Batteries and battery packs

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of battery technology and proposes a battery and a battery pack. The battery includes: a cell, comprising a cell body and tabs; a current collector, which is welded to the tabs to form a weld seam. A groove is provided on the side of the current collector facing away from the cell, and at least a portion of the weld seam is located within the groove. By providing a groove on the side of the current collector facing away from the cell, and ensuring that at least a portion of the weld seam formed by welding the current collector to the tabs is located within the groove, i.e., the bottom surface of the groove serves as the welding surface between the current collector and the tabs, welding is not only facilitated but also weld spatter is avoided, thereby improving battery performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery technology, and more particularly to a battery and a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, the electrode tabs of the battery cell are connected to the current collector by welding. However, due to the structural limitations of the current collector, many problems may occur during the welding process between the electrode tabs and the current collector. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a battery and a battery pack to improve battery performance.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a battery is provided, comprising:

[0005] A battery cell consists of the cell body and the electrode tabs.

[0006] The current collector is welded to the electrode tab to form a weld. A groove is provided on the side of the current collector away from the battery cell, and at least part of the weld is located in the groove.

[0007] The battery of this invention includes a cell and a current collector. The cell includes a cell body and a tab. By providing a groove on the side of the current collector away from the cell, and making the weld formed by welding the current collector and the tab at least partially located in the groove, the bottom surface of the groove is used as the welding surface of the current collector and the tab. This not only facilitates welding but also avoids welding slag splashing, thereby improving the performance of the battery.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a battery pack is provided, comprising the battery described above.

[0009] The battery pack of this invention includes a battery, which includes a cell and a current collector. The cell includes a cell body and a tab. By providing a groove on the side of the current collector away from the cell, and making the weld formed by welding the current collector and the tab at least partially located in the groove, the bottom surface of the groove is used as the welding surface of the current collector and the tab. This not only facilitates welding but also avoids welding slag splashing, thereby improving the performance of the battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0010] To better understand this disclosure, reference may be made to the embodiments shown in the following figures. Components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, and related elements may be omitted to emphasize and clearly illustrate the technical features of this disclosure. Additionally, related elements or components may have different arrangements as known in the art. Furthermore, in the figures, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components in various figures. Wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0012] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0015] 10. Battery cell; 11. Battery cell body; 12. Tab; 13. Conductive adhesive; 20. Current collector; 21. Groove; 30. Terminal post; 31. Protrusion; 40. Housing component; 50. Cover plate. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The technical solutions in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various modifications and changes can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0017] In the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms “first” and “second” are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; the term “multiple” refers to two or more; and the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. In particular, references to “the / described” object or “a” object are also intended to indicate one of a possible plurality of such objects.

[0018] Unless otherwise specified or stated, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integral connection, an electrical connection, or a signal connection; "connection" can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0019] Furthermore, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer" described in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are used to describe the angles shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. It should also be understood that, in the context of a reference to an element or feature being connected to another element(s) "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer," it can be directly connected to the other element(s) "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer," or indirectly connected to the other element(s) "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" through an intermediate element.

[0020] One embodiment of the present invention provides a battery, please refer to... Figures 1 to 3 The battery includes: a cell 10, which includes a cell body 11 and a tab 12; a current collector 20, which is welded to the tab 12 to form a weld, and a groove 21 is provided on the side of the current collector 20 away from the cell 10, at least a portion of the weld is located in the groove 21.

[0021] A battery according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cell 10 and a current collector 20. The cell 10 includes a cell body 11 and a tab 12. By providing a groove 21 on the side of the current collector 20 away from the cell 10, and making the weld formed by welding the current collector 20 and the tab 12 at least partially located in the groove 21, that is, the bottom surface of the groove 21 is used as the welding surface of the current collector 20 and the tab 12, which not only facilitates welding, but also avoids welding slag splashing, thereby improving the performance of the battery.

