Film application device, film application system and film application method

Abstract

This application provides a film-applying device, system, and method for applying insulating film to a battery module. The film-applying device includes: a film-grabbing mechanism for gripping the insulating film and moving it to a position corresponding to the film-applying area on the first outer surface of the battery module; a film-applying mechanism for applying the insulating film to the film-applying area; and a film-folding mechanism for folding the insulating film from the film-applying area to a second outer surface perpendicular to the first outer surface and pressing it onto the second outer surface. The film-applying device of this application can perform film-applying operations at locations where components such as end plates interfere, achieving complete insulation of the battery module and avoiding the rebound and peeling problems associated with manual film application, thus improving film-applying quality and efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a film application device, film application system and film application method. Background Technology

[0002] Energy conservation and emission reduction are key to the sustainable development of the automotive industry. In this context, electric vehicles, due to their energy-saving and environmentally friendly advantages, have become an important component of the automotive industry's sustainable development. For electric vehicles, battery technology is a crucial factor in their development. Protecting the battery from short circuits during use and improving its safety and reliability are paramount. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a film-applying device, film-applying system, and film-applying method that automatically applies an insulating film to a battery module to ensure the battery's insulation performance, protect the battery from short circuits during use, and improve the battery's safety and reliability.

[0004] The first aspect of this application provides a film-applying device for applying an insulating film to a battery module. The film-applying device includes: a film-grabbing mechanism for gripping the insulating film and moving it to a position corresponding to a film-applying portion located on a first outer surface of the battery module; a film-applying mechanism for applying the insulating film to the film-applying portion; and a film-folding mechanism for folding the insulating film from the film-applying portion to a second outer surface perpendicular to the first outer surface and pressing it onto the second outer surface.

[0005] The film-applying device of this application can perform film-applying operations at locations where components such as end plates interfere, achieving complete insulation of the battery module and avoiding the problem of rebound and peeling caused by manual film application, thereby improving film-applying quality and efficiency.

[0006] In some embodiments, the film-folding mechanism includes a first pushing part, a second pushing part, and a film-folding part. The first pushing part can drive the second pushing part and the film-folding part to move in a direction perpendicular to the first outer surface, and the second pushing part can drive the film-folding part to adhere the insulating film to the second outer surface.

[0007] In the above technical solution, the first and second pushing parts work together to drive the folding part to move, which enables the folding part to complete the automatic operation of applying and folding the film, thereby achieving the application and folding of the film on the complex outer surface of the battery module, improving the quality of the film application and increasing efficiency.

[0008] In some embodiments, the folding section includes a folding plate and a connecting frame, the folding plate being fixedly connected to the connecting frame, and the end of the connecting frame away from the folding plate being connected to the second pushing section.

[0009] In the above technical solution, the connecting frame is driven to move by the second pushing part, thereby driving the folding plate to swing towards the direction of approaching the second outer surface, so that the folding plate can squeeze the insulating film, i.e. the second outer surface, so that the insulating film is tightly attached to the second outer surface.

[0010] In some embodiments, the film application device further includes a main frame, a connecting frame hinged to the main frame, and when the second pushing part drives the connecting frame to move, the connecting frame drives the folding plate to rotate around the hinge position between the connecting frame and the main frame.

[0011] In the above technical solution, the hinge position between the connecting frame and the main frame is used as the fulcrum, and the folding plate is rotated around the hinge position, which realizes the swing of the folding plate, thereby enabling the folding plate to perform folding operation on the insulating film.

[0012] In some embodiments, the connecting frame is connected to the main frame via a pin, the main frame having a slot, the pin passing through the slot and being able to slide within the slot.

[0013] In the above technical solution, the pin slides in the strip groove, thereby adjusting the moving position of the folding part, preventing the folding part from getting stuck during the swinging process, and improving the flexibility of the folding operation.

[0014] In some embodiments, the folding plate includes a flexible thin plate that can be elastically deformed under force, and the flexible thin plate presses the insulating film under the drive of the first pushing part and the second pushing part.

[0015] In the above technical solution, when the flexible thin plate leaves the first outer surface of the battery module, the compressive force on the flexible thin plate is released, the elastic deformation of the flexible thin plate is restored, and the insulating film is folded towards the second outer surface, so that the flexible thin plate can press the folded insulating film onto the second outer surface.

[0016] In some embodiments, the film-applying mechanism includes a first moving part, a second moving part, and at least one pressure roller. The first moving part can drive the pressure roller to move above the film-applying area to press the insulating film onto the film-applying area. The second moving part can drive the pressure roller to roll along the film-applying area.

[0017] In some embodiments, the film application mechanism includes two film-pressing rollers arranged side by side.

[0018] In the above technical solution, two pressing rollers are set up. First, one pressing roller 123 is pressed down and moved under the other pressing roller, which can press the insulating film in the gap between the two pressing rollers to the film application area. Then, the two pressing rollers roll to both sides at the same time to press the insulating film, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first outer surface is the bottom surface of the battery module.

[0020] In the above technical solution, by first applying the film to the bottom surface and then folding the insulating film towards the side plate, the insulating film can be attached to the corner position of the battery module. This avoids the problem of not being able to attach the insulating film to the side plate due to interference from the end plate, reduces the problem of some parts of the battery module missing the blue film, and lowers the risk of short circuit in the battery module.

