, for example, a material thickness of at least 4 pm, e.g., in the range between 4 pm and 20 pm. The thickness of an applied active material layer 003; 003' is, for example, at least 20 pm and is, for example, in the range between 20 pm and 250 pm.

[0093] Reference symbol list

[0094] 001 Product, product section, electrode section

[0095] 002 Product, product strand, electrode strand

[0096] 003 Coating, material layer, active material layer

[0097] 003' Coating, material layer, active material layer

[0098] 006 Carrier substrate

[0099] 100 inspection system, inline inspection system

[0100] 101 Device, first, inspection device

[0101] 102 Device, second, inspection device

[0102] 103 Means of transport, roller

[0103] 103' Transport vehicle, roller

[0104] 104-line camera, CIS camera

[0105] 104' line scan camera, CIS camera

[0106] 105

[0107] 106 Lighting equipment, first

[0108] 106' Lighting equipment, first

[0109] 107 Lighting device, second

[0110] 107' Lighting device, second

[0111] 108 Edge area

[0112] 109 Fault point

[0113] 110

[0114] 111 frame

[0115] 112 Side wall

[0116] 113 T traverse

[0117] 114 subframe

[0118] 115

[0119] 116 Axle, axle stub, step, side panel, side plate, frame construction, stiffening, crossbeam

[0120] Stop, abutment, surface, fitting element, dowel pin, recess

[0121] screw connection

[0122] side panel

[0123] roller journal

[0124] axle, axle stub

[0125] axle, axle stub

[0126] Clamping device

[0127] Clamping device

[0128] bracket

[0129] Sleds

[0130] Linear guide, round bar

[0131] Adjustment mechanism

[0132] screw, adjusting screw

[0133] thread

[0134] frame

[0135] screw head

[0136] spring, compression spring

[0137] Slide, bearing point 146 linear guide, round bar

[0138] 147 Adjustment mechanism

[0139] 148 Screw, adjusting screw

[0140] 149 threads

[0141] 150

[0142] 151 frame

[0143] 152 screw head

[0144] 153 Spring, compression spring

[0145] 154 Screw connection

[0146] 155

[0147] Section 156

[0148] 157 screw

[0149] 158 threaded hole

[0150] “A” working position

[0151] "W" maintenance location

[0152] S Swivel axis b002 Width, product width (002) b003 Width (003; 003') d103 Diameter

[0153] D103 Axis of rotation a Distance, first (106; 106') b Distance, second (107; 107') c Distance, third (104; 104')

[0154] AP Impact Point E Detection Area

[0155] K Contact area, transport path section

[0156] N Normal

[0157] RF direction

[0158] RI direction

[0159] T Transport direction

[0160] R103 Radial beam

[0161] Z103 Center (103; 103')

[0162] Z104 Reflection beam

[0163] Z106 Central beam (106; 106')

[0164] Z107 Central ray (107; 107') a wrapping angle ß angle

[0165] Y angle

[0166] 0 angle

[0167] Axial play, axial

Claims

Claims 1. Device (101; 102) for the automatic optical inspection of a web-shaped or arc-shaped product (001; 002) moving along a transport route and having at least one coating (003), comprising at least one transport means (103) supported by a one- or multi-part frame (111) and transporting the product (001; 002), as well as a line scan camera (104), a first illumination device (106) and a second illumination device (107), wherein the transport route along which the product (001;002) is moved, traverses a detection area (E) of the line camera (104), wherein the line camera (104) is arranged in the transport direction (T) between the first illumination device (106) and the second illumination device (107), wherein the detection area (E) of the line camera (104) is illuminated by both the first illumination device (106) and the second illumination device (107), wherein the first illumination device (106; 106') is arranged and aligned such that a central ray (Z106) of the radiation emitted by the first illumination device (106) strikes radiation-sensitive elements of the line camera (104; 104') directly via a direct reflection from a surface of the product (001; 002) located in the detection area (E) according to the law of reflection with an angle of reflection equal to the angle of incidence, and the second illumination device (106;106') is arranged and aligned such that only diffusely reflected radiation from the second illumination device (107; 107') in the detection area (E), i.e. no radiation emitted directly from the second illumination device (107) according to the law of reflection, reaches the radiation-sensitive elements of the line camera (104; 104'), and wherein the line camera (104) is designed as a line camera (104) having contact image sensors.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the central beam (Z106) of the radiation emitted by the first lighting device (106) strikes the surface of the product (001; 002) to be inspected in a line of impact points (AP) extending transversely to the transport direction (T) of the product (001; 002), that the central beam (Z106) of the first lighting device (106) form an angle (β) in the range between 10° and 30° with a normal (N) located at the point of impact (AP), and / or that an angle (0) is formed between a reflection beam (Z104) emanating from the point of impact (AP) and directed towards radiation-sensing elements of the line camera (104) and the normal (N) located at the point of impact (AP), wherein this angle (0) and the angle (β) formed between the central beam (Z106) of the first illumination device (106) and the normal (N) located at the point of impact (AP) are arranged symmetrically to the normal (N) located at the point of impact (AP), and / or that the rays emitted by the second illumination device (107) striking the detection area (E) form an angle (y) in the range between 45° and 70° with the normal (N) located at the point of impact (AP).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the central ray (Z106) of the radiation emitted by the first lighting device (106) and the central ray (Z107) of the radiation emitted by the second lighting device (107) emitted radiation on the surface of the coating (003) of the product (001; 002) shall have a common line of impact points (AP) extending transversely to the transport direction (T) of the product (001; 002), and that the central beam (Z107) of the second illumination device (107) shall form an angle (y) in the range between 45° and 70° with the normal (N) standing on the impact point (AP).