[0022] It should be noted that by providing a groove 21 on the side of the current collector 20 away from the cell 10, the local structure of the current collector 20 is thinned, and the bottom surface of the groove 21 serves as the welding surface between the current collector 20 and the tab 12. This facilitates welding between the current collector 20 and the tab 12, ensuring the welding stability of the current collector 20 and the tab 12. Furthermore, the groove 21 prevents welding slag from splashing, allowing the slag to be contained within the groove 21, thereby improving battery quality. The side of the current collector 20 away from the cell 10 is the side opposite the plane of the current collector 20 and the tab 12 in contact. This side of the current collector 20 is further away from the cell 10, and the terminal post 30 can be connected to this side.

[0023] The welding of the manifold 20 and the tab 12 can be done by laser welding, resistance welding, or ultrasonic welding.

[0024] It should be noted that a battery comprises a cell and an electrolyte, and is the smallest unit capable of electrochemical reactions such as charging / discharging. A cell refers to a unit formed by winding or laminating stacked portions, which include a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode. When the first electrode is the positive electrode, the second electrode is the negative electrode. The polarities of the first and second electrodes can be interchanged.

[0025] In one embodiment, the battery further includes an electrode lead-out portion electrically connected to the current collector 20, thereby enabling charging and discharging of the battery through the electrode lead-out portion. The electrode lead-out portion may include structures such as terminals and a battery casing.

[0026] The surface of the electrode lead-out facing the current collector 20 can be adapted to fit the current collector 20, thereby achieving a reliable connection between the electrode lead-out and the current collector 20, and ensuring sufficient contact surface between the electrode lead-out and the current collector 20 to guarantee the current flow capacity between them. The surface of the electrode lead-out facing the current collector 20 can be a plane or a curved surface.

[0027] The surface of the electrode lead-out portion facing the current collector 20 may have a protruding structure, that is, a part of the electrode lead-out portion may be inserted into the current collector 20. For example, a part of the electrode lead-out portion may be inserted into the groove 21, thereby increasing the contact area between the electrode lead-out portion and the current collector 20 and ensuring the current carrying capacity of the electrode lead-out portion and the current collector 20.

[0028] In one embodiment, the electrode lead-out portion is connected to the end face of the current collector 20 opposite to the tab 12. This not only facilitates connection but also ensures a sufficiently reliable contact surface between the electrode lead-out portion and the current collector 20, guaranteeing adequate current carrying capacity. In this embodiment, a portion of the electrode lead-out portion is not inserted into the current collector 20. The end face of the current collector 20 opposite to the tab 12 is the surface opposite the plane of the current collector 20 that contacts the tab 12.

[0029] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the collector plate 20 has at least two grooves 21, allowing the electrode lead-out to connect to the surface of the collector plate 20. The grooves 21 may be empty, i.e., they can be air gaps. Alternatively, conductive adhesive may be provided within the grooves 21. This conductive adhesive can be used for further electrical connection between the electrode lead-out and the collector plate 20. Here, the conductive adhesive not only achieves electrical connection between the electrode lead-out and the collector plate 20, but also connects them, thereby improving the connection strength between the electrode lead-out and the collector plate 20.

[0030] Furthermore, the conductive adhesive can be a conductive gel. Because the gel has low fluidity, it avoids the conductive adhesive from flowing too much and falling into the battery, thus preventing safety risks.

[0031] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, a protrusion 31 is provided on the electrode lead-out portion, and at least a portion of the protrusion 31 is located in the groove 21, so that the groove 21 can be used as an installation space, thereby improving the space utilization rate of the battery. At the same time, since the welding slag generated by welding the current collector 20 and the tab 12 is sealed inside the battery, the internal safety performance of the battery is further improved.

[0032] It should be noted that when at least a portion of the protrusion 31 is located within the groove 21 and the protrusion 31 contacts the current collector 20, the contact area between the electrode lead-out portion and the current collector 20 can be further increased, thereby further enhancing the current carrying capacity of the electrode lead-out portion and the current collector 20, and improving the connection stability between the electrode lead-out portion and the current collector 20.

