An expansion and contraction self-adjusting box

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of box adjusting, and more particularly to an expansion and contraction self-adjusting box, which comprises a side wall, the side wall comprises a fixed part, an adjustable part and a collapsible structure, the adjustable part is connected with the fixed part through the collapsible structure, the adjustable part is arranged corresponding to the position of the battery cell in the box and adjacent to the outer side wall of the battery cell, when the outer side wall of the battery cell expands, the collapsible structure will deform after absorbing the force generated by the expansion in priority to the adjustable part; the side wall absorbs the force generated by the expansion of the outer side wall of the battery cell, solves the deformation problem of the battery cell, keeps the battery cell in the optimal cycle environment at all times, and realizes the maximization of the efficiency and energy density of the battery cell under the premise of a certain box envelope.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of box adjustment technology, and in particular to a self-adjusting box for expansion and contraction. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the new energy industry, the market demands increasingly higher battery pack range, cycle life, and energy density. As a result, the capacity of cells, whether lithium iron phosphate or ternary lithium, is constantly increasing, and the number of cells in a pack is also growing. This leads to more severe cell expansion and deformation in later cycles. To address this issue, buffer materials are added between cells, and metal end plates are used for fixation. In the early stages, the cells experience less assembly force, and the buffer materials absorb the expansion and deformation. However, in the later stages of cycling, the buffer materials become increasingly flat and eventually lose their effectiveness, preventing the cells from operating in the optimal cycling environment. Constructing a stronger metal fixing frame to completely suppress expansion and deformation would not only be detrimental to cell cycling but also create safety hazards for later maintenance due to the excessive expansion force that cannot be released in the later stages of cycling. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to provide an expansion and contraction self-adjusting housing to solve the problem of cell cyclic expansion and optimize cell cycle life.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0005] An expansion and contraction self-adjusting housing includes a side wall, the side wall including a fixed part, the side wall also including an adjustable part and a contractile structure, the adjustable part being connected to the fixed part through the contractile structure, the adjustable part being positioned corresponding to the battery cell position within the housing and adjacent to the outer wall of the battery cell, when the outer wall of the battery cell expands, the contractile structure deforms to absorb the expansion force generated by the battery cell.

[0006] Furthermore, the adjustable portion is attached to the outer wall of the battery cell.

[0007] Furthermore, the sidewall has a U-shaped structure, the adjustable part is set in the central area of ​​the U-shaped structure, the fixed part is set in the surrounding area of ​​the U-shaped structure, and the retractable structure is set at the junction of the adjustable part and the fixed part.

[0008] Furthermore, before the battery cell is installed into the housing, the retractable structure and the adjustable portion protrude outward relative to the fixed portion; after the battery cell is installed into the housing, a force is applied into the housing by a tooling to the adjustable portion, causing the retractable structure to deform, and the retractable structure and the adjustable portion to be in a concave state relative to the fixed portion.

[0009] Furthermore, the shrinkable structure is bonded to the fixed part with adhesive, and the shrinkable structure is bonded to the adjustable part with adhesive.

[0010] Furthermore, the retractable structure is press-fitted to the fixed portion, and the retractable structure is press-fitted to the adjustable portion.

[0011] Furthermore, the retractable structure has openings at both ends, the fixed part has an opening at one end, the adjustable part has an opening at one end, one end of the retractable structure abuts against one end of the fixed part and the openings are correspondingly positioned, and a rivet passes through the two openings in sequence for fixed connection; the other end of the retractable structure abuts against one end of the adjustable part and the openings are correspondingly positioned, and a rivet passes through the two openings in sequence for fixed connection.

[0012] Furthermore, the retractable structure and the fixed part are sealed together by embedded injection molding, and the retractable structure and the adjustable part are sealed together by embedded injection molding.

[0013] Furthermore, the retractable structure has hollow portions at both ends, and openings penetrating the upper and lower surfaces at both ends. One end of the fixed portion has a protrusion, and one end of the adjustable portion has a protrusion. The fixed portion extends into the hollow portion at one end of the retractable structure, so that the protrusion of the fixed structure engages with the opening of the retractable structure. The adjustable portion extends into the hollow portion at the other end of the retractable structure, so that the protrusion of the adjustable portion engages with the opening of the retractable structure.

[0014] Furthermore, an outer fixing plate is provided on the periphery of the side wall, the outer fixing plate is vertically attached to the side wall, and some space is left in the adjustable part covered by the outer fixing plate.

[0015] Furthermore, the height of the adjustable portion is adapted to the height of the corresponding expansion surface when the outer wall of the battery cell expands.