4. Device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that one of the A control unit is provided for the first lighting device (106) and the second lighting device (107), wherein this control unit is designed in such a way that it sets a radiant intensity of the radiation emitted by the first lighting device (106) to be less than a radiant intensity of the radiation emitted by the second lighting device (107).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the control unit is designed such that this control unit performs an image processing method in an ongoing production of the product in question (001; 002) and evaluates a signal from the line scan camera (104) corresponding to a current image acquisition, wherein the control unit generates a virtual 3D image acquisition by means of the image processing method carried out in it and displays this 3D image acquisition by means of a display device or on a monitor.

6. Device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the first lighting device (106) is arranged at a first peripheral distance (a) from the point of impact (AP) of the radiation emitted by it on the surface of the coated product (001; 002), wherein this first peripheral distance (a) is at most 100 mm and / or in a range between 60 mm and 100 mm, and / or that the second lighting device (107) is arranged at a second peripheral distance (b) from the point of impact (AP) of the radiation emitted by it on the surface of the coated product (001;002) is arranged, wherein this second peripheral distance (b) is in a range between 60 mm and 100 mm, and / or that the radiation-sensitive elements of the line camera (104) have a third peripheral distance (c) from the point of impact (AP) of the radiation emitted by the first illumination device (106) and / or by the second illumination device (107) on the surface of the coated product (001; 002) of no more than 50 mm.

7. Device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that the transport means (103) for transporting the product (001; 002) is designed as a roller (103), wherein the coated product (001; 002) is guided flat on the outer surface of the roller (103) along its circumferential line with a wrap angle (a) and / or wherein a circular arc is defined through a contact area (K) of this product (001; 002) with the outer surface of the roller (103) and the common point of impact (AP) of the central beam (Z106) emitted by the first lighting device (106) and of the central beam (Z107) emitted by the second lighting device (107) is arranged in a middle third of the circular arc formed on the outer surface of the roller (103).

8. Device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that the web-shaped or arc-shaped product (001; 002) has a carrier substrate (006) which is coated on one side or both sides with a coating (003) designed as a material layer (003).

9. Device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the first and second lighting device (106; 107; 106'; 107') and the line camera (104; 104') are mounted on a common subframe (114) which is movable in the frame (111) between a working position (“A”) to be assumed during operation and a maintenance position (“W”).

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the line scan camera (104; 104') is adjusted by means (144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153) encompassed by the device with respect to its distance to the illuminated or to be illuminated detection area located in the transport path section (K) in the direction (RF) of its optical axis and / or by means encompassed by the device The adjusting device (134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141, 142, 143) is adjustable on the partial frame (114) with respect to an inclination of its longitudinal extension running transversely to the transport direction (T) to the transport direction (T).

11. Device for inspecting the surface of an arc-shaped or strand-shaped product (001; 002) having a coating (003, 003') on a carrier substrate (006), - with at least one means of transport (103) stored directly or indirectly in the side walls (112) of a single or multi-part frame (111), - with a transport path for the product to be inspected (001; 002), which leads at least on one transport path section (K) via the at least one means of transport (103), - with a line scan camera (104; 104') directed or to be directed towards a detection area (E) located in the transport path section (K) during normal operation, - and with at least one first lighting device (106; 107; 106'; 107') directed towards and illuminating the detection area (E) during normal operation, - wherein the at least one first illumination device (106; 107; 106'; 107') and the line scan camera (104; 104') are mounted on a common subframe (114) which is displaceably mounted in the frame (111) between the working position (“A”) and a maintenance position (“W”), characterized in that the line scan camera (104; 104') is adjusted by means (144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153) encompassed by the device with respect to its distance to the illuminated or to-be-illuminated detection area in the direction (RF) of its optical axis and / or by means (134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141, 142, 143) encompassed by the device with respect to an inclination of its The longitudinal extension running perpendicular to the transport direction (T) is adjustable on the subframe (114).

