A top cover assembly and a battery

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of power battery technology, and particularly relates to a top cover assembly and a battery. The top cover assembly includes a cover plate body and a liquid filling and sealing assembly. The cover plate body has a liquid injection hole, and the liquid filling and sealing assembly includes an elastic element and a sealing cap. 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 sealing cap. An annular protrusion surrounding the liquid injection hole is provided on one of the inner surfaces of the cover plate body and the sealing cap, and a first sealing ring groove surrounding the liquid injection hole is provided on the other inner surface of the cover plate body and the sealing cap. The annular protrusion is inserted into the first sealing ring groove to seal the liquid injection hole. When replenishing the liquid in the top cover assembly of this invention, simply pressurizing the liquid injection device into the liquid injection hole causes the elastic element to extend inward, thereby disengaging the annular protrusion from the first sealing ring groove, opening the communication channel between the liquid injection hole and the space inside the cover plate body, achieving the purpose of replenishing electrolyte. The liquid replenishment process is simple and easy to operate, and can greatly improve the efficiency of liquid replenishment.

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 inconvenient. 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 not simple enough, so a top cover assembly and battery are provided.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a top cover assembly, including a cover plate body and a liquid filling and sealing assembly. The cover plate body is provided with a liquid injection hole that penetrates through the cover plate body. The liquid filling and sealing assembly includes an elastic element and a sealing cap. The sealing cap is disposed in the space within the cover plate body. 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 sealing cap. An annular protrusion surrounding the liquid injection hole is provided on the inner surface of the cover plate body and one of the sealing caps. A first sealing ring groove surrounding the liquid injection hole is provided on the inner surface of the cover plate body and the other of the sealing caps. The annular protrusion is used to insert into the first sealing ring groove to seal the liquid injection hole.

[0005] Optionally, the annular protrusion is provided on the inner surface of the cover plate body, and the first sealing ring groove is provided on the sealing cap.

[0006] Optionally, the top cover assembly further includes a sealing ring having a second sealing ring groove that matches the shape of the annular protrusion, the annular protrusion being inserted into the second sealing ring groove, the outer surface shape of the sealing ring matching the first sealing ring groove, and the sealing ring being inserted into the first sealing ring groove.

[0007] Optionally, the sealing cap includes a cap portion and a rod fixedly connected to the center of the outer surface of the cap portion. The first sealing ring groove is disposed on the cap portion, and the rod extends into the injection hole and is connected to one end of the elastic element inward.

[0008] Optionally, the sealing cap is disc-shaped, the first sealing ring groove is disposed on the sealing cap, the elastic element is disposed around the first sealing ring groove, and the inward end of the elastic element is connected to the sealing cap, and the outward end of the elastic element is fixed to the inner surface of the cover plate body.

[0009] Optionally, the injection hole includes a first groove, a through hole, and a second groove. The first groove penetrates the outer side of the cover plate body, the second groove penetrates the inner side of the cover plate body, the through hole penetrates the bottom wall of the first groove and the bottom wall of the second groove, and the outward end of the elastic element is fixed to the bottom wall of the second groove.

[0010] Optionally, the first sealing ring groove includes a replenishment channel ring groove and a sealing insertion ring groove that are connected sequentially from the outside to the inside. One end of the replenishment channel ring groove is connected to the injection hole. The inner diameter of the replenishment channel ring groove is larger than the inner diameter of the sealing insertion ring groove. The outer surface shape of the sealing ring matches the sealing insertion ring groove. The sealing ring is used to be inserted into the sealing insertion ring groove.

