battery

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of batteries and discloses a battery. The battery comprises a battery shell, the battery shell comprising a shell body provided with openings at two ends; a first cover plate sealing one end opening of the shell body, the first cover plate comprising a first cover plate body and a first bending part located at the edge of the first cover plate body; the first cover plate and the shell body form a containing cavity, and the first bending part extends towards the containing cavity; the battery further comprises a battery cell arranged in the containing cavity; an insulating piece is arranged between the battery cell and the first cover plate body, and the height of the insulating piece is not lower than the height of the first bending part. The first bending part extends towards the containing cavity, thereby ensuring the maximization of the space utilization rate in the shell and improving the capacity of the battery. The height of the insulating piece is higher than the height of the first bending part or the height of the insulating piece is the same as the height of the first bending part; the design makes the insulating piece filled in the groove formed by the first cover plate body and the first bending part, thereby reducing the interference and influence of the first bending part on the battery cell.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with publication number CN119029433A. The original application was filed on October 28, 2024; the application number was 202411507438.9; and the invention was named "Battery". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically to batteries. Background Technology

[0003] Currently, battery applications are becoming increasingly widespread, with more and more electronic devices choosing rechargeable batteries as their power source, such as mobile phones, laptops, power tools, and electric vehicles. In high-power battery applications, such as new energy vehicles and energy storage, many individual batteries are often connected in series or parallel, which also places high demands on battery costs.

[0004] Existing single-cell batteries typically consist of a battery casing and a cell housed within the casing. The battery casing includes a housing and two cover plates. During battery production, to ensure the welding strength between the housing and the cover plates, folded edges are provided on the cover plates, which are then welded to the housing. If the cover plates are positioned on the side closer to the inside of the housing relative to the folded edges, the space utilization rate inside the housing decreases, thereby affecting the battery capacity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a battery to solve the problem of low space utilization inside the housing caused by the cover body being positioned on the side closer to the inside of the housing than the folded edge.

[0006] This invention provides a battery, comprising: a battery casing, the battery casing including: a casing body having openings at both ends; a first cover plate sealing one end opening of the casing body, the first cover plate including a first cover plate body and a first bent portion located at the edge of the first cover plate body, the first bent portion surrounding the first cover plate body and welded and fixed to the casing body; wherein, the first cover plate and the casing body form a receiving cavity, and the first bent portion extends toward the receiving cavity; the battery also includes a battery cell, the battery cell being disposed within the receiving cavity, the first cover plate supporting the battery cell; an insulating member is disposed between the battery cell and the first cover plate body, the height of the insulating member being not less than the height of the first bent portion.

[0007] Beneficial effects: The first bend extends towards the receiving cavity, maximizing the utilization of space within the casing and thus increasing battery capacity. This effectively solves the problem of low space utilization caused by the cover body being positioned closer to the inside of the casing than the bend edge. The welding heat during the welding of the cover to the casing body is not entirely conducted to the battery cell, thus preventing damage to the cell's separator during welding and ensuring battery safety and performance.

[0008] The height of the insulating component is higher than the height of the first bend, or the height of the insulating component is the same as the height of the first bend. This design allows the insulating component to fill the groove formed by the first cover plate body and the first bend, reducing the interference and influence of the first bend on the battery cell. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery casing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A top view of the battery casing shown;

[0012] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the battery casing along line AA.

[0013] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of part B in the diagram;

[0014] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A magnified view of part C in the diagram.

[0015] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0016] 1. Shell body; 101. Welding area;

[0017] 2. First cover plate; 201. First cover plate body; 202. First bend; 203. Groove;

[0018] 3. Second cover plate; 301. Second cover plate body; 302. Second bend. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] In related technologies, the bending and extension directions of the folded edges of the two cover plates are opposite. If the cover plates of both cover plates are set on the side closer to the inside of the housing relative to the folded edges, the space utilization rate inside the housing will decrease, thereby affecting the battery capacity.

[0021] To solve the above problems, the following will combine... Figures 1 to 5 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery is provided, comprising: a battery casing, the battery casing comprising: a casing body 1, a first cover plate 2 and a second cover plate 3.

[0023] Specifically, the shell body 1 has openings at both ends.