12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the first lighting device (106; 106') is arranged and aligned such that a central ray (Z106) of the radiation emitted by the first lighting device (106) is reflected directly from a surface of the product (001; 002) located in the detection area (E) according to the law of reflection, with an angle of reflection equal to the angle of incidence, and that a second lighting device (106; 106') is arranged and aligned such that only radiation diffusely reflected in the detection area (E) from the second lighting device (107; 107'), i.e. no radiation emitted directly from the second lighting device (107) according to the law of reflection, reaches the radiation-sensitive elements of the line camera (104; 104').

13. Device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the line camera (104) is designed as a line camera (104) having contact image sensors.

14. Device according to claim 10, 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that adjusting means (144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153) for aligning the inclination are provided in the area of ​​one or each end face of the line camera (104; 104'), by means of which a corresponding or respective end-face bearing point (144) of the line camera (104; 104') is adjustable along a movement path which lies in a plane parallel to the transport path plane and runs perpendicular to the direction (RF) of the optical axis of the line camera (104; 104').

15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the line scan camera (104; 104') is controlled in the area of ​​one or each end face by one of the actuating means (144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153) bearing point (144) is supported by a slide (144) which is linearly movable on or on a linear guide (146) perpendicular to the direction (RF) of the optical axis and in a plane parallel to the transport path plane and / or which can be adjusted in a direction perpendicular to the direction (RF) of the optical axis and in a plane parallel to the transport path plane via an adjusting mechanism (147) comprising a gear 16. Device according to claim 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, characterized in that the line scan camera (104; 104') is mounted in or on the subframe in the area of ​​one or each end face via an adjusting device (134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141, 142, 143) for adjusting the distance along the optical axis. (114) is stored.

17. Device according to claim 16, characterized in that the line scan camera (104; 104') is supported in the region of one or each end face by a slide (134) encompassed by the respective actuating device (134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141, 142, 143), which is linearly movable on or on a linear guide (136) extending in the direction (RF) of the optical axis or parallel thereto and / or which can be adjusted in the direction (RF) of the optical axis or parallel thereto via an actuating mechanism (137) comprising a gear unit.

18. Device according to one of claims 16 and 17 in conjunction with one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that a frame (141) of the adjusting device (134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141, 142, 143) serving to adjust along the optical axis is mounted on or at representable bearing points (144) of the adjusting means (144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153) serving to align the inclination.

19. Device according to claim 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18, characterized in that the partial frame (114) is mounted in the frame (111) via a bearing that determines the movement between the working position (“A”) and a maintenance position (“W”) along a movement path extending in a transport path plane for a product (001; 002) to be conveyed, wherein the transport path plane is defined by a plane perpendicular to the product surface and / or vertically extending, in which the movement vectors of a point conveyed along the transport path via the transport path section (K) lie on at least the transport path section (K) leading over the transport means (103).

20. Device according to claim 19, characterized in that the partial frame (114) is pivotably mounted centrally or directly on the frame (111) for displacement along the movement path running in the transport path plane about a pivot axis (S) extending perpendicular to the transport path plane between the working position (“A”) and the maintenance position (“W”).

21. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that a stop (121) is provided on each end face, acting as a stop (121) and limiting the pivoting movement of the sub-frame (114) in the direction of the working position (“A”) and defining the working position (“A”).

22. Device according to claim 21, characterized in that a fitting element effective between the pivotable subframe (114) and the abutment (121) is provided on the pivotable subframe (114) or on the abutment (121). (122) is provided for, which in working position (“A”) is placed into a complementary deepening (123) of the other of the two cooperating parts engages and defines at least one axial position of the subframe (114) in working position (“A”).

23. Device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 or 22, characterized in that the line camera (104; 104') is fixedly mounted on one end face in the axial direction on the frame (11) or sub-frame (114) of the device and on the other side with a play (Ax) enabling a relative movement in the axial direction between the line camera (104; 104') and the frame (111) or sub-frame (114).

24. Device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 or 23, characterized in that the support substrate (006) is coated on one or both sides with a coating (003; 003') designed as a material layer (003; 003').

25. Device according to claim 24, characterized in that the thickness of the material layer (003; 003') applied to the support substrate (006) is at least 20 pm.

26. Inspection system (100) for inspecting the surfaces of a product (001; 002) with coatings (003; 003') applied to both sides of a carrier substrate (006), comprising a first inspection device (101) and a second inspection device (102), which are arranged one behind the other along a product path leading through the inspection system (100) in the transport direction (T), wherein the two inspection devices (101; 102) are arranged on the same or on separate one- or multi-part frames (111) and are configured with respect to their components and relative arrangements of these components according to a device according to any one of claims 1 to 25, with the proviso that the transport means (103; 103') of the first inspection device (101) is located on a first side of the transport path and the transport means (103; 103') of the second inspection device (102) is located on a second side of the Transport route is arranged and the respective associated lighting devices (106; 107; 106', 107') and line cameras (104; 104') are located on the side of the transport path opposite the respective means of transport (103; 103').

Images