[0021] A second aspect of this application provides a film-applying system for applying an insulating film to a battery module, comprising: a film supply device for providing insulating film material; a film pulling and cutting device for pulling out and cutting the insulating film material to form an insulating film; and a film-applying device for applying the insulating film to the battery module; wherein the film-applying device includes: a film picking mechanism for picking up the insulating film and moving it to a position corresponding to the film-applying portion located on the first outer surface of the battery module; a film-applying mechanism for applying the insulating film to the film-applying portion; and a film folding mechanism for folding the insulating film from the film-applying portion to a second outer surface perpendicular to the first outer surface and pressing it onto the second outer surface.

[0022] In some embodiments, the film application system further includes a positioning flipping device that flips the externally delivered battery module so that the first outer surface faces the film application mechanism and fixes the battery module in a fixed position.

[0023] The film application system of this application uses a film application mechanism to attach the insulating film to a predetermined position, and then uses a film folding mechanism to fold and press the insulating film tightly. This allows for film application to positions where components such as end plates interfere, achieving complete insulation of the battery module and avoiding the problem of rebound and peeling that occurs with manual film application, thus improving film application quality and efficiency.

[0024] A third aspect of this application provides a film application method for attaching an insulating film to a battery module, comprising the following steps: providing insulating film material; pulling out and cutting the provided insulating film material to form an insulating film; attaching the insulating film to the battery module; wherein the insulating film is clamped and moved to a position corresponding to the film application area located on the first outer surface of the battery module; the insulating film is adhered to the film application area; and the insulating film is folded from the film application area to a second outer surface perpendicular to the first outer surface and pressed onto the second outer surface.

[0025] In some embodiments, applying the insulating film to the film-applying area includes: setting two pressure rollers side by side; moving the two pressure rollers above the center of the film-applying area and bringing them into contact, with the distance between the two pressure rollers and the insulating film being greater than or equal to the diameter of the pressure rollers; pressing down one of the pressure rollers to press the insulating film onto the film-applying area, and then rolling that pressure roller a distance equal to the diameter of the pressure roller in the direction of the other pressure roller, and then rolling it a distance equal to the diameter of the pressure roller in the opposite direction; pressing down the other pressure roller onto the film-applying area; and rolling the two pressure rollers away from each other to completely apply the insulating film to the film-applying area.

[0026] In some embodiments, folding the insulating film from the film-applying area toward a second outer surface perpendicular to the first outer surface and pressing it onto the second outer surface includes: providing a folding plate, the folding plate including a soft thin plate that can elastically deform under force; moving the folding plate in a direction perpendicular to the first outer surface and contacting the insulating film at the film-applying area, causing the soft thin plate to elastically deform; swinging the folding plate toward the second outer surface, folding the insulating film toward the second outer surface; and pressing the soft thin plate tightly against the insulating film to press the insulating film onto the second outer surface.

[0027] In some embodiments, before the insulating film is attached to the battery module, the step of positioning and flipping the battery module is further included, in which the externally delivered battery module is flipped so that the first outer surface faces the direction of the insulating film, and the battery module is fixed in a fixed position.

[0028] The film application method of this application involves attaching the insulating film to a predetermined position, then folding and pressing the insulating film tightly. This method enables film application to positions where components such as end plates interfere, achieving complete insulation of the battery module and avoiding the problem of rebound and peeling that occurs with manual film application, thus improving film application quality and efficiency.

[0029] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only specific embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can obtain other embodiments based on the following drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This application provides structural schematic diagrams of vehicles for some embodiments;

[0032] Figure 2 Explosion diagrams of batteries provided for some embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the battery cell arrangement structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the battery module structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a film-applying device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 6 A left view of a film-applying device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a film-applying device from another direction, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating the film folding operation of the film folding mechanism according to an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the folding device provided in another embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Figure 10 A front view of the film folding device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a pressing roller descending during the pressing operation of the pressing mechanism;

[0042] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the descending pressure roller moving to another pressure roller;

[0043] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A schematic diagram showing the descending pressure roller moving in the opposite direction to reach the lower pressure roller of another pressure roller;

[0044] Figure 14 A schematic diagram showing the descent of one pressure roller after the other pressure roller has moved to its original position;

[0045] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a film application system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 16 for Figure 15 Front view of the film application system 1000 in the middle;

[0047] Figure 17 A flowchart illustrating a film application method provided in this application embodiment;

[0048] Figure 18Flowcharts showing the application of insulating film to the bonding area provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 19 The following is a flowchart of the film folding operation provided for some embodiments of this application.

[0050] Figure label:

[0051] 1-Vehicle; 2-Battery; 3-Controller; 4-Motor; 5-Box;

[0052] 51-First box section; 52-Second box section; 53-Accommodation space;

[0053] 20 - Individual battery cell; 200 - Battery module;

[0054] 201 - Base plate; 202 - Side plate; 203 - End plate;

[0055] 21-Insulating film; 22-First outer surface; 221-Film application area; 23-Second outer surface;

[0056] 100 - Film application device;

[0057] 110 - Film taking mechanism;

[0058] 120 - Film application mechanism;

[0059] 121 - First moving part; 122 - Second moving part; 123 - Pressing roller;

[0060] 130 - Film folding mechanism;

[0061] 131 - First Propulsion Department;

[0062] 1311 - First cylinder; 1312 - Support frame;

[0063] 132 - Second Propulsion Unit;

[0064] 1321 - Includes the second cylinder; 1322 - Mounting bracket;

[0065] 133 - Folded portion;

[0066] 1331-Folding plate; 13311-Soft thin plate; 1332-Connecting frame; 1333-Pin shaft;

[0067] 140 - Main framework;

[0068] 141 - Slot;

[0069] 1000-film application system;

[0070] 300 - Film supply device;

[0071] 400 - Film stretching and cutting device;

[0072] 500-Positioning and Tilting Device;

[0073] 510 - Gripper; 520 - Tilting mechanism.

