A top cover assembly and a battery

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of power batteries, and particularly relates to a top cover assembly and a battery. The top cover assembly comprises a cover plate body and a liquid supplementing assembly. The cover plate body is provided with a liquid injection hole. The liquid injection hole penetrates the cover plate body. An inner side wall of the liquid injection hole is provided with a liquid supplementing channel which is in communication with a space inside the cover plate body. The liquid supplementing assembly comprises a sealing member and an elastic member. The sealing member is slidingly installed in the liquid injection hole. One end of the elastic member is fixed on the cover plate body, and the other end is connected with the sealing member. The sealing member can slide in the liquid injection hole along with the elongation or shortening of the elastic member, so as to divide the liquid injection hole into a first length-variable channel located outside the sealing member and a second length-variable channel located inside the sealing member. The first length-variable channel and the second length-variable channel are isolated by the sealing member. When supplementing electrolyte, the sealing member only needs to slide inwards in the liquid injection hole to connect the liquid supplementing channel and the first length-variable channel, so that the supplementing operation is simple and fast, and the supplementing efficiency can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of power battery technology, and particularly relates to a top cover assembly and a battery. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of power batteries, electrolyte is a crucial component, providing a transport channel for ion exchange between the positive and negative electrodes and being an indispensable material for battery charging and discharging. During actual battery use, the electrolyte is gradually consumed over time, leading to a reduction in battery lifespan. To address this, the industry has developed some electrolyte replenishment hole structures that allow for electrolyte refilling during battery use. However, these require complex operations such as disassembly, puncture, and cutting to complete the replenishment process, making it cumbersome and inefficient. Furthermore, the sealing performance of these existing electrolyte replenishment hole structures is also poor. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that, in the prior art, the process of replenishing electrolyte through the electrolyte injection hole structure is cumbersome and inefficient, so the present invention provides a top cover assembly and a battery.

[0004] To solve the above technical problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a top cover assembly, including a cover plate body and a liquid replenishment assembly. The cover plate body is provided with a liquid injection hole that penetrates the cover plate body. The inner sidewall of the liquid injection hole is provided with a liquid replenishment channel that communicates with the space inside the cover plate body.

[0005] The fluid replenishment assembly includes a seal and an elastic element. The seal is slidably installed in the injection hole. One end of the elastic element is fixed to the cover plate body, and the other end of the elastic element is connected to the seal. The seal can slide in the injection hole as the elastic element extends or shortens, so as to divide the injection hole into a first variable length channel located outside the seal and a second variable length channel located inside the seal. The first variable length channel and the second variable length channel are isolated by the seal.

[0006] Optionally, one end of the elastic element facing the inner side of the cover plate body is fixed to the cover plate body, and the other end of the elastic element facing the outer side of the cover plate body is connected to the sealing element.

[0007] Optionally, the fluid replenishment channel includes a sidewall fluid replenishment channel and a bottom wall fluid replenishment channel. The first end of the sidewall fluid replenishment channel is disposed on the inner sidewall of the injection hole and communicates with the injection hole. The second end of the sidewall fluid replenishment channel communicates with the first end of the bottom wall fluid replenishment channel. The second end of the bottom wall fluid replenishment channel communicates with the space inside the cover plate body.

[0008] Optionally, the sidewall replenishment channel extends radially through the inner sidewall of the injection hole, and the bottom wall replenishment channel is arranged parallel to the axial direction of the injection hole and extends through the inner side of the cover plate body.

[0009] Optionally, the fluid replenishment channel is provided with four channels, which are arranged around the injection hole at equal intervals.

[0010] Optionally, the fluid replenishment assembly further includes a sealing disc, which is connected to one end of the elastic member, and the sealing member is circumferentially connected to the outer peripheral surface of the sealing disc.

[0011] Optionally, the sealing element is a sealing ring, and the elastic element is a spring.

[0012] Optionally, the injection hole includes a first groove, a first through hole, a second groove, and a second through hole. The first groove penetrates the outer side of the cover plate body, the first through hole penetrates the bottom wall of the first groove and the top wall of the second groove, and the second through hole penetrates the bottom wall of the second groove and the inner side of the cover plate body.