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

[0012] Optionally, the outer surface of the sealing ring is provided with a guide structure for guiding the sealing ring into the first sealing ring groove.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the normal use state of the top cover assembly, the internal and external pressure difference of the cover body causes the elastic element to be in a stretched state. The outward elastic force of the elastic element allows the annular protrusion to be inserted into the first sealing ring groove. The insertion and engagement of the annular protrusion with the first sealing ring groove achieves the sealing of the injection hole. During the replenishment of electrolyte in the top cover assembly, the injection device is connected to the injection hole. The air pressure generated by the injection device acts on the sealing cap, causing the sealing cap to drive the elastic element to continue to extend inward, and the annular protrusion to disengage from the first sealing ring groove. Thus, the electrolyte injected by the injection device can flow into the space inside the cover body through the injection hole and the sealing cap, achieving the purpose of replenishing electrolyte. Compared with the prior art, the electrolyte replenishment process of the top cover assembly of the present invention is simple and easy to operate, and can greatly improve the efficiency of replenishing electrolyte into the space inside the cover body.

[0014] 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 cover plate body communicates with the inner cavity of the housing.

[0015] The battery according to the present invention, by employing the above-described top cover assembly, makes the process of replenishing electrolyte simple and easy to operate, and can greatly improve the efficiency of replenishing electrolyte into the space inside the cover plate body. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the top cover assembly provided in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] 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.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of the structure at point A in the middle;

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the structure at point A during the electrolyte replenishment process.

[0020] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are as follows:

[0021] 1. Cover plate body; 11. Injection hole; 111. First groove; 112. Through hole; 113. Second groove; 12. Annular protrusion; 13. Annular channel; 2. Liquid replenishment sealing assembly; 21. Elastic element; 22. Sealing cap; 221. Cap cover; 221a. First sealing ring groove; 221a1. Liquid replenishment channel annular groove; 221a2. Sealing insertion annular groove; 222. Rod body; 23. Sealing ring; 231. Chamfered edge; 3. Explosion-proof valve; 4. First pole post; 5. Second pole post. Detailed Implementation

[0022] 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.

[0023] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "inner," "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0024] First Embodiment

[0025] like Figure 1-4 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a top cover assembly including a cover plate body 1 and a liquid filling and sealing assembly 2. The cover plate body 1 is provided with a liquid injection hole 11, which penetrates the cover plate body 1. The liquid filling and sealing assembly 2 includes an elastic element 21 and a sealing cap 22. The sealing cap 22 is disposed in the space within the cover plate body 1. One end of the elastic element 21 is fixed to the cover plate body 1, and the other end of the elastic element 21 is connected to the sealing cap 22. An annular protrusion 12 surrounding the liquid injection hole 11 is provided on the inner surface of the cover plate body 1 and one of the sealing caps 22. A first sealing ring groove 221a surrounding the liquid injection hole 11 is provided on the inner surface of the cover plate body 1 and the other of the sealing caps 22. The annular protrusion 12 is used to insert into the first sealing ring groove 221a to seal the liquid injection hole 11.

[0026] In the normal operating state of the top cover assembly, by adjusting the internal air pressure of the cover plate body 1, the external air pressure of the cover plate body 1 is made greater than the internal air pressure of the cover plate body 1, thereby causing the elastic member 21 to be in a stretched state. At this time, the annular protrusion 12 is inserted into the first sealing ring groove 221a. It can be understood that the annular protrusion 12 can be directly inserted into the first sealing ring groove 221a and directly contact the inner wall of the first sealing ring groove 221a, or it can be indirectly inserted into the first sealing ring groove 221a by inserting it into another sealing member with a groove and then inserting this sealing member into the first sealing ring groove 221a.

[0027] When the annular protrusion 12 is inserted into the first sealing ring groove 221a, the space between the injection hole 11 and the cover plate body 1 is blocked by the insertion and engagement of the annular protrusion 12 and the first sealing ring groove 221a, thereby sealing the inner opening of the injection hole 11 and ensuring the sealing performance of the top cover assembly under normal use.

[0028] During the replenishment of electrolyte to the top cover assembly, the injection device is connected to the injection port 11. The injection device generates inward air pressure, which acts on the sealing cap 22. The sealing cap 22 causes the elastic element 21 to overcome its outward elastic force and continue to extend inward. At this time, the annular protrusion 12 will disengage from the first sealing ring groove 221a. After the first sealing ring groove 221a disengages from the annular protrusion 12, the inner opening of the injection port 11 communicates with the space inside the cover plate body 1, thereby enabling the replenishment of electrolyte.