[0074] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0075] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0076] It should be understood that the following embodiments are only some embodiments of this application. Based on the following embodiments, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0077] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0078] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0079] It should be noted that the directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" described in the embodiments of this application are used to describe the angles shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, in the context, it should be understood that when it is mentioned that an element is connected "upper" or "lower" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower," or indirectly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower" through an intermediate element.

[0080] Currently, the application of power batteries is becoming increasingly widespread, judging from market trends. Power batteries are not only used in energy storage systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power, and solar power plants, but also extensively in electric vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric cars, as well as in military equipment and aerospace. With the continuous expansion of power battery applications, market demand is also constantly increasing. In the field of electric vehicles such as electric cars, power batteries, as core components, are crucial to vehicle safety; therefore, battery safety has become one of the most important standards for evaluating power battery performance.

[0081] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of this application refers to a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery mentioned in this application may include a battery module or a battery pack. A battery generally includes a housing for encapsulating one or more battery cells. The housing prevents liquids or other foreign matter from affecting the charging or discharging of the battery cells.

[0082] Currently, a typical battery cell includes a casing, electrode assembly, and end cap assembly. The electrode assembly and end cap assembly are electrically connected, and the end cap assembly closes to the opening in the casing. The casing and end cap assembly are usually fixed by welding to provide a sealed space for the electrode assembly and electrolyte. The electrode assembly consists of a cathode electrode, an anode electrode, and a separator. The battery cell mainly relies on the movement of metal ions between the cathode and anode electrodes to function. The cathode electrode includes a cathode current collector and a cathode active material layer. The cathode active material layer is coated on the surface of the cathode current collector, and the uncoated cathode current collector protrudes from the coated cathode current collector, serving as the cathode tab. The anode active material layer is coated on the surface of the anode current collector, and the uncoated anode current collector protrudes from the coated anode current collector, serving as the anode tab. To ensure that large currents can be carried without melting, multiple cathode tabs and multiple anode tabs are stacked together.

[0083] When assembling individual battery cells into a battery, the number of battery cells can be set to any value according to different power requirements. Multiple battery cells can be connected in series, parallel, or mixed connections to achieve a larger capacity or power. Multiple battery cells can also be first connected in series, parallel, or mixed connections to form a battery module, and then multiple battery modules can be connected in series, parallel, or mixed connections to form a battery. In other words, multiple battery cells can be directly assembled into a battery, or they can be first assembled into a battery module, and then the battery modules can be assembled into a battery, all housed within a casing.

[0084] When assembling individual battery cells into a battery module, a base plate is typically installed first. Multiple battery cells are then sequentially mounted on the base plate, and side plates are attached to the ends of each cell to secure them together. After assembling the battery cells into a battery module, insulating films are applied to the base plate and side plates to ensure the module's insulation performance.

[0085] In some embodiments, along the length direction of the multiple battery cells, end plates connected to other battery modules or external components are provided on the outer side of the side plates. Due to the interference of the end plates, when the film-applying device applies insulating film to the bottom plate and the side plates, it cannot apply film to the side plates on the side of the end plates that are closer to the bottom plate. As a result, the film-applying device cannot completely apply insulating film to the battery modules, thus failing to achieve complete insulation of the battery modules.

[0086] To solve the problem of applying film to the side plate near the bottom plate of the end plate and to ensure complete insulation of the battery module, the film application at this location is usually done manually. However, due to the error of manual operation, the standardization of the product is affected, and manual film application cannot guarantee that the insulating film is pressed tightly and adhered, which will cause the insulating film to bounce and peel off at the junction of the bottom plate and the side plate. This manual film application method has low film application quality and low efficiency.

[0087] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a film-applying device, a film-applying system, and a film-applying method. By incorporating a film-applying and folding mechanism on the film-applying device, an insulating film is automatically applied to the battery module, ensuring the battery's insulation performance, protecting the battery from short circuits during use, and improving the battery's safety and reliability.

[0088] The technical solution of this application will be described in detail below.

[0089] The battery cells described in the embodiments of this application are applicable to batteries and devices that use batteries.

[0090] Battery-powered devices can include vehicles, mobile phones, portable devices, laptops, ships, spacecraft, electric toys, and power tools, among others. Vehicles can be gasoline-powered cars, natural gas-powered cars, or new energy vehicles; new energy vehicles can be pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, or range-extended electric vehicles, etc. Spacecraft include airplanes, rockets, space shuttles, and spacecraft, etc. Electric toys include stationary or mobile electric toys, such as game consoles, electric car toys, electric ship toys, and electric airplane toys, etc. Power tools include metal cutting power tools, grinding power tools, assembly power tools, and railway power tools, such as electric drills, electric grinders, electric wrenches, electric screwdrivers, electric hammers, impact drills, concrete vibrators, and electric planers, etc. This application does not impose any special limitations on the battery-powered devices described above.

[0091] For ease of explanation, the following embodiments will be described using a vehicle as an example of a battery-powered device.

[0092] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of vehicle 1 provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0093] like Figure 1 As shown, a battery 2 is installed inside the vehicle 1. Battery 2 refers to a single physical module comprising one or more individual battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity. For example, the battery 2 mentioned in this application may include a battery module or battery pack. Battery 2 may be located at the bottom, front, or rear of the vehicle 1. Battery 2 can be used to power the vehicle 1; for example, battery 2 can serve as the operating power source for the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 may also include a controller 3 and a motor 4. The controller 3 is used to control the battery 2 to supply power to the motor 4, for example, to meet the power needs of the vehicle 1 during starting, navigation, and driving.