[0024] The first cover plate 2 seals one end opening of the housing body 1. The first cover plate 2 includes a first cover plate body 201 and a first bent portion 202 located at the edge of the first cover plate body 201. The first bent portion 202 is arranged around the first cover plate body 201 and is welded and fixed to the housing body 1.

[0025] The second cover plate 3 seals the other end opening of the housing body 1. The second cover plate 3 includes a second cover plate body 301 and a second bent portion 302 located at the edge of the second cover plate body 301. The second bent portion 302 is arranged around the second cover plate body 301 and is welded and fixed to the housing body 1.

[0026] The first cover plate 2, the second cover plate 3 and the housing body 1 form a receiving cavity, the first bend 202 extends toward the receiving cavity, and the second bend 302 extends away from the receiving cavity.

[0027] In the battery of this embodiment, with the arrangement direction of the first cover plate 2 to the second cover plate 3 as the first direction, the first bending portion 202 of the first cover plate 2 and the second bending portion 302 of the second cover plate 3 are both bent and extended in the first direction. That is, the bending direction and the extension direction of the first bending portion 202 and the second bending portion 302 are the same, which ensures the maximization of the space utilization rate inside the casing, thereby improving the battery capacity. This effectively solves the problem of low space utilization rate inside the casing caused by the cover plate bodies of the two cover plates being set on the side closer to the inside of the casing relative to the folded edge.

[0028] In related technologies, the bending and extension directions of the two cover plates are opposite, which causes all the welding heat when the two cover plates are welded to the shell to be conducted to the cell, resulting in damage to the cell separator and seriously affecting the safety and performance of the battery.

[0029] In this embodiment, the two cover plates are bent in the same direction, and the welding heat when the two cover plates are welded to the housing body 1 will not be completely conducted to the battery cell, thereby avoiding damage to the separator of the battery cell during the welding process and ensuring the safety and performance of the battery.

[0030] It should be noted that when the battery is subjected to external impact, the design of the two cover plates can provide better mechanical protection, enhance the battery's resistance to pressure when subjected to external impact, reduce the risk of cell damage due to external force, and can also absorb and disperse external vibrations to a certain extent, protecting the internal components of the battery from damage.

[0031] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the battery also includes battery cells, which are disposed within a receiving cavity, and a first cover plate 2 is used to support the battery cells. By placing the battery cells on the first cover plate 2, the weight of the battery cells has minimal impact on the weld between the first cover plate 2 and the casing body 1. Therefore, the first cover plate 2 provides good support for the battery cells, which can significantly improve the battery's safety, reliability, and lifespan.

[0032] In related technologies, the battery casing includes a shell and a cover plate. One end of the shell is provided with an opening, and the end of the shell away from the opening has four corners. The shell is made of stainless steel and is formed by stamping stainless steel sheets. Because stainless steel has poor ductility, the corners are easily broken during the forming process, making the forming process difficult.

[0033] To address the aforementioned issues, in this embodiment, openings are provided at both ends of the housing body 1. Two cover plates are welded to both ends of the housing body 1, with the first bent portion 202 of the first cover plate extending towards the receiving cavity. This ensures the welding reliability of the first cover plate 2 and the housing body 1. If the first bent portion 202 of the first cover plate 2 extends away from the receiving cavity, when the first cover plate 2 carries the battery cell, the battery cell exerts a force perpendicular to the first cover plate body 201. This force is similar to a tearing force, easily tearing the first cover plate from the housing body, thus affecting the welding reliability of the first cover plate and the housing body. Extending the first bent portion 202 of the first cover plate 2 towards the receiving cavity reduces the weight of the battery cell acting on the first cover plate body 201. This weight is similar to a tensile force, having less impact on the weld between the first cover plate 2 and the housing body 1, thus improving the reliability of the weld joint of the housing.

[0034] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5As shown, the ratio of the height h1 to the thickness T1 of the first bending portion 202 ranges from 0.6 to 0.9. The height of the first bending portion 202 refers to the dimension of the first bending portion 202 in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the first cover plate body 201. That is, the height of the first bending portion 202 is the distance from the top of the first bending portion 202 near the receiving cavity to the side of the first cover plate body 201 near the receiving cavity. The thickness of the first bending portion 202 is the distance from the outer wall surface of the first bending portion 202 to the inner wall surface of the first bending portion 202.