[0016] Furthermore, the adjustable part and the fixed part are made of the same material.

[0017] Furthermore, the retractable structure and the adjustable part are integrally molded from the same material.

[0018] Furthermore, the material of the shrinkable structure is soft rubber.

[0019] Furthermore, the force corresponding to the thickness of the soft rubber in the direction perpendicular to the expansion of the outer wall of the battery cell is adapted to the expansion force generated when the outer wall of the battery cell expands.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0021] This invention provides an expansion and contraction self-adjusting housing, comprising a sidewall, which includes a fixed portion, an adjustable portion, and a retractable structure. The adjustable portion is connected to the fixed portion via the retractable structure. The adjustable portion is positioned corresponding to the battery cell within the housing and is adjacent to the outer wall of the battery cell. When the outer wall of the battery cell expands, the retractable structure will preferentially absorb the force generated by the expansion before deforming. By absorbing the force of the expansion of the outer wall of the battery cell through the sidewall, the deformation problem of the battery cell is solved, ensuring that the battery cell is always in an optimal cycling environment. Under the premise of a certain housing enclosure, the battery cell efficiency and energy density are maximized. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the side wall structure of an expansion and contraction self-adjusting box according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the side wall structure of a self-adjusting expansion and contraction housing before installing battery cells, according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a side view of an expansion and contraction self-adjusting box according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection method of a retractable structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection method of the retractable structure according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection method of the retractable structure according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the side wall structure of an expansion and contraction self-adjusting box according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Label Explanation:

[0030] 1. Battery cell; 2. Retractable structure; 3. Adjustable part; 4. Fixed part; 5. Outer fixing plate; 6. Connector. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To explain in detail the technical content, objectives, and effects of the present invention, the following description is provided in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0032] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3As shown, an expansion and contraction self-adjusting housing includes a side wall, which includes a fixed part, an adjustable part, and a contractile structure. The adjustable part is connected to the fixed part through the contractile structure. The adjustable part is positioned corresponding to the battery cell inside the housing and is adjacent to the outer wall of the battery cell. When the outer wall of the battery cell expands, the contractile structure deforms to absorb the expansion force generated by the battery cell.

[0033] As can be seen from the above description, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0034] This invention provides an expansion and contraction self-adjusting housing, comprising a sidewall, which includes a fixed portion, an adjustable portion, and a retractable structure. The adjustable portion is connected to the fixed portion via the retractable structure. The adjustable portion is positioned corresponding to the battery cell within the housing and is adjacent to the outer wall of the battery cell. When the outer wall of the battery cell expands, the retractable structure will preferentially absorb the force generated by the expansion before deforming. By absorbing the force of the expansion of the outer wall of the battery cell through the sidewall, the deformation problem of the battery cell is solved, ensuring that the battery cell is always in an optimal cycling environment. Under the premise of a certain housing enclosure, the battery cell efficiency and energy density are maximized.

[0035] Furthermore, the adjustable portion is attached to the outer wall of the battery cell.

[0036] Furthermore, the sidewall has a U-shaped structure, the adjustable part is set in the central area of ​​the U-shaped structure, the fixed part is set in the surrounding area of ​​the U-shaped structure, and the retractable structure is set at the junction of the adjustable part and the fixed part.

[0037] As can be seen from the above description, the use of a U-shaped connection structure on the side wall is beneficial to improving the structural strength of the box.

[0038] Furthermore, before the battery cell is installed into the housing, the retractable structure and the adjustable portion protrude outward relative to the fixed portion; after the battery cell is installed into the housing, a force is applied into the housing by a tooling to the adjustable portion, causing the retractable structure to deform, and the retractable structure and the adjustable portion to be in a concave state relative to the fixed portion.

[0039] As can be seen from the above description, before the battery cell is placed into the box, the outward convex structure maximizes the internal space of the box, and the tooling for clamping the battery cell can be freely inserted and removed, solving the process problem of the fixed box volume in the current market, which results in no tooling operation space for the direct insertion of battery cells.

[0040] Furthermore, the shrinkable structure is bonded to the fixed part with adhesive, and the shrinkable structure is bonded to the adjustable part with adhesive.

[0041] Furthermore, the retractable structure is press-fitted to the fixed portion, and the retractable structure is press-fitted to the adjustable portion.

[0042] Furthermore, the retractable structure has openings at both ends, the fixed part has an opening at one end, the adjustable part has an opening at one end, one end of the retractable structure abuts against one end of the fixed part and the openings are correspondingly positioned, and a rivet passes through the two openings in sequence for fixed connection; the other end of the retractable structure abuts against one end of the adjustable part and the openings are correspondingly positioned, and a rivet passes through the two openings in sequence for fixed connection.