[0094] Figure 2 This is an exploded schematic diagram of battery 2 provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0095] like Figure 2 As shown, battery 2 includes a housing 5 and a battery module 200. The battery module 200 is housed within the housing 5 and includes multiple battery cells 20 (see...). Figure 3 ).

[0096] The housing 5 is used to house the battery module 200, and the housing 5 can have various structures. In some embodiments, the housing 5 may include a first housing portion 51 and a second housing portion 52, which overlap each other, and together define a housing space 53 for housing the battery cell 21. The second housing portion 52 may be a hollow structure with one end open, and the first housing portion 51 may be a plate-like structure, with the first housing portion 51 covering the open side of the second housing portion 52 to form a housing 5 with the housing space 53; alternatively, both the first housing portion 51 and the second housing portion 52 may be hollow structures with one side open, with the open side of the first housing portion 51 covering the open side of the second housing portion 52 to form a housing 5 with the housing space 53. Of course, the first housing portion 51 and the second housing portion 52 can be various shapes, such as cylinders, cuboids, etc.

[0097] To improve the sealing performance after the first housing part 51 and the second housing part 52 are connected, a sealing element, such as sealant or sealing ring, can also be provided between the first housing part 51 and the second housing part 52.

[0098] The number of battery cells 20 can be set to any value according to different power demands. Multiple battery cells 20 can be connected in series, parallel, or mixed connection to achieve a larger capacity or power. Multiple battery cells 20 are first connected in series, parallel, or mixed connection to form a battery module 200, and multiple battery modules 200 are then connected in series, parallel, or mixed connection to form a battery 2.

[0099] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement structure of the battery cells 20 provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the battery module 200 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0100] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the battery module 200 includes multiple battery cells 20, a base plate 201, side plates 202, and end plates 203. The multiple battery cells 20 are stacked sequentially along the length X of the battery module to form a battery cell 20 arrangement structure. The base plate 201 is located at the bottom of the battery cell 20 arrangement structure, and side plates 202 are located at both ends along the length X of the battery module. Side plates 202 may also be located along the width Y of the battery module. End plates 203, which connect to other battery modules 200 or external components, are also provided on the outer sides of the side plates 202 at both ends along the length X of the battery cells.

[0101] After the battery module 200 is assembled, insulating film 21 needs to be attached to the base plate 201 and side plate 202 of the battery module. Since the end plate 203 has a certain thickness, after installation, there is a certain height difference between it and the base plate 201. When the film attaching device attaches film to the base plate 201 and side plate 202, due to the interference of the end plate 203, the insulating film 21 cannot be attached to the side plate 202 position facing the base plate 201 on the side plate 202 of the end plate 203.

[0102] Therefore, this application provides a film application device 100 (see...) Figure 5 It can fold the insulating film 21 toward the side plate 202 and press the insulating film 21 onto the side plate 202 while attaching the insulating film 21 to the base plate 201.

[0103] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a film application device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0104] like Figure 5 As shown, the film-applying device 100 provided in this application is used to apply an insulating film 21 to a battery module 200. The film-applying device 100 includes a film-taking mechanism 110, a film-applying mechanism 120, and a film-folding mechanism 130. The film-taking mechanism 110 is used to grasp the insulating film 21 and move the insulating film 21 to the first outer surface 22 of the battery module 200 (see Figure 130). Figure 4The insulating film 21 is attached to the corresponding position of the film application area 221; the film application mechanism 120 is used to apply the insulating film 21 to the film application area 221; the film folding mechanism 130 is used to fold the insulating film 21 from the film application area 221 to the second outer surface 23 perpendicular to the first outer surface 22 and press it onto the second outer surface 23.

[0105] Please continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the first outer surface 22 is the outer surface of the base plate 201 of the battery module 200, and the second outer surface 23 is the outer surface of the side plate 202. When the film applicator 100 applies the insulating film 21 to the battery module 200, it first uses the film taking mechanism 110 to align the clamped insulating film 21 with the film applicating area 221 of the first outer surface 22, and then uses the film applicator 120 to press down to apply the insulating film 21 to the film applicating area 221.

[0106] In some embodiments, the battery module 200 is in Figure 4 The battery module is in an inverted state, with the base plate 201 positioned at the top along the height direction Z of the battery module, so that the first outer surface 22, i.e., the outer surface of the base plate 201, faces the insulating film 21 and the film application mechanism 120. The film application mechanism 120 moves downward along the height direction Z of the battery module, i.e., moves towards the insulating film 21 and the film application area 221, until the insulating film 21 is firmly applied to the film application area 221.

[0107] The insulating film 21 has a portion that extends beyond the edge of the first outer surface 22. The folding mechanism 130 folds the portion of the insulating film 21 that extends toward the second outer surface 23 and presses the folded insulating film 21 onto the second outer surface 23, thereby completing the attachment of the insulating film 21.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first outer surface 22 may be the outer surface of the base plate 201 of the battery module 200. In other embodiments, the first outer surface 22 may also be the outer surface of the side plate 202. When the first outer surface 11 is the outer surface of the side plate 202, the second outer surface perpendicular to the first outer surface 22 may be the outer surface of the base plate 201. It is understood that the first outer surface 22 and the second outer surface 23 are two mutually perpendicular outer surfaces. When an insulating film 21 is attached to one of them, the excess portion of the insulating film 21 may be folded towards the other.

[0109] The film-applying device 100 of this application applies the insulating film 21 to a predetermined position through the film-applying mechanism 120, and then uses the film-folding mechanism 130 to fold and press the insulating film 21 tightly. This allows for film-applying operations at positions where components such as the end plate 103 interfere, achieving complete insulation of the battery module 200 and avoiding the problem of rebound and peeling caused by manual film application, thus improving the quality and efficiency of film application.