[0033] In some embodiments, the height of the protrusion 31 may be greater than the depth of the groove 21, that is, there will be a gap between the electrode lead-out portion and the current collector 20. Other structures may be provided in this gap to achieve electrical connection between the electrode lead-out portion and the current collector 20. For example, conductive adhesive may be provided in the gap between the electrode lead-out portion and the current collector 20.

[0034] In some embodiments, the height of the protrusion 31 is not greater than the depth of the groove 21, so that the protrusion 31 is located within the groove 21 and the electrode lead-out portion contacts the end face of the current collector 20. This reduces the height space occupied by the electrode lead-out portion and ensures that there is sufficient contact surface between the electrode lead-out portion and the current collector 20, thereby ensuring the electrical connection capability between the electrode lead-out portion and the current collector 20.

[0035] It should be noted that the height of the protrusion 31 is not greater than the depth of the groove 21. In this case, it is possible that a part of the protrusion 31 is located inside the groove 21, that is, there will be a gap between the electrode lead-out part and the current collector 20.

[0036] In one embodiment, there can be multiple grooves 21 and multiple protrusions 31. Each groove 21 may contain a protrusion 31, or some grooves 21 may not contain protrusions 31 and may be used solely for welding. A groove 21 may include only one opening, or it may include two openings, or it may include three openings. The structural form of the groove 21 is not limited here; its shape can be triangular pyramidal, U-shaped, cubic, trapezoidal, cylindrical, etc., the key being its ability to facilitate welding.

[0037] In one embodiment, the electrode lead-out portion is snapped into the current collector 20, thereby increasing the connection stability between the electrode lead-out portion and the current collector 20. The electrode lead-out portion and the current collector 20 can be snapped together using a structure such as a snap-fit, or they can be snapped together using a protrusion and a groove, for example, a protrusion 31 snaps into a groove 21. Alternatively, the electrode lead-out portion and the current collector 20 can be an interference fit.

[0038] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, conductive adhesive 13 is provided in the groove 21, and the electrode lead-out part is in contact with the conductive adhesive 13, so that the electrode lead-out part can be electrically connected to the current collector 20 through the conductive adhesive 13, and can ensure that there is sufficient electrical connection area between the electrode lead-out part and the current collector 20.

[0039] Specifically, the protrusion 31 can be located inside the groove 21, while the other gaps in the groove 21 can be filled with conductive adhesive 13. This not only allows the electrode lead-out part to be electrically connected to the current collector 20 through the conductive adhesive 13, but also helps to fix the protrusion 31 and the current collector 20, thereby improving the connection strength between the protrusion 31 and the current collector 20.

[0040] In one embodiment, conductive adhesive 13 is provided between the electrode lead-out portion and the end face of the current collector 20 facing away from the tab 12, so that the electrode lead-out portion can be electrically connected to the current collector 20 through the conductive adhesive 13, and sufficient electrical connection area can be ensured between the electrode lead-out portion and the current collector 20.

[0041] Specifically, the electrode lead-out portion may not have the protrusion 31. In this case, conductive adhesive 13 is provided between the electrode lead-out portion and the current collector 20. This not only enables the electrode lead-out portion to be electrically connected to the current collector 20 through the conductive adhesive 13, but also helps to fix the electrode lead-out portion and the current collector 20, thereby improving the connection strength between the electrode lead-out portion and the current collector 20.

[0042] Alternatively, the electrode lead-out portion can be provided with a protrusion 31, which can be located within the groove 21, and conductive adhesive 13 can be provided between the electrode lead-out portion and the current collector 20. Furthermore, the other gaps in the groove 21 can be filled with conductive adhesive 13, which not only allows the electrode lead-out portion to achieve electrical connection with the current collector 20 through the conductive adhesive 13, but also facilitates the fixation of the protrusion 31 and the current collector 20. Alternatively, the other gaps in the groove 21 may not be provided with conductive adhesive 13, but electrical connection between the electrode lead-out portion and the current collector 20 can still be ensured.