[0043] Furthermore, the retractable structure and the fixed part are sealed together by embedded injection molding, and the retractable structure and the adjustable part are sealed together by embedded injection molding.

[0044] Furthermore, the retractable structure has hollow portions at both ends, and openings penetrating the upper and lower surfaces at both ends. One end of the fixed portion has a protrusion, and one end of the adjustable portion has a protrusion. The fixed portion extends into the hollow portion at one end of the retractable structure, so that the protrusion of the fixed structure engages with the opening of the retractable structure. The adjustable portion extends into the hollow portion at the other end of the retractable structure, so that the protrusion of the adjustable portion engages with the opening of the retractable structure.

[0045] As can be seen from the above description, multiple options are provided for the connection methods of the components, which facilitates the setting of the connection method according to actual needs during use, thereby further improving product quality.

[0046] Furthermore, an outer fixing plate is provided on the periphery of the side wall, the outer fixing plate is vertically attached to the side wall, and some space is left in the adjustable part covered by the outer fixing plate.

[0047] As can be seen from the above description, the outer fixing plate helps to protect the retractable structure and also helps to improve the structural strength of the box.

[0048] Furthermore, the height of the adjustable portion is adapted to the height of the corresponding expansion surface when the outer wall of the battery cell expands.

[0049] As can be seen from the above description, the height setting of the adjustable part is beneficial to prevent the expansion part of the outer wall of the battery cell from being squeezed by the fixed part when the outer wall of the battery cell expands.

[0050] Furthermore, the adjustable part and the fixed part are made of the same material.

[0051] Furthermore, the retractable structure and the adjustable part are integrally molded from the same material.

[0052] As can be seen from the above description, using the same material helps to improve the fit of components and improve product quality.

[0053] Furthermore, the material of the shrinkable structure is soft rubber.

[0054] Furthermore, the force corresponding to the thickness of the soft rubber in the direction perpendicular to the expansion of the outer wall of the battery cell is adapted to the expansion force generated when the outer wall of the battery cell expands.

[0055] As can be seen from the above description, the appropriate thickness of the soft rubber is beneficial when the outer wall of the battery cell expands, so that the expansion force and the force generated by the soft rubber counteract each other, so that the battery cell is in the optimal cycle environment and the battery cell efficiency and energy density are maximized.

[0056] Please refer to Figures 1 to 7 As shown, Embodiment 1 of the present invention is as follows:

[0057] The present invention provides an expansion and contraction self-adjusting box, including a side wall, the side wall including a fixed part 4, an adjustable part 3 and a contractible structure 2.

[0058] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the adjustable part 3 is connected to the fixed part 1 via the retractable structure 2. The adjustable part 3 is positioned corresponding to the battery cell 1 inside the housing and is adjacent to the outer wall of the battery cell 1. Specifically, the adjustable part 3 is positioned corresponding to the battery cell 1 inside the housing and is close to the outer wall of the battery cell 1, for example, a small space can be reserved, or the adjustable part 3 can be fitted to the outer wall of the battery cell 1.

[0059] In this embodiment, when the outer wall of the battery cell 1 expands and presses against the shrinkable structure 2, the shrinkable structure 2 can shrink and deform to absorb part of the expansion force of the outer wall of the battery cell 1. Furthermore, the shrinkable structure 2 can deform according to the expansion size of the battery cell 1, so that the battery cell 1 is always in the optimal cycling environment.

[0060] In this embodiment, before the battery cell 1 is installed into the housing, the retractable structure 2 and the adjustable part 3 protrude outwards and are in a free state, such as... Figure 2 As shown, at this point, the internal space of the housing is maximized, and the tooling holding the battery cell 1 for installation can freely extend and retract. When the battery cell 1 is successfully installed into the housing, the tooling applies an inward force to the adjustable part 3, causing the retractable structure 2 to deform as shown. Figure 1In the concave state shown, the adjustable part 3 is in direct contact with the outer wall of the cell 1, and the retractable structure 2 fits the outer wall of the cell 1. When the outer wall of the cell 1 expands, the retractable structure 2 deforms and provides a force opposite to the expansion direction of the outer wall of the cell 1, so that the cell 1 is in the optimal cycle environment, thereby maximizing the efficiency and energy density of the cell 1.

[0061] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the sidewall has a U-shaped structure, the adjustable part 3 is correspondingly located in the central area of ​​the U-shaped structure, the fixed part 4 is correspondingly located in the surrounding area of ​​the U-shaped structure, and the retractable structure 2 is located at the junction of the adjustable part 3 and the fixed part 4.