[0029] After the electrolyte is replenished, the injection device is removed, the elastic element 21 returns to the elongation of the top cover assembly under normal use, and the annular protrusion 12 is reinserted into the first sealing ring groove 221a.

[0030] In the first embodiment, such as Figure 3-4 As shown, the annular protrusion 12 is provided on the inner surface of the cover plate body 1, and the first sealing ring groove 221a is provided on the sealing cap 22. The annular protrusion 12 forms an annular channel 13, and one end of the annular channel 13 is connected to the inner opening of the injection hole 11.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, when the annular channel 13 is inserted into the annular protrusion 12, it is isolated from the first sealing ring groove 221a, thereby isolating it from the space inside the cover plate body 1. Figure 4 As shown, when the annular protrusion 12 disengages from the first sealing ring groove 221a, one end of the annular channel 13 communicates with the first sealing ring groove 221a, thereby communicating with the space inside the cover plate body 1.

[0032] In the first embodiment, such as Figure 3-4 As shown, the top cover assembly also includes a sealing ring 23, which has a second sealing ring groove (not shown in the figure) that matches the shape of the annular protrusion 12. The annular protrusion 12 is inserted into the second sealing ring groove, and the outer surface shape of the sealing ring 23 matches the first sealing ring groove 221a. The sealing ring 23 is used to be inserted into the first sealing ring groove 221a.

[0033] In the normal operating state of the top cover assembly, the sealing ring 23 is inserted into the first sealing ring groove 221a, thereby indirectly inserting the annular protrusion 12 into the first sealing ring groove 221a. During the replenishment of electrolyte into the top cover assembly, the first sealing ring groove 221a disengages from the sealing ring 23, thereby disengaging the first sealing ring groove 221a from the annular protrusion 12. By setting the sealing ring 23 to be inserted into the first sealing ring groove 221a, the sealing of the inner opening of the injection hole 11 can be ensured.

[0034] In the first embodiment, such as Figure 3-4 As shown, the sealing cap 22 includes a cap portion 221 and a rod 222 fixedly connected to the center position of the outer surface of the cap portion 221. The first sealing ring groove 221a is provided on the cap portion 221. The rod 222 extends into the injection hole 11 and is connected to one end of the elastic member 21 inward.

[0035] In the first embodiment, such as Figure 3-4 As shown, the injection hole 11 includes a first groove 111, a through hole 112, and a second groove 113. The first groove 111 penetrates the outer side of the cover plate body 1, and the second groove 113 penetrates the inner side of the cover plate body 1. The through hole 112 penetrates the bottom wall of the first groove 111 and the bottom wall of the second groove 113. One outward end of the elastic member 21 is fixed to the bottom wall of the second groove 113. During the replenishment of electrolyte, the first groove 111 can serve as a mounting support surface for the injection device, while the through hole can serve as an injection port for the electrolyte. The second groove 113 provides a receiving space for the replenishment sealing assembly 2, and the elastic member 21 and the rod 222 of the sealing cap 22 are both received within the second groove 113. Preferably, the first groove 111 can be countersunk.

[0036] In the first embodiment, such as Figure 3-4 As shown, the first sealing ring groove 221a includes a replenishment channel ring groove 221a1 and a sealing insertion ring groove 221a2 connected sequentially from the outside to the inside. One end of the replenishment channel ring groove 221a1 communicates with the injection hole 111. The inner diameter of the replenishment channel ring groove 221a1 is larger than the inner diameter of the sealing insertion ring groove 221a2. The outer surface shape of the sealing ring 23 matches the sealing insertion ring groove 221a2, and the sealing ring 23 is inserted into the sealing insertion ring groove 221a2. Preferably, the replenishment channel ring groove 221a1 can be configured as a funnel-shaped ring groove with an inner diameter gradually decreasing from the outside to the inside.