[0043] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the electrode lead-out section includes a terminal post 30, which is electrically connected to the current collector 20, thereby enabling the battery to be charged and discharged through the terminal post 30.

[0044] Combination Figure 2 As shown, the collector plate 20 has at least two grooves 21, and the electrode post 30 can be connected to the surface of the collector plate 20. The grooves 21 may be empty, i.e., they can be air gaps. Alternatively, conductive adhesive may be provided in the grooves 21. This conductive adhesive can be used for further electrical connection between the electrode post 30 and the collector plate 20. Here, the conductive adhesive can both achieve electrical connection between the electrode post 30 and the collector plate 20 and improve the connection strength between them.

[0045] Combination Figure 3 As shown, the collector plate 20 has at least two grooves 21, and the pole post 30 has a protrusion 31. The protrusion 31 can be located within the groove 21, and the gap between the protrusion 31 and the groove 21 can be empty, i.e., the gap can be an air gap. Alternatively, conductive adhesive 13 can be provided in the gap between the protrusion 31 and the groove 21. The conductive adhesive 13 can be used for further electrical connection between the protrusion 31 and the collector plate 20. Here, the conductive adhesive can achieve both electrical connection between the protrusion 31 and the collector plate 20 and connection between the protrusion 31 and the collector plate 20, thereby improving the connection strength between the pole post 30 and the collector plate 20.

[0046] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the battery also includes a housing 40 and a cover plate 50, which are connected to seal the cell 10. A terminal 30 can be disposed on the housing 40. The terminal 30 and the housing 40 can be insulated from each other. The housing 40 and the cover plate 50 form the battery casing. The housing 40 includes an open end, and the cover plate 50 seals the open end. The housing 40 and the cover plate 50 can be welded, or they can be riveted.

[0047] In some embodiments, the housing 40 may include a main body and a cover, which may be separate structures. The cover may have a structure similar to the cover plate 50, and the cover may be disposed opposite to the cover plate 50. The main body and the cover may be welded or connected by other connection methods.

[0048] In some embodiments, the housing 40 is a one-piece molded structure, which is not only simple to manufacture but also relatively efficient, ensuring reliable sealing performance.

[0049] In some embodiments, it is not excluded that the pole post 30 may be disposed on the cover plate 50.

[0050] In one embodiment, the electrode lead-out portion includes a housing 40, which is electrically connected to the current collector 20, i.e., the battery is charged and discharged through the housing 40. The housing 40 may be provided with a protrusion structure similar to the protrusion 31 described above, and the protrusion structure may be disposed within the groove 21.

[0051] In one embodiment, the electrode lead-out portion includes a cover plate 50, which is electrically connected to the current collector 20, i.e., the battery is charged and discharged through the cover plate 50. The cover plate 50 may be provided with a protrusion structure similar to the protrusion 31 described above, and the protrusion structure may be disposed in the groove 21.

[0052] It should be noted that the battery can be cylindrical. In some embodiments, it is possible that the battery can be rectangular.

[0053] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the battery cell 10 has two tabs at opposite ends. One tab can be electrically connected to the current collector 20 on the housing 40, which is connected to the terminal post 30. The other tab can be electrically connected to the cover plate 50, or the other tab can be electrically connected to the cover plate 50 through another current collector. One of the two tabs is the positive tab, and the other is the negative tab.

[0054] It should be noted that a battery may include one terminal 30 or two terminals 30, that is, one can be the positive terminal and the other can be the negative terminal. Alternatively, the battery can be charged and discharged by means of the terminals 30 and the battery casing, that is, one of the terminals 30 and the battery casing is the positive terminal and the other is the negative terminal.