[0013] Optionally, the seal is slidably installed in the second groove, the first groove, the first through hole and the channel of the second groove located outside the seal together form the first variable length channel, the channel of the second groove located inside the seal and the second through hole together form the second variable length channel; one end of the elastic member facing the inner side of the cover plate body is fixed to the bottom wall of the second groove.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when electrolyte needs to be added to the space inside the cover body, the injection device is connected to one end outside the injection hole. The air pressure generated by the injection device presses the seal inward, and the elastic member compresses or extends towards the inner side of the cover body to drive the seal to slide towards the inner side of the cover body within the injection hole. When the seal slides to a position within the replenishment channel on the inner wall of the injection hole, the first variable-length channel communicates with the replenishment channel, allowing the injection device to communicate with the space inside the cover body through the injection hole and the replenishment channel, thereby replenishing the electrolyte injected by the injection device into the space inside the cover body. After the electrolyte replenishment process is completed, the injection device is removed, and the seal returns to its original position under the elastic force of the elastic member, allowing the injection channel to communicate with the second variable-length channel, and the seal continues to maintain the seal on the injection hole. Compared with the prior art, the operation of replenishing electrolyte in the top cover assembly of the present invention is simple and quick, and can greatly improve the efficiency of replenishing electrolyte to the internal space of the top cover assembly.

[0015] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide a battery, including a housing, a cell enclosed in the housing, and a top cover assembly that seals the housing, wherein the top cover assembly is the aforementioned top cover assembly, and the liquid injection hole on the top cover assembly communicates with the inner cavity of the housing.

[0016] The battery according to the present invention, by employing the above-described top cover assembly, makes the operation of replenishing electrolyte simple and quick, and can greatly improve the efficiency of replenishing electrolyte into the inner cavity of the casing. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the top cover assembly provided in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the top cover assembly provided in the first embodiment of the present invention in normal use.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of the structure at point A in the middle;

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the structure at point A during the electrolyte replenishment process.

[0021] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are as follows:

[0022] 1. Cover plate body; 11. Injection hole; 111. First groove; 112. First through hole; 113. Second groove; 114. Second through hole; 12. Liquid replenishment channel; 121. Side wall liquid replenishment channel; 122. Bottom wall liquid replenishment channel; 2. Liquid replenishment assembly; 21. Sealing element; 22. Elastic element; 23. Sealing disc; 3. Explosion-proof valve; 4. First pole; 5. Second pole. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the technical problems solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "inner," "outer," "side," "top," and "bottom," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0025] like Figure 1-4 As shown, the top cover assembly provided in the first embodiment of the present invention includes a cover plate body 1 and a liquid replenishment assembly 2. The cover plate body 1 is provided with a liquid injection hole 11, which penetrates the cover plate body 1. The inner side wall of the liquid injection hole 11 is provided with a liquid replenishment channel 12 that communicates with the space inside the cover plate body 1.

[0026] The fluid replenishment assembly 2 includes a sealing element 21 and an elastic element 22. The sealing element 21 is slidably installed within the injection hole 11. One end of the elastic element 22 is fixed to the cover plate body 1, and the other end of the elastic element 22 is connected to the sealing element 21. When the elastic element 22 is stretched or compressed, the sealing element 21 can slide within the injection hole 11 as the elastic element 22 elongates or shortens, thereby dividing the injection hole 11 into a first variable-length channel located outside the sealing element 21 and a second variable-length channel located inside the sealing element 21.

[0027] When the sealing element 21 is installed in the injection hole 11, the outer edge of the sealing element 21 is in close contact with the inner wall of the injection hole 11, and the first variable length channel and the second variable length channel are isolated by the sealing element 21. The sealing element 21 may be selected as a seal that is resistant to friction and electrolyte corrosion and has elastic deformation along the radial direction of the injection hole 11.