[0062] In this embodiment, the U-shaped connection structure is beneficial to improving the structural strength of the box.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figures 4 to 6 The diagram shows an assembly of the fixed part 4, the adjustable part 3, and the retractable structure 2. The connection points of the fixed part 4, the adjustable part 3, and the retractable structure 2 are provided with some mutually matching shapes, such as... Figure 4 The connecting parts are provided with some serrated or uneven parts to facilitate adhesive bonding between the fixed part 4 and the adjustable part 3, and between the adjustable part 3 and the shrinkable structure 2. It should be noted that the shape and structure of the connecting parts can be customized as needed.

[0064] Furthermore, the fixed part 4, the adjustable part 3, and the retractable structure 2 can also be connected by embedded injection molding, press-fitting, or other methods to ensure a sealed connection between them.

[0065] In one embodiment, the fixed portion 4, the adjustable portion 3, and the retractable structure 2 are connected by an embedded injection molding seal. Specifically, as shown... Figure 5 As shown, the retractable structure 2 has hollow portions at both ends, and openings penetrating the upper and lower surfaces at both ends. One end of the fixed portion 4 has an opening, and one end of the adjustable portion 3 has an opening. The fixed portion 4 extends into the hollow portion at one end of the retractable structure 2 and abuts against the retractable structure 2, with the opening position corresponding to the fixed portion 4. The connecting piece 6 passes through the openings in sequence to fix and connect the fixed portion 4 and the retractable structure 2. The adjustable portion 3 extends into the hollow portion at the other end of the retractable structure 2 and abuts against the retractable structure 2, with the opening position corresponding to the fixed portion 3. The connecting piece 6 passes through the openings in sequence to fix and connect the retractable structure 2 and the adjustable portion 3.

[0066] In this embodiment, the connector 6 can be, for example, a rivet. Using a press-fit connection method helps to improve the connection stability between the retractable structure 2 and other connecting parts.

[0067] like Figure 6 As shown, in another embodiment, the retractable structure 2 has hollow portions at both ends, and the retractable structure 2 has openings penetrating the upper and lower surfaces at both ends. One end of the fixed portion 4 has a protrusion, and one end of the adjustable portion 3 has a protrusion. The fixed portion 4 extends into the hollow portion of the retractable structure 2, so that the protrusion of the fixed structure 4 engages with the opening of the retractable structure 2. Similarly, the protrusion of the adjustable portion 3 engages with the opening at the other end of the retractable structure 2.

[0068] In this embodiment, after the battery cell assembly is completed, as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the adjustable part 3, the retractable structure 2 and the fixed part 4 together form a concave structure. An outer fixing plate 5 is provided on the periphery of the side wall. The outer fixing plate 5 is vertically attached to the side wall. A space is left at the adjustable part 3 covered by the outer fixing plate 5. The space is the distance between the concave part and the outer fixing plate 5.

[0069] In this embodiment, the concave structure provides space for the expansion of the outer wall of the battery cell 1, and the outer fixing plate 5 helps to protect the retractable structure 2 and also helps to improve the structural strength of the housing.

[0070] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the height of the adjustable part 3 is adapted to the height of the corresponding expansion surface when the outer wall of the battery cell 1 expands. Furthermore, in practical applications, the material and thickness of the shrinkable structure 2 can be selected according to the expansion characteristics of different battery cells.

[0071] In this embodiment, the height setting of the adjustable part 3 and the length setting of the retractable structure 2 are conducive to providing corresponding space for the expansion of the outer wall of the battery cell 1.

[0072] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the material of the retractable structure 2 can be a compressible, deformable, and resilient rubber-like soft material, such as TPE resin or silicone rubber. The adjustable part 3 and the fixed part 4 can be made of the same material, such as the material of the side wall of the housing. The adjustable part 3 and the fixed part 4 are connected by the retractable structure 2. The force corresponding to the thickness of the retractable structure 2 in the direction perpendicular to the expansion of the outer wall of the battery cell 1 is adapted to the expansion force generated when the outer wall of the battery cell 1 expands. The retractable structure 2 will deform preferentially over the adjustable part 3 to absorb the force.

[0073] In other embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the shrinkable structure 2 and the adjustable part 3 can be made of the same material, such as a one-piece molded soft rubber material, such as TPE resin or silicone rubber.