[0037] During the electrolyte replenishment process, the sealing cap 22 moves inward relative to the sealing ring 23, and the sealing ring 23 disengages from the sealing insertion ring groove 221a2. The sealing ring 23 is partially housed in the replenishment channel ring groove 221a1, or the sealing ring 23 completely disengages from the first sealing ring groove 221a. At this time, the electrolyte injected into the injection hole 11 by the injection device flows into the first sealing ring groove 221a through the through hole 112 and the second groove 113, and then overflows from the first sealing ring groove 221a into the space inside the cover plate body 1 to achieve the purpose of replenishing electrolyte and wetting the battery cell.

[0038] In the first embodiment, the elastic element 21 is a spring. Considering that springs are easily corroded by electrolyte, the material of the elastic element 21 is preferably a material that can resist electrolyte corrosion for a long time.

[0039] In the first embodiment, such as Figure 3-4 As shown, the outer surface of the sealing ring 23 is provided with a guide structure 231 for guiding the sealing ring 23 into the first sealing ring groove 221a. The guide structure 231 is a chamfered edge provided on the outer surface of the sealing ring 23, and two chamfered edges 232 are provided, respectively provided on the outer ring edge and the inner ring edge of the inner surface of the sealing ring 23.

[0040] When the inward air pressure of the injection device is removed, the elastic element 21 generates an outward elastic restoring force, which drives the sealing cap 22 toward the sealing ring 23, thereby causing the sealing ring 23 to re-insert into the first sealing ring groove 221a. During this process, because the sealing ring 23 is provided with the chamfered edge, the first sealing ring groove 221a of the sealing cap 22 will not collide with the sealing ring 23, thus preventing the sealing ring 23 from being inserted into the first sealing ring groove 221a.

[0041] In other embodiments, the guide structure may also be a rounded shape provided on the sealing ring 23.

[0042] The top cover assembly provided in the first embodiment of the present invention, under normal use, utilizes the internal and external pressure difference of the cover body to keep the elastic element in a stretched state. The outward elastic force of the elastic element allows the annular protrusion to insert into the first sealing ring groove, thus sealing the injection hole through the insertion and engagement of the annular protrusion and the first sealing ring groove. During the replenishment of electrolyte in the top cover assembly, the injection device is connected to the injection hole. The air pressure generated by the injection device acts on the sealing cap, causing the sealing cap to drive the elastic element to continue to extend inward, and the annular protrusion to disengage from the first sealing ring groove. Therefore, the electrolyte injected by the injection device can flow into the space inside the cover body through the injection hole and the sealing cap, achieving the purpose of replenishing electrolyte. Compared with the prior art, the electrolyte replenishment process of the top cover assembly provided in the first embodiment of the present invention is simple and easy to operate, and can greatly improve the efficiency of replenishing electrolyte into the space inside the cover body.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The battery provided in the first embodiment of the present invention has a top cover assembly that is the same as that described in the previous embodiment. When the electrolyte inside the battery is consumed during use, the electrolyte can be replenished to the inner cavity of the casing using the electrolyte replenishment and sealing assembly, thereby improving the battery's service life. Furthermore, because the battery uses the top cover assembly described in the previous embodiment, the process of replenishing the electrolyte is simple and easy to operate, and the efficiency of replenishing the electrolyte to the internal space of the top cover assembly can be greatly improved.

[0046] Second Embodiment

[0047] The second embodiment of the present invention provides a top cover assembly and a battery, which differs from the first embodiment in that the sealing cap is disc-shaped, the first sealing ring groove is disposed on the sealing cap, the elastic member is disposed around the first sealing ring groove, and the inward end of the elastic member is connected to the sealing cap, and the outward end of the elastic member is fixed to the inner surface of the cover plate body.