[0028] When the elastic element 22 extends or compresses towards the inside of the cover plate body 1, the first variable-length channel extends and the second variable-length channel shortens; when the elastic element 22 extends or compresses towards the outside of the cover plate body 1, the first variable-length channel shortens and the second variable-length channel extends. During the electrolyte replenishment process, the replenishment channel 12 is connected to the first variable-length channel. After the electrolyte injection process is completed, the replenishment channel 12 is connected to the second variable-length channel.

[0029] In the first embodiment, such as Figure 3-4 As shown, one end of the elastic element 22 facing the inner side of the cover plate body 1 is fixed to the cover plate body 1, and the other end of the elastic element 22 facing the outer side of the cover plate body 1 is connected to the sealing element 21.

[0030] In the first embodiment, such as Figure 3-4As shown, the replenishment channel 12 includes a sidewall replenishment channel 121 and a bottom wall replenishment channel 122. The first end of the sidewall replenishment channel 121 is disposed on the inner sidewall of the injection hole 11 and communicates with the injection hole 11. The second end of the sidewall replenishment channel 121 communicates with the first end of the bottom wall replenishment channel 122, and the second end of the bottom wall replenishment channel 122 communicates with the space inside the cover plate body 1. The sidewall replenishment channel 121 is used to guide the electrolyte flowing into the first variable-length channel to the bottom wall replenishment channel 122, and the bottom wall replenishment channel 122 is used to allow the electrolyte to flow into the space inside the cover plate body 1, thereby replenishing the electrolyte consumed in the space inside the cover plate body 1 and achieving the purpose of replenishing the space inside the cover plate body 1.

[0031] In the first embodiment, such as Figure 3-4 As shown, the sidewall replenishment channel 121 radially penetrates the inner sidewall of the injection hole 11, and the bottom wall replenishment channel 122 is arranged parallel to the axial direction of the injection hole 11 and penetrates the inner side of the cover plate body 1. Preferably, both the sidewall replenishment channel 121 and the bottom wall replenishment channel 122 are circular channels.

[0032] In the first embodiment, such as Figure 3-4 As shown, four replenishment channels 12 are provided, and the four replenishment channels 12 are arranged at equal intervals around the injection hole 11. The four replenishment channels 12 can divert the electrolyte flowing into the first variable length channel, so as to prevent the electrolyte from remaining in the injection hole 11 for a long time when the amount of injected electrolyte is too large, and thus preventing it from entering the space inside the cover plate body 1 through the replenishment channels 12.

[0033] In the first embodiment, such as Figure 3-4 As shown, the fluid replenishment assembly 2 further includes a sealing disc 23, which is connected to one end of the elastic member 22. A sealing member 21 is coaxially fitted with the sealing disc 23, and the sealing member 21 is circumferentially connected to the outer peripheral surface of the sealing disc 23. The sealing member 21 is connected to one end of the elastic member 22 via the sealing disc 23, and the sealing member 21 and the sealing disc 23 together divide the injection hole 11 into a first variable-length channel and a second variable-length channel.

[0034] In the first embodiment, the sealing element 21 is a sealing ring, the elastic element 22 is a spring, and the sealing disc 23 is a disc made of metal material.

[0035] In the first embodiment, such as Figure 3-4As shown, the injection hole 11 includes a first groove 111, a first through hole 112, a second groove 113, and a second through hole 114. The first groove 111 penetrates the outer side of the cover plate body 1, the first through hole 112 penetrates the bottom wall of the first groove 111 and the top wall of the second groove 113, and the second through hole 114 penetrates the bottom wall of the second groove 113 and the inner side of the cover plate body 1.

[0036] During the electrolyte replenishment process, the first groove 111 can serve as a mounting support surface for the electrolyte injection device, while the first through hole 112 can serve as an electrolyte injection port. Preferably, the first groove 111 can be formed as a countersunk hole.