[0074] In this embodiment, the shrinkable structure 2 is selected with a suitable thickness. When the outer wall of the battery cell 1 expands, the shrinkable structure 2 deforms according to the size of the battery cell expansion, absorbs the outward expansion force of the battery cell 1, and puts the battery cell 1 in the optimal cycle environment, thereby maximizing the efficiency and energy density of the battery cell 1.

[0075] In summary, the present invention provides an expansion and contraction self-adjusting housing, which connects an adjustable part and a fixed part through a retractable structure. The adjustable part is positioned corresponding to the battery cell within the housing and is attached to the outer wall of the battery cell. When the outer wall of the battery cell expands, the retractable structure will absorb the force generated by the expansion before deforming, prior to the adjustable part. By absorbing the force of the expansion of the outer wall of the battery cell through the side wall, the deformation problem of the battery cell is solved, allowing the battery cell to always be in an optimal cycling environment. Under the premise of a certain housing enclosure, the battery cell efficiency and energy density are maximized.

[0076] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent modifications made based on the content of the present invention specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-adjusting expansion and contraction box, comprising a side wall, the side wall including a fixed portion, characterized in that, The sidewall also includes an adjustable part and a retractable structure. The adjustable part is connected to the fixed part through the retractable structure. The adjustable part is set at the position of the battery cell in the housing and is adjacent to the outer sidewall of the battery cell. When the outer sidewall of the battery cell expands, the retractable structure deforms to absorb the expansion force generated by the battery cell. Before the battery cell is installed into the housing, the retractable structure and the adjustable part protrude outward relative to the fixed part; after the battery cell is installed into the housing, a force is applied into the housing by a tool to the adjustable part, causing the retractable structure to deform, and the retractable structure and the adjustable part to be in a concave state relative to the fixed part.

2. The self-adjusting expansion and contraction box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustable portion is attached to the outer wall of the battery cell.

3. A self-adjusting expansion and contraction box according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The sidewall has a U-shaped structure, the adjustable part is set in the central area of ​​the U-shaped structure, the fixed part is set in the surrounding area of ​​the U-shaped structure, and the retractable structure is set at the junction of the adjustable part and the fixed part.

4. The self-adjusting expansion and contraction box according to claim 3, characterized in that, The retractable structure is bonded to the fixed part with glue, and the retractable structure is bonded to the adjustable part with glue.

5. The self-adjusting expansion and contraction box according to claim 3, characterized in that, The retractable structure is press-fitted to the fixed part, and the retractable structure is press-fitted to the adjustable part.

6. The self-adjusting expansion and contraction box according to claim 5, characterized in that, The retractable structure has openings at both ends, the fixed part has an opening at one end, the adjustable part has an opening at one end, one end of the retractable structure abuts against one end of the fixed part and the openings are correspondingly positioned, and a press rivet passes through the two openings in sequence for a fixed connection; the other end of the retractable structure abuts against one end of the adjustable part and the openings are correspondingly positioned, and a press rivet passes through the two openings in sequence for a fixed connection.

7. The self-adjusting expansion and contraction box according to claim 3, characterized in that, The retractable structure and the fixed part are sealed together by embedded injection molding, and the retractable structure and the adjustable part are sealed together by embedded injection molding.

8. The self-adjusting expansion and contraction box according to claim 7, characterized in that, The retractable structure has hollow portions at both ends, and openings penetrating the upper and lower surfaces at both ends. One end of the fixed portion has a protrusion, and one end of the adjustable portion has a protrusion. The fixed portion extends into the hollow portion at one end of the retractable structure, so that the protrusion of the fixed portion engages with the opening of the retractable structure. The adjustable portion extends into the hollow portion at the other end of the retractable structure, so that the protrusion of the adjustable portion engages with the opening of the retractable structure.

9. The self-adjusting expansion and contraction box according to claim 3, characterized in that, An outer fixing plate is provided around the perimeter of the side wall. The outer fixing plate is vertically attached to the side wall, and some space is left in the adjustable part covered by the outer fixing plate.

10. The self-adjusting expansion and contraction box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the adjustable portion is adapted to the height of the corresponding expansion surface when the outer wall of the battery cell expands.

11. The self-adjusting expansion and contraction box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustable part and the fixed part are made of the same material.

12. The self-adjusting expansion and contraction box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retractable structure and the adjustable part are integrally molded from the same material.

13. The expansion and contraction self-adjusting box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shrinkable structure is made of soft rubber.

14. The self-adjusting expansion and contraction box according to claim 13, characterized in that, The force corresponding to the thickness of the soft rubber in the direction perpendicular to the expansion of the outer wall of the battery cell is adapted to the expansion force generated when the outer wall of the battery cell expands.

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