[0035] Specifically, the height h1 of the first bend 202 is also... Figure 5 The vertical dimension of the first bend 202, and the thickness T1 of the first bend 202, are also... Figure 5 The lateral dimension of the first bend 202.

[0036] Furthermore, if the ratio of the height h1 to the thickness T1 of the first bending portion 202 is too small, it indicates that the height of the first bending portion 202 is too small or the thickness of the first bending portion 202 is too thick. If the first bending portion 202 is too thick, the first bending portion 202 will interfere more with the battery cell, which will easily damage the battery cell. If the height of the first bending portion 202 is too small, the welding area 101 between the first bending portion 202 and the housing body will be small, and the welding strength between the housing body 1 and the first cover plate 2 will be low.

[0037] If the ratio of the height h1 to the thickness T1 of the first bending portion 202 is too large, it indicates that the height of the first bending portion 202 is too large or the thickness of the first bending portion 202 is too small. If the height of the first bending portion 202 is too large, it will affect the insertion of the cell into the casing, thereby affecting the assembly of the battery. If the thickness of the first bending portion 202 is too small, the first bending portion 202 is prone to weld through and form welding slag during the welding process between the casing body 1 and the first bending portion 202, which will affect the safety of the battery.

[0038] Therefore, when the ratio of the height h1 to the thickness T1 of the first bending portion 202 is in the range of 0.6 to 0.9, the welding strength between the first cover plate 2 and the housing body 1 can be guaranteed, while the size of the first bending portion 202 can be controlled, reducing the interference of the first bending portion 202 on the battery cell and ensuring the safety and capacity of the battery cell.

[0039] Furthermore, the height of the first bending portion 202 ranges from 0.3 to 0.8 mm, and the thickness ranges from 0.35 mm to 0.9 mm.

[0040] Specifically, the height of the first bending portion 202 can preferably be 0.4mm, 0.45mm, 0.48mm, 0.5mm, 0.55mm, 0.58mm, 0.6mm, 0.65mm, or 0.7mm. The thickness of the first bending portion 202 can preferably be 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.55mm, 0.6mm, 0.65mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, or 0.85mm.

[0041] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the welding area 101 between the housing body 1 and the first bend 202 is located on the surface of the housing body 1, and the welding area 101 does not penetrate the first bend 202. The fact that the welding area 101 does not penetrate the first bend 202 reduces the risk of micropores or cracks caused by complete penetration welding, thereby improving the battery's sealing performance, preventing electrolyte leakage or external contaminants from entering the battery, and reducing the risk of leakage. Incomplete penetration welding preserves the integrity of the material, avoiding the material weakening that may occur with complete penetration welding, thus maintaining the structural strength of the housing and cover plate. It also reduces stress concentration and improves the fatigue resistance of the welding area 101.

[0042] It should be noted that welding area 101, as Figure 5 The gray area in the text.

[0043] In one embodiment, an insulating element (not shown in the figure) is provided between the battery cell and the first cover plate body 201. That is, the insulating element is disposed between the battery cell and the first cover plate body 201. The insulating element can effectively isolate the electrical connectors on the cover plate from the battery cell, preventing the risk of short circuits due to poor contact. The insulating element can act as a buffer layer, reducing mechanical stress between the cover plate and the battery cell, and preventing damage to the battery cell due to vibration or impact. The insulating element typically has low thermal conductivity, which can reduce heat exchange between the battery cell and the external environment, helping to maintain the temperature stability of the battery cell. The electrolyte around the battery cell may corrode the metal cover plate; the insulating element can prevent this chemical corrosion. The insulating element can enhance the sealing performance of the battery, preventing electrolyte leakage or external contaminants from entering the battery.

[0044] Furthermore, the height of the insulating component is not lower than the height of the first bend 202, that is, the height of the insulating component is higher than the height of the first bend 202, or the height of the insulating component is the same as the height of the first bend 202. This design allows the insulating component to fill the groove 203 formed by the first cover plate body 201 and the first bend 202, reducing the interference and influence of the first bend 202 on the battery cell. The height of the insulating component refers to the distance from the top of the insulating component near the receiving cavity to the bottom of the insulating component away from the receiving cavity.