[0037] In the first embodiment, such as Figure 3-4 As shown, the second groove 113 provides a space for the replenishment assembly 2. The sealing element 21 and the sealing disc 23 are slidably installed in the second groove 113, and the elastic element 22 is also accommodated in the second groove 113. The top wall of the second groove 113 communicates with the first through hole 112. When the sealing element 21 and the sealing disc 23 are located outside the replenishment channel 12 in the second groove 113, the sealing element 21 and the sealing disc 23 isolate the second groove 113 into two unconnected channels, thereby ensuring that the injection hole 11 of the top cover assembly is sealed during normal use. The bottom wall of the second groove 113 provides an installation position for the elastic element 22, and one end of the elastic element 22 facing the inside of the cover body 1 is fixed to the bottom wall of the second groove 113.

[0038] The first groove 111, the first through hole 112, and the channel of the second groove 113 located outside the seal 21 together form the first variable-length channel. The channel of the second groove 113 located inside the seal 21 and the second through hole 114 together form the second variable-length channel. The range of the first variable-length channel varies depending on the sliding position of the seal 21 and the sealing disc 23 within the second groove 113. When the seal 21 and the sealing disc 23 slide inwards towards the inner side of the cover plate body 1 within the second groove 113, the first variable-length channel extends inwards accordingly. When the seal 21 and the sealing disc 23 slide within the second groove 113 to a position inside the replenishment channel 12, the replenishment channel 12 communicates with the first variable-length channel. The power source that drives the sealing element 21 and the sealing disc 23 to slide in the second groove 113 is not limited. It can be the air pressure difference between the inner and outer sides of the cover plate body 1, or it can be the force that extends into the second through hole 113, directly contacts the sealing disc 23, and applies force to the sealing disc 23 along the axial direction of the injection hole 11.

[0039] By setting the second through hole 114 to connect the second groove 113 with the space inside the cover plate body 1, the air pressure of the two can be made the same. When pressure is applied to the sealing element 21 and the sealing disc 23 to force them to move inward toward the inside of the cover plate body 1, the gas in the second groove 113 can be discharged into the space inside the cover plate body 1, thereby avoiding the internal pressure of the second groove 113 from hindering the movement of the sealing element 21 and the sealing disc 23 inward.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when electrolyte needs to be added to the space inside the cover body, the injection device is connected to one end outside the injection hole. The air pressure generated by the injection device presses the seal inward, and the elastic member compresses or extends towards the inner side of the cover body to drive the seal to slide towards the inner side of the cover body within the injection hole. When the seal slides to a position within the replenishment channel on the inner wall of the injection hole, the first variable-length channel communicates with the replenishment channel, allowing the injection device to communicate with the space inside the cover body through the injection hole and the replenishment channel, thereby replenishing the electrolyte injected by the injection device into the space inside the cover body. After the electrolyte replenishment process is completed, the injection device is removed, and the seal returns to its original position under the elastic force of the elastic member, allowing the injection channel to communicate with the second variable-length channel, and the seal continues to maintain the seal on the injection hole. Compared with the prior art, the operation of replenishing electrolyte in the top cover assembly of the present invention is simple and quick, and can greatly improve the efficiency of replenishing electrolyte to the internal space of the top cover assembly.

[0041] In addition, the first embodiment of the present invention also provides a battery, including a housing (not shown in the figure), a cell (not shown in the figure) enclosed in the housing, and a top cover assembly that seals the housing. The top cover assembly is the top cover assembly of the above embodiment, and the liquid injection hole 11 on the top cover assembly communicates with the inner cavity of the housing.

[0042] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the top cover assembly is also equipped with an explosion-proof valve 3. The explosion-proof valve 3 is used to open the explosion-proof valve when the gas pressure in the internal space of the cover body 1 exceeds the opening pressure of the explosion-proof valve, thereby releasing the gas in the internal space of the cover body 1 to prevent the battery from exploding. The cover body 1 is also equipped with a first terminal 4 and a second terminal 5 of opposite polarity at both ends along its length. The first terminal 4 and the second terminal 5 are electrically connected to the electrode plates of the same polarity as themselves in the battery cell.

[0043] The battery provided in the first embodiment of the present invention has a top cover assembly as described in the above embodiment. When the electrolyte inside the battery is consumed during use, electrolyte can be replenished to the inner cavity of the casing using the electrolyte replenishment assembly and replenishment channel, thereby improving the battery's service life. Furthermore, because the battery uses the top cover assembly described in the above embodiment, the operation of replenishing electrolyte is simple and quick, greatly improving the efficiency of replenishing electrolyte to the inner cavity of the casing.