[0110] Figure 6This is a left view of a film application device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0111] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the film-folding mechanism 130 includes a first pushing part 131, a second pushing part 132, and a film-folding part 133. The first pushing part 131 can drive the second pushing part 132 and the film-folding part 133 to move in a direction perpendicular to the first outer surface 22, and the second pushing part 132 can drive the film-folding part 133 to adhere the insulating film 21 to the second outer surface 23. For ease of explanation, the first outer surface 22 is taken as the outer surface of the base plate 201 of the battery module 200, and the second outer surface 23 is taken as the outer surface of the side plate 202, as an example.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first pushing part 131 includes a first cylinder 1311 and a support frame 1312. One end of the support frame 1312 is fixedly connected to the first cylinder 1311, and the other end is connected to the second pushing part 132 and supports the second pushing part 132. When the film folding mechanism 130 performs the film folding operation, the first cylinder 1311 first drives the support frame 1312 to move in a direction perpendicular to the first outer surface 22 (the same as the height direction Z of the battery module). The support frame 1312 drives the second pushing part 132 and the film folding part 133 to move together, so that the film folding part 133 can reach the film application area 221.

[0113] In some embodiments, the second pushing part 132 includes a second cylinder 1321 and a mounting base 1322. The second cylinder 1321 is mounted on the mounting base 1322, and the mounting base 1322 is fixedly connected to the support frame 1312 of the first pushing part. The second cylinder 1321 is connected to the folding part 133. The second cylinder 1321 can move in a direction perpendicular to the second outer surface 23 (same as the length direction X of the battery module). When the second cylinder 1321 pushes along the length direction X of the battery module, it drives the folding part 133 to move. The folding part 133 folds and presses the portion of the insulating film 21 that extends beyond the first outer surface 22 toward the second outer surface 23.

[0114] By having the first pusher 131 and the second pusher 132 jointly drive the folding section 133 to move, the folding section 133 can complete the automatic operation of applying and folding the film, thereby achieving the application and folding of the film on the complex outer surface of the battery module 200, improving the quality of the film application and increasing efficiency.

[0115] Please continue to refer to Figure 6 In some embodiments, the folding part 133 includes a folding plate 1331 and a connecting frame 1332. The folding plate 1331 is fixedly connected to the connecting frame 1332, and the end of the connecting frame 1332 away from the folding plate 1331 is connected to the second pushing part 132.

[0116] In one embodiment, the end of the connecting frame 1332 away from the folding plate 1331 is hinged to the second cylinder 1321 of the second pushing part 132. When the second cylinder 1321 pushes the connecting frame 1332 in the X direction along the length of the battery film block, perpendicular to the second outer surface 24, the hinged position of the connecting frame 1332 and the second cylinder 1321 moves with the second cylinder 1321 and rotates at the hinged position. When the second cylinder 1321 pushes the connecting frame 1332, the connecting frame 1332 can drive the folding plate 1331 to swing towards the second outer surface 23, thereby enabling the folding plate 1331 to squeeze the insulating film 21 and the second outer surface 23, so that the insulating film 21 is tightly attached to the second outer surface. When the second cylinder 1321 pulls the connecting frame 1332, the connecting frame 1332 can drive the folding plate 1331 to swing away from the second outer surface 23, so that the folding plate 1331 can relax the pressure on the insulating film 21 and complete the film application and folding operation of the battery module 200.

[0117] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a film-applying device 100 provided in another direction according to an embodiment of this application.

[0118] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the film application device 100 further includes a main frame 140, and a connecting frame 1332 is hinged to the main frame 140. When the second pushing part 132 drives the connecting frame 1332 to move, the connecting frame 1332 drives the folding plate 1331 to rotate around the hinge position between the connecting frame 1332 and the main frame 140.

[0119] The main frame 140 serves as the overall support for the film-applying device 100. All other components are mounted on or supported by the main frame 140. One end of the connecting frame 1332 is connected to the second cylinder 1321, and the other end is hinged to the main frame 140. When the second cylinder 1321 drives the connecting frame 1332 to move, the connecting frame 1332 can rotate around its hinged position with the main frame 140. Using the hinged position of the connecting frame 1332 with the main frame 140 as a fulcrum, the folding plate 1331 rotates around this hinged position, realizing the swinging motion of the folding plate 1331, thereby enabling the folding plate 1331 to perform the folding operation on the insulating film 21.

[0120] In some embodiments, the connecting frame 1332 is connected to the main frame 140 via a pin 1333. The main frame 140 is provided with a slot 141, through which the pin 1333 passes and can slide within the slot 141. The slot 141 on the main frame 140 allows the pin 1333 to slide within it, thereby adjusting the moving position of the folding section 133, preventing the folding section 133 from jamming during oscillation, and improving the flexibility of the folding operation.

[0121] In some embodiments, the folding plate 1331 includes a flexible thin plate 13311 that can elastically deform under force. The flexible thin plate 13311 compresses the insulating film 21 under the drive of the first pushing part 131 and the second pushing part 132. When the flexible thin plate 13311 compresses the insulating film 21, the flexible thin plate 13311 can bend due to the compressive force.

[0122] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the film folding mechanism 130 performing a film folding operation according to an embodiment of this application.