[0048] The elastic element may be a single spring with an inner diameter larger than the first sealing ring groove, and the spring is connected to one end of the sealing cap and is arranged around the first sealing ring.

[0049] The elastic element may also be a spring group consisting of two or more springs, the spring group being arranged around the first sealing ring groove, and the two adjacent springs of the spring group being equally spaced along the outer periphery of the first sealing ring groove.

[0050] Third Embodiment

[0051] The third embodiment of the present invention provides a top cover assembly and a battery, which differs from the first embodiment in that the annular protrusion is provided on the surface of the sealing cap facing the cover plate body, and the first sealing ring groove is formed on the surface of the cover plate body facing the sealing cap.

[0052] In the normal operating state of the top cover assembly, the annular protrusion inserts into the first sealing ring groove to seal the inner opening of the injection hole. During the replenishment of electrolyte into the top cover assembly, the annular protrusion disengages from the first sealing ring groove, and the electrolyte injected into the injection hole flows through the second groove to the surface of the sealing cap facing the cover body, and then flows from the surface of the sealing cap facing the cover body into the space inside the cover body, thereby immersing the battery cell in the space inside the cover body.

[0053] 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 filling and sealing assembly. The cover plate body is provided with a liquid injection hole that penetrates the cover plate body. The liquid filling and sealing assembly includes an elastic element and a sealing cap. The sealing cap is disposed in the space inside the cover plate body. 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 sealing cap. The inner surface of the cover plate body is provided with an annular protrusion surrounding the injection hole, and the sealing cap is provided with a first sealing ring groove surrounding the injection hole. The annular protrusion is used to insert into the first sealing ring groove to seal the injection hole. The top cover assembly also includes a sealing ring, the sealing ring having a second sealing ring groove that matches the shape of the annular protrusion, the annular protrusion being inserted into the second sealing ring groove, the outer surface shape of the sealing ring matching the first sealing ring groove, and the sealing ring being used to be inserted into the first sealing ring groove; The first sealing ring groove includes a replenishment channel ring groove and a sealing insertion ring groove that are connected sequentially from the outside to the inside. One end of the replenishment channel ring groove is connected to the injection hole. The inner diameter of the replenishment channel ring groove is larger than the inner diameter of the sealing insertion ring groove. The outer surface shape of the sealing ring matches the sealing insertion ring groove. The sealing ring is used to be inserted into the sealing insertion ring groove. The fluid replenishment channel annular groove is a funnel-shaped annular groove whose inner diameter gradually decreases from the outside to the inside.

2. The top cover assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the electrolyte replenishment process, the sealing cap moves inward relative to the sealing ring, the sealing ring disengages from the sealing insertion ring groove, and the sealing ring is partially accommodated in the electrolyte replenishment channel ring groove.

3. The top cover assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing cap includes a cap portion and a rod fixedly connected to the center position of the outer surface of the cap portion. The first sealing ring groove is provided on the cap portion, and the rod extends into the injection hole and is connected to the inward end of the elastic element.

4. The top cover assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing cap is disc-shaped, the first sealing ring groove is provided on the sealing cap, the elastic element is arranged around the first sealing ring groove, and the inward end of the elastic element is connected to the sealing cap, and the outward end of the elastic element is fixed to the inner surface of the cover plate body.

5. The top cover assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The injection hole includes a first groove, a through hole, and a second groove. The first groove penetrates the outer side of the cover plate body, the second groove penetrates the inner side of the cover plate body, the through hole penetrates the bottom wall of the first groove and the bottom wall of the second groove, and the outward end of the elastic element is fixed to the bottom wall of the second groove.

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

7. The top cover assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer surface of the sealing ring is provided with a guide structure for guiding the sealing ring to be inserted into the first sealing ring groove.

8. The top cover assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The guide structure is a chamfered edge provided on the outer surface of the sealing ring.

9. The top cover assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The guide structure is a rounded shape provided on the sealing ring.

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 cover plate body communicates with the inner cavity of the housing.

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