[0045] Specifically, higher insulation provides better electrical isolation, preventing short circuits caused by contact between the cell and the cover. Higher insulation acts as a buffer layer, further reducing direct contact between the cover and the cell, protecting the cell from mechanical stress. Higher insulation better seals the battery interior, preventing moisture, dust, and other contaminants from entering, improving the battery's waterproof and dustproof rating. Higher insulation better prevents electrolyte leakage from gaps between the cover and the casing. Higher insulation provides an additional thermal barrier, reducing heat exchange between the cell and the external environment, helping to maintain the cell's temperature stability.

[0046] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the ratio of the distance *m* between the welding area 101 of the housing body 1 and the side of the first bend 202 near the insulating component and the thickness *T1* of the first bend 202 is in the range of 65% to 90%. The distance *m* refers to the distance between the side of the welding area 101 near the insulating component and the side of the first bend 202 near the insulating component, that is... Figure 5 The lateral dimension between the inner side of the welding area 101 and the inner side of the first bend 202.

[0047] Furthermore, if the ratio of m to T1 is small, the welding heat during welding will affect the cell, thereby affecting the safety of the battery; if the ratio of m to T1 is large, the welding strength between the first cover plate 2 and the shell is small, and the welding firmness between the first cover plate 2 and the shell cannot be guaranteed.

[0048] Therefore, a ratio of m to T1 within the range of 65% to 90% can ensure the welding strength between the first cover plate 2 and the shell, while ensuring the distance between the welding area 101 and the battery cell, thus reducing the impact of welding heat on the battery cell.

[0049] Specifically, the ratio of m to T1 can preferably be 70%, 75%, 78%, 70%, or 85%.

[0050] In one embodiment, the distance between the first bent portion 202 and the insulating member is 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm. The distance between the first bent portion 202 and the insulating member refers to the distance between the side of the first bent portion 202 closest to the insulating member and the side of the insulating member closest to the first bent portion 202, that is, the distance between the inner side of the first bent portion 202 and the outer side of the insulating member.

[0051] Furthermore, if the distance between the first bend 202 and the insulating component is large, it increases the possibility of the battery cell contacting the first bend, affecting the safety of the battery; if the distance between the first bend 202 and the insulating component is small, the welding heat during the welding of the first bend and the housing body 1 will affect the insulating component, thereby affecting the performance of the insulating component.

[0052] Therefore, the distance between the first bend 202 and the insulating part is within the range of 0.1mm to 0.8mm, which ensures that the welding heat does not affect the insulating part during welding, and also reduces the possibility of the battery cell coming into contact with the first bend.

[0053] Specifically, the distance between the first bent portion 202 and the insulating member can preferably be 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.35mm, 0.4mm, 0.45mm, 0.5mm, 0.55mm, 0.6mm or 0.7mm.

[0054] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the battery also includes terminals, which are disposed on the second cover plate 3. Since the second bend 302 of the second cover plate 3 extends in a direction away from the receiving cavity, when the terminals are placed on the second cover plate 3, they are positioned within the recess formed by the second bend 302 and the second cover plate body 301. This reduces the impact of the terminals on the overall height of the single battery cell, thereby lowering the overall battery height. The terminals being disposed on the second cover plate 3 also reduces the height of the terminals protruding from the casing, improving space utilization. The terminals are connected to the tabs of the battery cell via connecting tabs.

[0055] In one embodiment, the battery further includes a cell, which includes tabs located on the side of the cell facing the second cover plate 3 and connected to a terminal post. The placement of the tabs can shorten the current transmission path, reduce contact resistance, and thus improve the reliability of the electrical connection. Because the tabs and terminals are closer together, current transmission efficiency is higher, reducing energy loss due to long-distance transmission. The shorter connection distance can also reduce the accumulation of mechanical stress, avoiding wear or breakage due to long-term use.

[0056] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the height h1 of the first bending portion 202 and the height h2 of the second bending portion 302 are in the ratio of 0.6:1 to 0.88:1. Since the first bending portion 202 is located inside the receiving cavity and the second bending portion 302 is located outside the receiving cavity, the length of the first bending portion 202 needs to be less than the length of the second bending portion 302. This allows the battery cell to be positioned higher in the height direction of the casing, further improving the utilization rate of the internal space of the casing and increasing the battery capacity. At the same time, since the second bending portion 302 is on the same side as the terminal post, its length needs to be increased to prevent the heat during welding from affecting the terminal post.