[0123] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, when the insulating film 21 is folded using the folding mechanism 130, the first cylinder 1311 first moves the support frame 1312 in a direction perpendicular to the first outer surface 22 (same as the height direction Z of the battery module). The support frame 1312 then moves the second pushing part 132 and the folding part 133 together, allowing the folding part 133 to reach the film application area 221. The second cylinder 1321 of the second pushing part 132 can first pull the connecting frame 1332 of the folding part 133, i.e. Figure 8 In the opposite direction of the arrow, pull the connecting frame 1332, causing the folding plate 1331 to swing away from the battery module 200. When the flexible thin plate 13311 leaves the first outer surface 22 of the battery module 200 driven by the second cylinder 1321, the compressive force on the flexible thin plate 13311 is released, the elastic deformation of the flexible thin plate 13311 is restored, and the insulating film 21 is folded towards the second outer surface 23. When the second cylinder 1321 drives 13311 to swing towards the second outer surface 23 of the battery module 200, that is, when the second cylinder 1321 drives 13311 to swing towards the second outer surface 23 of the battery module 200, that is, when the second cylinder 1321 moves towards... Figure 8 Pushing the connecting frame 1332 in the direction of the arrow in the middle can make the soft thin plate 13311 press the folded insulating film 21 onto the second outer surface 23.

[0124] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the folding device 100 provided in another direction according to an embodiment of this application.

[0125] like Figure 9As shown, in some embodiments, the film-applying mechanism 120 includes a first moving part 121, a second moving part 122, and at least one pressure roller 123. The first moving part 121 can drive the pressure roller 123 to move above the film-applying area 221, pressing the insulating film 21 onto the film-applying area 221. The second moving part 122 can drive the pressure roller 123 to roll along the film-applying area 221. By driving the pressure roller 123 through the first moving part 121 and the second moving part 122, the pressure roller 123 can reciprocate along the height direction Z and the width direction Y of the battery module, thereby completely attaching the insulating film 21 to the film-applying area 221.

[0126] When the film-applying mechanism 120 performs the film-applying operation, it first drives the pressure roller 123 to move in the direction toward the insulating film 21 via the first moving part 121. This direction toward the insulating film 21 is the same as the direction perpendicular to the first outer surface 22, until the pressure roller 123 presses the insulating film 21 onto the film-applying portion 221, thus adhering the insulating film 21 to the film-applying portion 221. Then, the second moving part 122 drives the pressure roller 123 to roll along the direction extending from the film-applying portion 221. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the battery module 200 has a film-attaching portion 221 extending in the direction of the battery module width Y, so that the insulating film 21 can be completely attached to the film-attaching portion 221 along the width direction Y of the battery module.

[0127] Figure 10 This is a front view of the film folding device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0128] like Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the film application mechanism 120 includes two film pressing rollers 123, which are arranged side by side.

[0129] Each pressing roller 123 is independent of each other, and each pressing roller 123 is driven by a first moving part 121 and a second moving part 122 connected to it.

[0130] Figures 11 to 14 This diagram illustrates the process of the film application mechanism 120 applying the film. Figure 11 A schematic diagram showing the descent of a pressing roller 123 (moving downwards along the Z-direction of the battery module height) during the pressing operation of the pressing mechanism 120; Figure 12 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the descending pressure roller 123 moving to another pressure roller 123; Figure 13 for Figure 12 A schematic diagram showing the descending pressure roller 123 moving in the opposite direction to another pressure roller 123; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the descent of one pressure roller 123 after the lowering pressure roller 123 has moved to its original position.

[0131] Please refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 During the film application operation, the first moving part 121 first presses down one of the film pressing rollers 123 until the insulating film 21 is pressed onto the film application area 221. Please refer to... Figure 13 After the second moving part 122 drives the pressure roller 123 to roll below another pressure roller 123, it is then driven to move in the opposite direction back to its original position. After the descending pressure roller 123 is moved back to its original position, the first moving part 121 presses the other pressure roller down onto the film application area 221. At this time, if... Figure 14 As shown, two pressing rollers 123 press the insulating film 21 onto the film application area 221 in parallel. Then, the two pressing rollers 123 roll to both sides respectively, so that the insulating film 21 is completely adhered to the film application area 221 along the width direction Y of the battery module, thus completing the film application operation on the first outer surface 22.

[0132] Two pressing rollers 123 are set up. First, one pressing roller 123 is pressed down and moved below the other pressing roller 123, which can press the insulating film 21 in the gap between the two pressing rollers 123 to the film application area 221. Then, the two pressing rollers 123 roll to both sides at the same time to press the insulating film 21, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0133] In some embodiments, the first outer surface 22 is the bottom surface of the battery module 200. The bottom surface of the battery module 200 is the outer surface of the base plate 201 away from the battery cell 20, and the film application area 221 is the position adjacent to the bottom surface and the side plate 202. During the film application operation, the insulating film 21 is first attached to the film application area 221 located on the bottom surface by the film application mechanism 120, and then the insulating film 21 is folded and attached to the outer surface of the side plate 202 adjacent to the film application area 221 away from the battery cell 20 by the film folding mechanism 130, thereby completing the film application and folding operation of the battery module 200.

[0134] In the above technical solution, by first applying the film to the bottom surface and then folding the insulating film toward the side plate 202, the insulating film can be attached to the corner position of the battery module 200. This avoids the problem that the insulating film 21 cannot be attached to the side plate on the side of the end plate 203 due to the interference of the end plate 203, reduces the problem of some parts of the battery module 200 missing the blue film, and reduces the risk of short circuit of the battery module 200.

[0135] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a film application system 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 16 for Figure 15 Front view of the film application system 1000.