[0044] Second Embodiment

[0045] The second embodiment of the present invention provides a top cover assembly and a battery, which differs from the first embodiment in that one end of the elastic member facing the outside of the cover body is fixed to the cover body, and the other end of the elastic member facing the inside of the cover body is connected to the sealing member.

[0046] For example, one end of the elastic element facing the outside of the cover body can be fixed to the top wall of the second groove. When the top cover assembly is in normal use, the seal is located outside the replenishment channel in the injection hole; when the top cover assembly is in the process of replenishing electrolyte, the seal is located inside the replenishment channel in the injection hole, and the elastic element is in a stretched state.

[0047] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A top cover assembly, characterized in that, The device includes a cover plate body and a liquid replenishment assembly. The cover plate body is provided with a liquid injection hole that penetrates the cover plate body. The inner side wall of the liquid injection hole is provided with a liquid replenishment channel that communicates with the space inside the cover plate body. There are four liquid replenishment channels, which are arranged around the liquid injection hole at equal intervals. The fluid replenishment assembly includes a seal and an elastic element. The seal is slidably installed in the injection hole. One end of the elastic element is fixed to the cover plate body, and the other end of the elastic element is connected to the seal. The seal can slide in the injection hole as the elastic element extends or shortens, so as to divide the injection hole into a first variable length channel located outside the seal and a second variable length channel located inside the seal. The first variable length channel and the second variable length channel are isolated by the seal. During the electrolyte replenishment process, the replenishment channel is connected to the first variable-length channel; after the electrolyte injection process is completed, the replenishment channel is connected to the second variable-length channel. The injection hole includes a first groove, a first through hole, a second groove, and a second through hole. The first groove penetrates the outer side of the cover plate body, the first through hole penetrates the bottom wall of the first groove and the top wall of the second groove, and the second through hole penetrates the bottom wall of the second groove and the inner side of the cover plate body. The seal is slidably installed in the second groove. The first groove, the first through hole, and the channel of the second groove located outside the seal together form the first variable length channel. The channel of the second groove located inside the seal and the second through hole together form the second variable length channel. One end of the elastic member facing the inner side of the cover plate body is fixed to the bottom wall of the second groove.

2. The top cover assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the elastic element facing the inner side of the cover plate body is fixed to the cover plate body, and the other end of the elastic element facing the outer side of the cover plate body is connected to the sealing element.

3. The top cover assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid replenishment channel includes a side wall fluid replenishment channel and a bottom wall fluid replenishment channel. The first end of the side wall fluid replenishment channel is disposed on the inner side wall of the second tank and communicates with the second tank. The second end of the side wall fluid replenishment channel communicates with the first end of the bottom wall fluid replenishment channel. The second end of the bottom wall fluid replenishment channel communicates with the space inside the cover plate body.

4. The top cover assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sidewall replenishment channel extends radially through the inner sidewall of the second groove along the injection hole, and the bottom wall replenishment channel is arranged parallel to the axial direction of the injection hole and extends through the inner side of the cover plate body.

5. The top cover assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid replenishment assembly also includes a sealing disc, which is connected to one end of the elastic member, and the sealing member is connected around the outer circumferential surface of the sealing disc.

6. The top cover assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing element is a sealing ring, and the elastic element is a spring.

7. The top cover assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sealing element is coaxially fitted with the sealing disc.

8. The top cover assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first groove is countersunk.

9. The top cover assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the elastic element facing the outside of the cover plate body is fixed to the cover plate body, and the other end of the elastic element facing the inside of the cover plate body is connected to the sealing element.

10. A battery comprising a casing, a cell enclosed within the casing, and a top cover assembly sealing the casing, characterized in that, The top cover assembly is the top cover assembly according to any one of claims 1-9, and the liquid injection hole on the top cover assembly communicates with the inner cavity of the housing.

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