[0057] Specifically, the ratio of the height h1 of the first bending portion 202 to the height h2 of the second bending portion 302 can preferably be 0.65:1, 0.7:1, 0.75:1, 0.8:1 or 0.85:1.

[0058] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the battery casing is made of stainless steel. The first cover plate 2, the second cover plate 3, and the casing body 1 are all made of stainless steel. Stainless steel has advantages such as good corrosion resistance, high strength, excellent thermal expansion and insulation properties, good impermeability, good safety, and good weldability.

[0059] Furthermore, the thickness T of the shell body 1 is 0.3mm to 0.8mm. The thickness of the shell body 1 refers to the distance between the inner surface and the outer surface of the shell body 1, that is... Figure 4 The lateral dimension of the shell body 1.

[0060] If the casing is thicker, it increases the overall weight of the battery, thus affecting the weight of the electric vehicle. A thicker casing requires more material, which increases manufacturing costs and occupies more space, potentially making it unsuitable for space-constrained applications. If the casing is thinner, it is less mechanically strong and more susceptible to deformation or damage from external forces. A thinner casing is also less effective at protecting the battery cells and may not be able to effectively prevent damage to the cells caused by external impacts or compression.

[0061] Therefore, the thickness T of the shell body 1 is 0.3mm to 0.8mm, which can ensure the strength of the shell body 1 while controlling material costs, manufacturing costs and space occupation.

[0062] It is understood that, in another embodiment, the battery casing may be made of other materials, and is not limited to this.

[0063] In one embodiment, the first cover plate 2 is fixed to the housing body 1 by through welding. Welding is performed by penetrating from the outer surface of the housing body 1 to the first bend 202, and the first cover plate 2 is welded onto the housing. Through welding has the advantages of high-strength connection, good sealing, wide applicability, and high welding quality.

[0064] It is understood that, in another embodiment, the first cover plate 2 and the housing body 1 may also be connected by butt welding or the like.

[0065] In one embodiment, the second cover plate 3 is also fixed to the housing body 1 by through welding. The welding extends from the outer surface of the housing body 1 to the second bend 302. Through welding has advantages such as high-strength connection, good sealing, wide applicability, and high welding quality.

[0066] It is understood that, in another embodiment, the second cover plate 3 and the housing body 1 may also be connected by a butt weld or similar method.

[0067] In one embodiment, the first cover plate body 201 and the first bent portion 202 are formed by bending a single sheet of material, and the second cover plate body 301 and the second bent portion 302 are also formed by bending a single sheet of material. The two cover plates are manufactured from sheet metal, simplifying the process and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in another aspect, a battery pack is also provided, comprising: the battery described above.

[0069] Furthermore, a battery pack combines multiple batteries and their related components to form a complete energy storage unit. The design and structure of a battery pack typically need to consider multiple factors, including but not limited to safety, reliability, thermal management, and electrical connections.

[0070] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery, characterized in that, include: Battery housing, the battery housing comprising: The shell body (1) has openings at both ends; The first cover plate (2) seals one end opening of the housing body (1). The first cover plate (2) includes a first cover plate body (201) and a first bent portion (202) located at the edge of the first cover plate body (201). The first bent portion (202) is arranged around the first cover plate body (201) and is welded and fixed to the housing body (1). The first cover plate (2) and the housing body (1) form a receiving cavity, and the first bent portion (202) extends toward the receiving cavity; The battery also includes a battery cell, which is disposed in the receiving cavity, and the first cover plate (2) is used to support the battery cell; An insulating component is provided between the battery cell and the first cover plate body (201), and the height of the insulating component is not lower than the height of the first bent portion (202); The ratio of the height h1 to the thickness T1 of the first bent portion (202) is in the range of 0.6 to 0.9; The ratio of the distance m between the welding area of ​​the housing body (1) and the first bending portion (202) and the side of the first bending portion (202) closest to the insulating member to the thickness T1 of the first bending portion is in the range of 65% to 90%. The battery casing is made of stainless steel, and the thickness T of the casing body (1) is 0.3mm~0.8mm.

2. The battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The welding area between the housing body (1) and the first bending portion (202) is located on the surface of the housing body (1), and the welding area does not penetrate the first bending portion (202).

3. The battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the first bent portion (202) and the insulating element is 0.1mm to 0.8mm.

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