[0136] like Figure 15 and Figure 16As shown, this application provides a film-applying system 1000 for applying an insulating film 21 to a battery module 200. The film-applying system 1000 includes a film supply device 300, a film pulling and cutting device 400, and a film-applying device 100. The film supply device 300 is used to supply insulating film material 211, the film pulling and cutting device 400 is used to pull out the insulating film material 211 and cut the insulating film material 211 to form the insulating film 21, and the film-applying device 100 is used to apply the insulating film 21 to the battery module 200.

[0137] The film application device 100 includes a film taking mechanism 110, a film applying mechanism 120, and a film folding mechanism 130. The film taking mechanism 110 is used to pick up the insulating film 21 and move the insulating film 21 to a position corresponding to the film applying portion 221 located on the first outer surface 22 of the battery module 200. The film applying mechanism 120 is used to apply the insulating film 21 to the film applying portion 221. The film folding mechanism 130 is used to fold the insulating film 21 from the film applying portion 221 to a second outer surface 23 perpendicular to the first outer surface 22 and press it onto the second outer surface 23.

[0138] Please refer to Figure 15 In some embodiments, the film supply device 300 and the film pulling and cutting device 400 of the film application system 1000 are arranged in two parallel sets. After the insulating film material 211 on one set of film supply devices 300 is used up, the other set of film supply devices 300 and film pulling and cutting device 400 automatically complete the film supply operation and transfer the cut insulating film 21 to the film application device 100, thereby saving the time of changing the insulating film material 211 and improving the operating efficiency of the film application system 1000.

[0139] The film application system 1000 of this application can pull out and cut the insulating film material 221 provided by the film supply device 300 into insulating film 21 through the film pulling and cutting device 400, and then automatically pick up the insulating film 21 cut by the film pulling and cutting device 400 through the film taking mechanism 110 of the film application device 100 and move it above the film application area 221 of the battery module 200. The insulating film 21 is automatically attached to the battery module 200 through the film application mechanism 120 and the film folding mechanism 130, without manual operation, thus improving the film application quality and work efficiency.

[0140] Please continue to refer to Figure 15 and Figure 16 In some embodiments, the film application system 1000 further includes a positioning and flipping device 500, which flips the externally delivered battery module 200 so that the first outer surface 22 faces the film application mechanism 120 and fixes the battery module 200 in a fixed position.

[0141] Since the battery module 200 is in an upright position after assembly, that is, the base plate 201 is located below the height direction Z of the battery module, when the external device transmits the battery module 200 to the film-applying mechanism, in order to perform the film-applying operation on the base plate 201, the battery module 200 needs to be flipped so that the base plate 201 of the battery module 200 is located above the height direction Z of the battery module.

[0142] In some embodiments, the positioning and flipping device 500 includes a gripper 510 and a flipping mechanism 520. When an external device delivers a battery module to the film application system 1000, the positioning and flipping device 500 clamps the battery module 200 with the gripper 510, and then uses the flipping mechanism 520 to flip the gripper 510 together with the battery module 200 by 180°, so that the bottom surface of the battery module 200 faces the film application mechanism 120. Of course, when the flipping mechanism 520 flips the gripper 510 together with the battery module 200, it is not limited to flipping by 180°. When it is necessary to first apply film to the outer surface of the battery side panel 202, it can be flipped by 90° or 270°, etc.

[0143] The film application system 1000 of this application applies the insulating film 21 to the predetermined position through the film application mechanism 120, and then uses the film folding mechanism 130 to fold and stick the insulating film 21 tightly. It can perform film application operation at the position where the end plate 103 and other components interfere, so as to achieve complete insulation of the battery module 200 and avoid the problem of rebound and peeling of manual film application, thereby improving the film application quality and efficiency.

[0144] Figure 17 This is a flowchart of a film application method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0145] like Figure 17 As shown, this application provides a film-applying method for attaching an insulating film 21 to a battery module 200. The method includes the following steps:

[0146] Step S1: Provide insulating film material 211.

[0147] Step S2: Pull out the provided insulating film material 211 and cut it to form an insulating film 21.

[0148] Step S3: Attach the insulating film 21 to the battery module 200; wherein, the insulating film 21 is picked up and moved to a position corresponding to the film-attaching portion 221 on the first outer surface 22 of the battery module 200; the insulating film 21 is attached to the film-attaching portion 221; the insulating film 21 is folded from the film-attaching portion 221 to the second outer surface 23 perpendicular to the first outer surface 22 and pressed onto the second outer surface 23.

[0149] Figure 18This is a flowchart illustrating the application of an insulating film 21 to a film-attaching area 221 in some embodiments of this application.

[0150] In some embodiments, step S3, the step of attaching the insulating film 21 to the film-attaching portion 221, includes:

[0151] Step S31: Set two pressing rollers 123 so that the two pressing rollers 123 are arranged side by side.

[0152] In step S32, the two film pressing rollers 123 are moved to a position above the center of the film application area 221 and brought into contact with each other. The distance between the two film pressing rollers 123 and the insulating film 21 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the film pressing rollers 123.

[0153] In step S33, one of the film pressing rollers 123 is pressed down to press the insulating film 21 onto the film application area 221.

[0154] Step S34: After the pressing film roller 123 is rolled in the direction of another pressing film roller 123 by a distance equal to the diameter of the pressing film roller 123, it is rolled in the opposite direction by a distance equal to the diameter of the pressing film roller 123.

[0155] In step S35, another pressure roller 123 is pressed down onto the film application area 221; the two pressure rollers 123 are rolled away from each other to completely adhere the insulating film 21 to the film application area 221.

[0156] Figure 19 The following is a flowchart of the film folding operation provided for some embodiments of this application.