[0055] It should be noted that the battery cell 10 may include two tabs, one of which is a positive tab and the other is a negative tab. This invention emphasizes the tab corresponding to one side of the current collector 20 with the groove 21. For example, one side of the current collector 20 may correspond to the positive tab, while the connection method of the negative tab on the other side is not limited. For example, the negative tab may be electrically connected to the housing 40 or the cover plate 50. Alternatively, one side of the current collector 20 may correspond to the negative tab, while the connection method of the positive tab on the other side is not limited. For example, the positive tab may be electrically connected to the housing 40 or the cover plate 50.

[0056] In the battery of the present invention, the current collector and the tab can be pre-welded. The current collector is provided with a groove for accommodating conductive adhesive that is electrically connected to the terminal. The battery cell coated with conductive adhesive is inserted into the integrally formed housing to realize the electrical connection between the terminal and the tab. The welding surface between the tab and the current collector is the bottom wall of the groove. The conductive adhesive is then injected to fix the slag formed by welding the tab and the current collector in the groove, thereby improving the internal safety performance of the battery.

[0057] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a battery pack including the battery described above.

[0058] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery, which includes a cell 10 and a current collector 20. The cell 10 includes a cell body 11 and a tab 12. By providing a groove 21 on the side of the current collector 20 away from the cell 10, and making the weld formed by welding the current collector 20 and the tab 12 at least partially located in the groove 21, that is, the bottom surface of the groove 21 is used as the welding surface of the current collector 20 and the tab 12, which not only facilitates welding, but also avoids welding slag splashing, thereby improving the performance of the battery pack.

[0059] In one embodiment, the battery pack is a battery module or a battery pack.

[0060] The battery module includes multiple batteries, which can be prismatic cells. The battery module may also include end plates and side plates for securing the batteries. Alternatively, the batteries can be cylindrical cells, and the battery module may include a bracket on which the batteries can be fixed.

[0061] The battery pack consists of multiple batteries and a housing, which is used to hold the multiple batteries in place.

[0062] It should be noted that the battery pack includes batteries, and there can be multiple batteries housed within the casing. Alternatively, the multiple batteries can be assembled into a battery module and then installed within the casing. Or, the multiple batteries can be directly housed within the casing, meaning there is no need to group them together; the casing itself can be used to secure the batteries.

[0063] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and exemplary embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

[0064] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of protection of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery, characterized in that, include: The battery cell (10) includes a battery cell body (11) and electrode tabs (12); A current collector (20) is welded to the electrode tab (12) to form a weld. A groove (21) is provided on the side of the current collector (20) away from the battery cell (10). At least part of the weld is located in the groove (21). An electrode lead-out portion is electrically connected to the current collector (20). A protrusion (31) is provided on the electrode lead-out portion. At least a portion of the protrusion (31) is located in the groove (21). The protrusion (31) contacts the current collector (20) to seal the welding slag generated by welding the current collector (20) and the tab (12).

2. The battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode lead-out portion is connected to the end face of the collector plate (20) that is away from the tab (12).

3. The battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the protrusion (31) is not greater than the depth of the groove (21).

4. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The electrode lead-out portion is engaged with the current collector (20).

5. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Conductive adhesive (13) is provided in the groove (21), and the electrode lead-out part is in contact with the conductive adhesive (13); And / or, conductive adhesive (13) is provided between the electrode lead-out portion and the end face of the current collector (20) opposite to the tab (12).

6. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The electrode lead-out portion includes a pole post (30), which is electrically connected to the collector plate (20).

7. The battery according to claim 6, characterized in that, The battery also includes a housing (40), the terminal (30) is disposed on the housing (40) and the cover plate (50), and the cover plate (50) is connected to the housing (40) to seal the cell (10); The housing component (40) is an integrally molded structure.

8. The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The electrode lead-out portion includes a housing (40), which is electrically connected to the collector plate (20); Alternatively, the electrode lead-out portion may include a cover plate (50), which is electrically connected to the collector plate (20).

9. The battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery is a cylindrical battery.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that, The battery includes any one of claims 1 to 9.

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