[0157] In some embodiments, folding the insulating film 21 from the film-applying portion 221 toward the second outer surface 23 perpendicular to the first outer surface 22 and pressing it onto the second outer surface 22 includes:

[0158] Step S36: Set up a folding plate 1331, which includes a soft thin plate 13311 that can produce elastic deformation under force;

[0159] Step S37: Move the folding plate 1331 in a direction perpendicular to the first outer surface 22 and contact the insulating film 21 of the film application area 221, and cause the soft thin plate to undergo elastic deformation.

[0160] Step S38: Swing the folding plate 1331 toward the second outer surface 22 to fold the insulating film 21 toward the second outer surface 22;

[0161] Step S39: Press the flexible thin plate 13311 tightly against the insulating film 21 so that the insulating film 21 is pressed onto the second outer surface 22.

[0162] In some embodiments, before the insulating film 21 is attached to the battery module 200, the step of positioning and flipping the battery module 200 is further included, in which the externally delivered battery module 200 is flipped so that the first outer surface 22 faces the direction of the insulating film 21, and the battery module 200 is fixed in a fixed position.

[0163] The film application method of this application involves attaching the insulating film 21 to a predetermined position, then folding and pressing the insulating film 21 tightly. This method can perform film application operations at positions where components such as the end plate 103 interfere, achieving complete insulation of the battery module 200 and avoiding the problem of rebound and peeling caused by manual film application, thereby improving the film application quality and efficiency.

[0164] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A film-applying device for applying an insulating film to a battery module, characterized in that, include: A film-grabbing mechanism is used to grip the insulating film and move it to a position corresponding to the film-attaching portion located on the first outer surface of the battery module; A film-applying mechanism is used to apply the insulating film to the film-applying area; A film-folding mechanism is used to fold the insulating film from the film-applying area to a second outer surface perpendicular to the first outer surface and press it onto the second outer surface. The film-folding mechanism includes a first pushing part, a second pushing part, and a film-folding part. The first pushing part can drive the second pushing part and the film-folding part to move in a direction perpendicular to the first outer surface. The second pushing part can drive the film-folding part to adhere the insulating film onto the second outer surface. The film-folding part includes a film-folding plate and a connecting frame. The film-folding plate is fixedly connected to the connecting frame, and one end of the connecting frame away from the film-folding plate is connected to the second pushing part. The film-applying device also includes a main frame. The connecting frame is hinged to the main frame. When the second pushing part drives the connecting frame to move, the connecting frame drives the film-folding plate to rotate around the hinge position between the connecting frame and the main frame. The film-folding plate includes a soft thin plate that can produce elastic deformation under force. The soft thin plate squeezes the insulating film under the drive of the first pushing part and the second pushing part.

2. The film-applying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting frame is connected to the main frame via a pin. The main frame is provided with a strip groove, through which the pin passes and can slide within the strip groove.

3. The film-applying device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The film-applying mechanism includes a first moving part, a second moving part, and at least one film-pressing roller. The first moving part can drive the film-pressing roller to move above the film-applying area and press the insulating film onto the film-applying area. The second moving part can drive the film-pressing roller to roll along the film-applying area.

4. The film-applying device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The film-applying mechanism includes two film-pressing rollers arranged side by side.

5. The film-applying device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first outer surface is the bottom surface of the battery module.

6. A film-applying system for applying an insulating film to a battery module, characterized in that, include: A film supply device is used to supply insulating film material; A film stretching and cutting device is used to stretch the insulating film material and cut the insulating film material to form an insulating film; The film-applying device according to any one of claims 1-5 is used to apply the insulating film to the battery module.

7. The film application system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The film application system also includes a positioning and flipping device, which flips the externally delivered battery module so that the first outer surface faces the film application mechanism and fixes the battery module in a fixed position.

8. A film-applying method for attaching an insulating film to a battery module, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Provide insulating film materials; The provided insulating film material is pulled out and cut to form an insulating film; The insulating film is attached to the battery module; Specifically, the insulating film is clamped and moved to a position corresponding to the film-applying area on the first outer surface of the battery module; the insulating film is applied to the film-applying area; the insulating film is folded from the film-applying area to a second outer surface perpendicular to the first outer surface and pressed onto the second outer surface; The step of folding the insulating film from the film-applying portion to a second outer surface perpendicular to the first outer surface and pressing it onto the second outer surface includes: A folding plate is provided, the folding plate comprising a soft thin plate that can produce elastic deformation under force; The folding plate is moved in a direction perpendicular to the first outer surface and comes into contact with the insulating film at the film application site, causing the soft thin plate to undergo elastic deformation; Swing the folding plate toward the second outer surface to fold the insulating film toward the second outer surface; The flexible thin plate is pressed tightly against the insulating film to press the insulating film onto the second outer surface.

9. The film application method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The step of attaching the insulating film to the film-attaching area includes: Two pressing rollers are provided, and the two pressing rollers are arranged side by side; Move the two film-pressing rollers to a position above the center of the film-applying area, and bring the two film-pressing rollers into contact. The distance between the two pressing rollers and the insulating film is greater than or equal to the diameter of the pressing rollers; One of the film pressing rollers is pressed down to press the insulating film onto the film application area, and then the film pressing roller is rolled in the direction of the other film pressing roller by a distance equal to the diameter of the film pressing roller, and then rolled in the opposite direction by a distance equal to the diameter of the film pressing roller. Press the other of the film-pressing rollers down onto the film-applying area; The two pressing rollers are rolled away from each other to completely adhere the insulating film to the application area.

10. The film application method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Before the insulating film is attached to the battery module, the method further includes a step of positioning and flipping the battery module, flipping the externally delivered battery module so that the first outer surface faces the direction of the insulating film, and fixing the battery module in a fixed position.

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